5 hours ago
1
Kristin Chenoweth was proud of her rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” Sunday night ahead of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals — even as some fans loathed the performance.
Taking to her Instagram Stories that evening, the Broadway actress, 56, promoted a message about “being disliked” as her spin on the national anthem made waves on social media.
“The price of authenticity is being disliked,” Chenoweth, an Oklahoma native, shared with her 1.5 million Instagram followers as the Thunder topped the Pacers, 103-91.
The Tony Award winner didn’t seem fazed by critics who were not fond of her version of the song.
Prior to tipoff, Chenoweth spoke about what singing the national anthem means to her.
“I’m an Okie, and I’ve been a huge basketball fan my whole life,” Chenoweth said in an Instagram video posted to the Thunder’s page. “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.”
The “Wicked” star, who performed in a Thunder graphic tee and embellished silver boots, added a Broadway flair to the end of the song by holding an opera-style high note, which was met with applause from the Paycom Center crowd in Oklahoma City.
However, some didn’t appreciate her finale of the song.
Chenoweth, an Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee and Oklahoma City University alum, admitted she had butterflies before her Game 7 performance.
“Let me just say, if they had anxiety medication for Thunder fans, I’d be taking it,” she told The Associated Press after her soundcheck.
“I never miss a game unless I’m on stage,” Chenoweth said. “I was a cheerleader in high school 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 this is my team.”
English (US)