Fans Say Kristin Chenoweth ‘Ruined The National Anthem’

Kristin Chenoweth is no stranger to standing ovations, but her recent performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2025 NBA Finals has left the internet deeply divided.

The Tony Award-winning “Wicked” star took center court at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Sunday to sing the national anthem ahead of Game 7 between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Dressed in team colors and filled with emotion, Kristin Chenoweth hit a dramatic high note during her rendition, prompting an eruption of cheers and applause from the packed arena.

But while fans in the stadium seemed to love the bold vocal moment, viewers at home were far less impressed.

“Well, it wasn’t very good, but at least it’s in English,” one critic bluntly wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Completely ruined the anthem with whatever that high note was at the end,” another user complained.

A third viewer chimed in, “What the hell was that national anthem? #NBAFinals,” while a fourth called it “a difficult listen.”

Other comments included “That sh-t was horrible,” “Why fix what’s not broken? Changing it up doesn’t make it better,” and “Never again, please.”

The backlash quickly gained traction, with many social media users slamming the performance as “overdone” and “unnecessary,” questioning whether the Broadway legend’s vocal theatrics were appropriate for the occasion.

Still, Kristin Chenoweth wasn’t without her defenders. Supporters of the veteran performer quickly jumped to her defense, praising the passion and power behind her delivery.

“Perfect in every way. Ranks in the top five best ever renditions of ‘The Beautiful Star Spangled Banner.’ Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Kristin Chenoweth,” one fan gushed.

Another echoed, “Amazing voice control.”

A third supporter added, “Kristin Chenoweth is a fantastic singer. I wish they would ask her to do this often.”

Someone else commented, “10/10!!! Amazing job and OKC got a powerhouse for the biggest game of their season.”

One viewer even declared Chenoweth’s version “how it should always be sung,” calling the performance “perfect.”

Many others offered a more measured, and often deeply appreciative, take on the performance.

“She was fine, albeit somewhat self-serving,” one viewer wrote. “But she displayed some amazing technique and intonation throughout. This is very difficult to do, considering that she sang a cappella. I’ve heard dozens of others do it a lot worse, especially at the Super Bowl. Fergie comes to mind.”

Another fan emphasized the emotional weight of the moment for the players more than the performance itself. “I liked it. I like her. The thing is, the anthem is being sung at the beginning of the biggest moment of many of the players’ lives. Forgive them if they lose focus on the anthem, it doesn’t mean they’re disrespecting America.”

Others pointed to the authenticity in Kristin Chenoweth’s voice. “Simply amazing! Beautifully sung with true emotion! People might get it after hearing her sing!” one supporter declared.

“It was beautiful, it was heartfelt, and you can see the emotion it evoked on the players’ faces,” added another. “Then again, it’s only a song, not a symbol of anything or any kind of test of patriotism.”

Kristin Chenoweth’s rendition was broadcast live on ABC just moments before the season’s final tipoff. Although she’s no stranger to performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, singing the anthem at a Thunder game still gives her butterflies.

“Let me just say, if they had anxiety medication for Thunder fans, I’d be taking it,” Chenoweth told The Associated Pressahead of the performance. 

As the dust settles on Game 7, where the Thunder took home the championship, the debate over Chenoweth’s anthem continues to ignite passions online, proving that even a single note can strike a chord with millions.