Latest news with #KristinChenoweth
National Post
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
Tony-winning actress breaks silence after polarizing NBA Finals anthem performance
Kristin Chenoweth ended both her rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner and her night on a high note Sunday after performing at Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Article content But while she was thrilled to see her beloved Oklahoma City Thunder win the NBA championship at home, many hoops fans weren't very happy with the Tony Award winner's performance of the U.S. national anthem before the game. Article content Article content Article content The Broadway great appeared to reference the backlash she received from users on social media in a couple of posts to her Instagram Stories late Sunday night. Article content Article content Chenoweth took major heat on social media for her rendition of the U.S. national anthem ahead of the deciding game of the championship series between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Article content Chenoweth flexed her vocal muscles while belting out The Star-Spangled Banner, which included holding an incredibly long high note at the song's crescendo. Article content PERFECT WAY TO TIP OFF GAME 7 ON ABC! — NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2025 Article content Article content But while the Oklahoma native received thunderous applause from the fans in attendance, the verdict on social media was decidedly a lot more negative. Article content I would have rather listened to Fergie's anthem performance than that one by Kristin Chenoweth… #NBAFinals — Billy (@BillyK253) June 23, 2025
Toronto Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Tony-winning actress breaks silence after polarizing NBA Finals anthem performance
Kristin Chenoweth took to Instagram Stories after performing U.S. anthem before Thunder's Game 7 win Kristin Chenoweth sings the national anthem prior to Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Kristin Chenoweth ended both her rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner and her night on a high note Sunday after performing at Game 7 of the NBA Finals. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account But while she was thrilled to see her beloved Oklahoma City Thunder win the NBA championship at home, many hoops fans weren't very happy with the Tony Award winner's performance of the U.S. national anthem before the game. Read More The Broadway great appeared to reference the backlash she received from users on social media in a couple of posts to her Instagram Stories late Sunday night. She first posted a quote that said, 'The price of authenticity is being disliked.' Later, she followed it up with an excerpt from John Steinbeck's East of Eden , which says: 'And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A quote posted by Kristin Chenoweth on her Instagram Stories. Instagram Chenoweth took major heat on social media for her rendition of the U.S. national anthem ahead of the deciding game of the championship series between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Chenoweth flexed her vocal muscles while belting out The Star-Spangled Banner , which included holding an incredibly long high note at the song's crescendo. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But while the Oklahoma native received thunderous applause from the fans in attendance, the verdict on social media was decidedly a lot more negative. 'The Kristin Chenoweth rendition of the National Anthem was a difficult listen,' one user posted on X. 'This is the worst National Anthem I ever heard,' another boldly stated. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I would have rather listened to Fergie's anthem performance than that one by Kristin Chenoweth,' a third user wrote, referencing the Black Eyed Peas singer's infamous outing at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. Of course, Chenoweth didn't seem too fazed by any of the critiques with any pain seemingly washed away by the thrill of the Thunder victory. The actress shared a video of her post-game reaction from her seat, gleefully screaming 'We did it!' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Toronto Blue Jays NHL Columnists Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA
Toronto Star
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Oklahoma native, Thunder fan Kristin Chenoweth performs national anthem before Game 7 of NBA Finals
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — At 4-foot-11, Kristin Chenoweth always wanted to play basketball. It never happened, but she still made it to the NBA Finals. The award-winning actress, singer, Oklahoma native, Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee and unabashed Thunder fan sang 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before Game 7 of the title series between the Thunder and the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tony Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth slammed by NBA fans for Game 7 national anthem
NBA fans blasted Tony Award winner and Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth's national anthem performance ahead of Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Chenoweth, 56, was center court in front of a packed house at Paycom Center Sunday night to perform her rendition of the anthem — during which she held a long high note towards the song's last verse, receiving fiery applause from those in attendance. Advertisement While the performance appeared to get fans in attendance fired up, others watching the ABC live broadcast seemed to be less than impressed by the Broadway star's vocals. Kristin Chenoweth sings the national anthem before Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. AP '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. Advertisement '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. Chenoweth, 56, was center court in front of a packed house at Paycom Center Sunday night to perform her rendition of the anthem. NBAE via Getty Images '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. Advertisement '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. Though Chenoweth received some harsh criticism for the performance, others appeared to enjoy her rendition. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect '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. Advertisement 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. The 'Wicked' star has never forgotten her roots or shied away from hiding her Thunder fandom. Getty Images '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. Advertisement '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.' Kristin Chenoweth sings the national anthem before Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. AP 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.' Advertisement 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.
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
Kristin Chenoweth stuns with sky-high notes in NBA Finals national anthem
Kristin Chenoweth delivered a gravity-defying performance of the national anthem over the weekend. At Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, the Emmy and Tony Award-winning Oklahoma native hit several sky-high notes as she sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." Her performance was lauded by many on social media, including Lindsay Lohan, "Cheer" star Monica Aldama and more. Chenoweth looked glam during her performance, wearing sparkling knee-high boots. She also sported an Oklahoma City Thunder shirt. Oklahoma City ultimately beat the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 to take home the championship, prompting Chenoweth to share a video from the game on her Instagram story, cheering, "We did it!" In a video shared on the NBA's official Instagram page, Chenoweth said she's an "Okie" -- the Broadway star was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma -- and that she's been "a huge basketball fan my whole life." "Eight years ago, I named my dog Thunder," she added. She also mentioned how much she loves singing the national anthem. "I do love this song," she said. "And I take it very seriously. I definitely do my own version." "Thunder up! Where's Rumble when you need him?" she added, referring to the team's mascot, Rumble the Bison. "That's gonna be the name of my next dog."
