NBA fans blasted Tony Award winner and Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth’s national anthem performance ahead of Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.
Chenoweth, 56, was center court in front of a packed house at Paycom Center Sunday night to perform her rendition of the anthem — during which she held an extended high note towards the song’s last verse, receiving a fiery applause from those in attendance.
While the performance appeared to get fans in attendance fired up, others watching the ABC live broadcast appeared to be lower than impressed by the Broadway star’s vocals.
“The Kristen Chenoweth rendition of the National Anthem was a difficult listen,” one viewer posted on X.
“What the hell was that national anthem?” one other questioned.
“That is the worst National Anthem I ever heard,” one other boldly stated.
“This national anthem up there with fergie,” one other wrote, referring to singer Fergie’s infamous national anthem performance on the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.
Though Chenoweth received some harsh criticism for the performance, others appeared to enjoy her rendition.
“Rattling! That was considered one of the stronger National Anthems I’ve heard in awhile!! Great job by Kristin Chenoweth!!” One Game 7 final viewer wrote.
“That national anthem performance got me able to run through a wall,” one other wrote.
“Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth nailed the national anthem before Game 7,” wrote one other.
Born in Broken Arrow — about 115 miles northeast of the Paycom Center — Chenoweth went to Oklahoma City University before becoming an award-winning actress.
Nevertheless, through all her success, the “Wicked” star has never forgotten her roots or shied away from hiding her Thunder fandom.
“I never miss a game unless I’m on stage,” Chenoweth, donning a Thunder sweatshirt, told the Tulsa World during her soundcheck on the Paycom Center before the sport.
“I used to be a cheerleader in highschool in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and I loved football, but my favorite was basketball. I like how much of a team player you’ve got to be. … And that is my team.”
Chenoweth said that her love for the Thunder runs so deeply that she spent three hours bedazzling a Thunder hat.
She also said she named her 8-year-old pup “Thunder” and even bought the dog his own team apparel to wear.
“Let me just say, in the event that they had anxiety medication for Thunder fans, I’d be taking it,” Chenoweth said.
Prior to tip-off on Sunday, the “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” actress said the nerves she’s feeling ahead of Game 7 are up there with a number of the most important moments of her entertainment profession.
“I’ve had some pretty big moments in my life within the entertainment field, but this one, I don’t know why, makes me nervous,” Chenoweth said.
Nevertheless, nerves aside, the Tony Award-winning actress said it was an honor to be chosen to perform the anthem for her hometown team.
“I just am very honored that they asked. And I’m happy with these kids. I mean, we’ve got come to date. After all I would like us to win,” she said.
“When the NFL has hired me for the anthem, you remain neutral. However the NBA didn’t hire me for this, so I’m Thundering it up.”
Chenoweth added that the young players on the Thunder have been an inspiration to proceed her already critically acclaimed profession.
“I still have the will,” Chenoweth said.
“I feel really what inspires me recently is young talent. I’m seeing and watching and learning from them. Hopefully they’re learning from me. And there’s nothing higher than watching a budding talent whether it’s basketball or a singer, an artist, it’s my jam. What keeps me going at once is other people inspiring me to do what I like.”
The Thunder got here out on top at the tip of Game 7, earning an NBA title for the primary time within the franchise’s history after defeating the Pacers 103 – 91.
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Most Helpful Player of the Finals after helping his team secure Sunday night’s win with 29 points.
