Grammy-winning R&B star Brandy took midcourt before the 2026 NBA All-Star Game to provide some pre-game entertainment with her rendition of the national anthem.
She called on the help of R&B girl group June’s Diary, which was formed by former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland.
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Instead of going with a traditional approach, Brandy and June’s Diary put a unique spin on the “Star Spangled Banner,” with some intricate vocal layering that left some viewers scratching their heads.
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Not everyone was on board with the twist on the anthem, but it was a fresh approach and brought some flavor to the pre-game festivities.
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While the anthem may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, we should all agree it was at least more entertaining than Saturday evening’s dunk contest.
Of course, because this is the internet, Brandy and June’s Diary’s spin on the national anthem was met with mixed reviews.
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“That Brandy anthem was the worst I’ve ever seen,” one X user who prefers a traditional approach wrote. “People need to quit trying to add their style to it and just sing it.” Showing just how polarizing her performance was, another X user actually enjoyed it and wrote, “I thought it was one of the best NBA All-Star Anthem performances I’ve seen! Stunningly nuanced and such amazing harmonies!”
The Canadian anthem was plain and simple. Straight to the point. Then came Brandy. Why sing the stars spangled banner all weird. Why not just keep it simple? All I’m trying to do is enjoy the NBA All Star Weekend. Dang man.
— Vie De Lion (@LionLife1987) February 15, 2026
You can’t please everyone.
And, whether you loved it or hated it, Brady and June’s Diary got social media talking and now added some extra pre-game buzz leading into the All-Star Game. Say what you want, but that’s a win-win for the NBA.
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