Oklahoma native and die-hard Thunder fan Kristin Chenoweth performed the national anthem before Game 7 of the NBA Finals, bringing her signature flair to the iconic song. A veteran performer and Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee, Chenoweth has a lifelong passion for basketball, which she credits to her days as a cheerleader in high school.
Chenoweth’s Thunder fandom is no secret, but she also proudly admits to cheering on other teams. However, when it comes to the Thunder, her enthusiasm knows no bounds. She even went so far as to bedazzle a Thunder hat and dress her 8-year-old dog in a Thunder outfit.
Singing the national anthem at an NBA game is a daunting task for many, but Chenoweth takes pride in performing this responsibility. She has sung the anthem at several Thunder games in the past, including with children from her Broadway Bootcamp, which supports arts and education initiatives.
Chenoweth’s performance aired live on ABC before tipoff of the final game, marking a significant moment in her long-standing relationship with the team. Her love for basketball is rooted in its teamwork aspect, making it a natural fit for her artistic personality.
The soprano took the song seriously, drawing inspiration from Francis Scott Key’s words about defending Fort McHenry. She believes performing the anthem is not only an honor but also a duty to remember and reflect on its significance. With an illustrious career spanning awards like Tony and Emmy Awards, Chenoweth remains committed to inspiring young talent and carrying the torch for arts education.
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Source: https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-kristin-chenoweth-national-anthem-52d5a65d1146432967df1f0280e5224a