When Kristin Chenoweth stepped onto center court at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, it should have been one of those hometown glory moments. A Broadway legend, a Tony Award winner, and a proud Oklahoma native — all eyes were on her as she began singing the national anthem before Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.
Fans inside the arena cheered her on, especially when she hit that long high note toward the end. But things looked a little different on the other side of the screen. Viewers at home had a much more divided reaction, and they didn’t hold back online.
Mixed Reaction From Viewers
Social media lit up just seconds after her performance aired. Some fans loved it. Others… not so much.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/margaret-cho-ellen-degeneres-062125-c7b1921e74874433adfd9e302fae614c.jpg)
One person tweeted, “The Kristin Chenoweth rendition of the National Anthem was a difficult listen.” Another said, “What the hell was that national anthem?” And one comment went as far as calling it “the worst National Anthem I ever heard.” That’s harsh. One user even dragged Fergie into the mix, comparing it to her 2018 NBA All-Star performance, which is often remembered for all the wrong reasons.
But to be fair, it wasn’t all bad. A few viewers were blown away by Chenoweth’s take on the anthem. Someone wrote, “That national anthem performance got me ready to run through a wall.” Another posted, “Damn! That was one of the stronger National Anthems I’ve heard in awhile!! Great job by Kristin Chenoweth!!”
Clearly, her bold vocal choices stirred emotions. Whether it was admiration or confusion, people had strong opinions.
Why It Mattered to Her
For Kristin, this performance wasn’t just another gig. It was personal. She’s always been vocal about her love for Oklahoma, and especially her love for the Thunder. Born in Broken Arrow, just over 100 miles from Oklahoma City, she studied at Oklahoma City University and has stayed close to her roots even while building a massive career in Hollywood and Broadway.
“I never miss a game unless I’m on stage,” she said during her soundcheck before Game 7. She showed up in a Thunder sweatshirt and seemed completely at ease being back on home turf. Her pride for the team runs deep — so deep that she named her dog Thunder and even spent three hours bedazzling a Thunder-themed hat. She’s clearly not a casual fan.
Big Night, Bigger Emotions
Chenoweth admitted that her nerves were sky-high ahead of the performance. And that’s coming from someone who’s performed in front of thousands of people on Broadway and at major award shows.
“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,” she said.
The reason might be because this wasn’t just about singing the anthem. It was about representing her home state in a massive moment for her team. The Thunder were on the brink of history, and she was part of that moment.
She even pointed out that while NFL anthem performances require neutrality, this one didn’t. “The NBA didn’t hire me for this, so I’m Thundering it up,” she said with a laugh.
Always Learning From the Next Generation
Another reason this moment stood out for Kristin was the connection she feels with the younger Thunder players. Watching their drive and dedication seems to give her a creative boost too.
“I think really what inspires me lately is young talent,” she said. “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.”
Even after all her awards and years in the business, she’s still showing up to perform, still taking risks, and still getting nervous — all because she cares.
Thunder Make History
At the end of the night, it wasn’t just about a national anthem or a divided Twitter feed. The Oklahoma City Thunder made history by winning their first-ever NBA title, defeating the Pacers 103–91. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 29 points and earned Finals MVP honors. A huge moment for the team, the city, and fans everywhere.
And for Kristin Chenoweth, it was a night she’ll likely never forget. Performance reviews aside, she stood proud at center court and showed the world exactly where her heart belongs.