Kristin Chenoweth’s unique spin on the national anthem proved divisive ahead of Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Chenoweth, 56, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers tipped off at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center on Sunday, June 22.
Chenoweth, an Oklahoma native, seemed to puzzle some basketball fans with her dramatic take on the song.
“Completely ruined the anthem with whatever that high note was at the end,” a viewer argued via X, with another person calling the moment a “difficult listen.”
A third questioned, “What the hell was that national anthem?”
Still, Chenoweth — best known for her Tony-nominated role as the original Glinda in Broadway’s Wicked — earned rave reviews from many fans at home.
“I’m not religious by any stretch, but this is exactly what is missing from a lot of music nowadays,” one person wrote via X about the performance. “Heart. Soul. Sincerity. Love Kristin Chenoweth.
Another wrote, “Kristin Chenoweth should sing the national anthem to every event.”
Some viewers were thrilled to just see Chenoweth as her appearance even led to a humorous moment inside a bar where fans had gathered to watch the game.
“Someone in the bar said ‘LOOK, IT’S GLINDA!’ when they showed Kristin Chenoweth was singing the anthem for the NBA final and I screamed,” one person shared via X.
Before the game — which saw the Thunder defeat the Pacers 103-91 to win the franchise’s first NBA title — Chenoweth gushed about the opportunity to sing before the winner-take-all showdown.
“I’m an Okie, and I’ve been a huge basketball fan my whole life,” Chenoweth said in a video shared by the NBA on Sunday. “Eight years ago, I named my dog Thunder. I do love this song and I take it very seriously. I definitely do my own version. Thunder Up!”
Chenoweth even said that she wants to name her next dog Rumble, after the Thunder’s bison mascot.
The actress shared a photo of herself and her dog before the game. “SO proud of these boys,” Chenoweth wrote via X. “Let’s go!!”
After her performance, Chenoweth had a courtside seat to watch the action. After the Thunder emerged victorious, she shared a celebratory video via her Instagram Story.
“We did it!” she exclaimed.
