What's happened
Kristin Chenoweth's rendition of the national anthem before Game 7 of the NBA Finals drew mixed reactions. While some fans praised her Broadway-style performance, others criticized it on social media. Chenoweth, an Oklahoma native and Thunder fan, expressed her pride in performing for her hometown team.
What's behind the headline?
Performance Reception
- Chenoweth's performance was met with applause from the live audience, showcasing her Broadway flair.
- Social media reactions were polarized, with some viewers calling it 'difficult to listen to' while others praised it as 'one of the stronger National Anthems' they had heard.
Cultural Significance
- As an Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee, Chenoweth's performance resonated with local fans, highlighting her commitment to her roots.
- The mixed reviews reflect broader discussions about artistic expression in traditional settings, questioning how much deviation from the norm is acceptable.
Future Implications
- This incident may influence how future performances of the national anthem are approached, particularly in sports settings where personal style clashes with tradition.
- Chenoweth's bold rendition could inspire other artists to infuse their unique styles into similar performances, potentially reshaping audience expectations.
What the papers say
According to Tim Reynolds from The Independent, Chenoweth's performance was a significant moment for her, as she expressed nerves comparable to major career milestones. The NY Post highlighted the mixed reactions, noting that while some viewers criticized her rendition, others found it invigorating. This contrast illustrates the subjective nature of live performances and the varying expectations of audiences. The NY Post also reported on Chenoweth's deep connection to the Thunder, emphasizing her long-standing fandom and personal investment in the team's success.
How we got here
Kristin Chenoweth, a celebrated Broadway actress and Oklahoma native, has long been a fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Her performance of the national anthem at Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22, 2025, was highly anticipated due to her deep connection to the team and her previous performances at Thunder games.
Go deeper
- What did fans think of her performance?
- How has Chenoweth's career influenced her music style?
- What other performances has she done for the Thunder?
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The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City. The Thunder compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Western Conference Northwest Division.
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Kristin Dawn Chenoweth is an American actress and singer, with credits in musical theatre, film and television. In 1999, she won a Tony Award for her performance as Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown on Broadway.
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Oklahoma is a state in the South Central region of the United States, bordered by the state of Texas on the south and west, Kansas on the north, Missouri on the northeast, Arkansas on the east, New Mexico on the west, and Colorado on the northwest.
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Oklahoma City, officially the City of Oklahoma City, and often shortened to OKC, is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma.