Tony Award winning actress Kristin Chenoweth slammed by NBA fans for Game 7 national anthem
Share and Follow

NBA fans criticized Kristin Chenoweth, a Tony Award-winning singer from Oklahoma, for her national anthem performance before Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.

At 56 years old, Chenoweth stood at center court in front of a packed crowd at Paycom Center on Sunday night to sing the anthem. She held a long high note towards the end of the song, earning enthusiastic applause from the live audience.

While the spectators at the venue seemed to enjoy her performance, viewers watching the live broadcast on ABC were not as impressed with the Broadway star’s singing abilities.

“The Kristen Chenoweth rendition of the National Anthem was a difficult listen,” one viewer posted on X.

“What the hell was that national anthem?” another questioned.

“This is the worst National Anthem I ever heard,” another boldly stated.

“This national anthem up there with fergie,” another wrote, referring to singer Fergie’s infamous national anthem performance at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

Though Chenoweth received some harsh criticism for the performance, others appeared to enjoy her rendition.

“Damn! That was 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 ready to run through a wall,” another wrote.

“Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth nailed the national anthem before Game 7,” wrote another.

Born in Broken Arrow — about 115 miles northeast of the Paycom Center — Chenoweth went to Oklahoma City University before becoming an award-winning actress.

However, 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 at the Paycom Center before the game.

“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.”

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, if 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 some of the most significant moments of her entertainment career.

“I’ve had some pretty big moments in my life in the entertainment field, but this one, I don’t know why, makes me nervous,” Chenoweth said.

However, 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 proud of these kids. I mean, we have come so far. Of course I want us to win,” she said.

“When the NFL has hired me for the anthem, you remain neutral. But 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 continue her already critically acclaimed career.

“I still have the desire,” Chenoweth said.

“I think really what inspires me lately is young talent. I’m seeing and watching and learning from them. Hopefully they’re learning from me. And there’s nothing better than watching a budding talent whether it’s basketball or a singer, an artist, it’s my jam. What keeps me going right now is other people inspiring me to do what I love.”

The Thunder came out on top at the end of Game 7, earning an NBA title for the first time in the franchise’s history after defeating the Pacers 103 – 91.

League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Most Valuable Player of the Finals after helping his team secure Sunday night’s win with 29 points.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bill Maher Sits Down with Billy Joel for First Interview Since Brain Disorder Diagnosis

Bill Maher Interviews Billy Joel for the First Time Since His Brain Disorder Diagnosis

Billy Joel is stepping back into the spotlight—on his own terms. Just…
Puerto Rico bans gender-affirming care for trans people under 21

Puerto Rico Prohibits Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Individuals Under 21

(The Hill) – Transgender Puerto Ricans under the age of 21 will…
Jacksonville teen starts petition to keep MOSH open

Jacksonville Teen Launches Petition to Prevent MOSH Closure

MOSH plans to close its Southbank location at the end of August…
Florida Missing Child Alert canceled for 2-year-old last seen in Jacksonville

Alert Canceled for Missing 2-Year-Old Boy Previously Seen in Jacksonville

The child was found safe, according to the Florida Department of Law…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 16 shot, 4 fatally, in gun violence across city, police say

Weekend of Gun Violence in Chicago: 16 People Shot, Including 4 Fatalities, Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — At least 16 people have been shot, four fatally,…
Katy Perry butterfly prop malfunctions during 'Roar' at San Francisco concert

Katy Perry’s Butterfly Prop Fails During ‘Roar’ at San Francisco Show

A flying stage prop suddenly malfunctioned mid-air during Katy Perry’s performance. WASHINGTON…
ICE arrests top 100K under Trump

ICE to Gain Access to National Medicaid Data: Key Insights

() The personal health information of 79 million people will soon be…
Who gains or loses from new federal rules on wind, solar projects?

Winners and Losers of New Federal Regulations on Wind and Solar Energy Projects

() Wind and solar projects on United States public lands now face…