Ever since her first church solo at age 7, Kristin Chenoweth knew the stage was for her. Landing her first Broadway role int 1997, the pint-sized songbird was the first to play Glinda in the legendary musical Wicked. Her success on The Great White Way has led to opportunities in other areas, including an Emmy-winning turn in the short-lived dramedy Pushing Daisies. Recently, Kristin Chenoweth had the opportunity to sing the national anthem in her home state as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepared to take on the Indiana Pacers in Sunday’s (June 22) NBA Finals. While many social media users praised the Tony winner’s unique spin on “The Star-Spangled Banner,” others felt differently.
Kristin Chenoweth Brings Broadway Flair to NBA Finals
Before the Oklahoma City Thunder prevailed over the Indiana Pacers 103-91 for the franchise’s first NBA championship, Kristin Chenoweth took center court to perform the national anthem.
Standing just under 5 feet, Chenoweth’s voice filled Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center. And the 56-year-old musical theater legend showcased the spectacular vocals that won her three Tony Awards when she held the final note for several beats.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH SINGS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 🤩
PERFECT WAY TO TIP OFF GAME 7 ON ABC! pic.twitter.com/BVUEcNmD8L
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2025
Every artist puts their own spin on the national anthem, and social media always has something to say about it. Some social media users weren’t particularly impressed by Chenoweth’s sign-off. “Completely ruined the anthem with whatever that high note was at the end,” one X/Twitter user complained.
Completely ruined the anthem with whatever that high note was at the end.
— ChiefsKingdom9816 (@CKingdom9816) June 23, 2025
Another added, “It’s not a pop song or a Broadway song. It’s the national anthem. Show it respect.”
However, Chenoweth’s performance was not without its defenders. “About time! Kristin Chenoweth’s anthem, so long overdue,” one fan wrote. “A powerful voice for such a pivotal moment, just as we hoped years ago.”
About time! Kristin Chenoweth's anthem, so long overdue. A powerful voice for such a pivotal moment, just as we hoped years ago.
— Darrel Casper (@DCasper40771) June 23, 2025
“That was beautiful!!! What a voice!” another agreed. “What in the heck are people complaining about???”
[RELATED: 3 of the Worst National Anthem Performances in Sports History, According to Public Opinion]
See Her Response
If the online backlash made its way to Kristin Chenoweth, she didn’t let it stop her from celebrating the Thunder’s first-ever NBA Championship. However, the Wicked star did seem to acknowledge the criticism in a pair of cryptic posts to her Instagram Stories.
Following the Thunder’s 103-91 victory, Chenoweth reposted a quote that read, “The price of authenticity is being disliked.”
Several sides later, the Glee guest star shared another quote from John Steinbeck’s East of Eden: “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”
Featured image by Mike Theiler/UPI/Shutterstock