Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth wowed some and puzzled others with her dramatic rendition of the national anthem before Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22. Dressed in sparkling boots and a Thunder shirt, the Oklahoma native brought flair and hometown pride to center court.
Known for her operatic range, Chenoweth hit soaring high notes — especially during a long final “free.” While some fans called it “stunning” and praised her Broadway touch, others weren’t impressed. One viewer complained, “Stop trying to be Whitney!” while another called it “an operatic screech.”
Chenoweth, a longtime Oklahoma City Thunder fan, has sung at many games over the years. She admitted the pressure still gets to her, saying, “If they had anxiety meds for Thunder fans, I’d be taking them.” Despite critics, she performed with heart and deep respect for the anthem.
With a Tony and Emmy under her belt and more stage roles ahead, Chenoweth remains passionate about inspiring young talent — both in the arts and on the court. For her, performing is personal, especially when it’s for her home team.
