Kristin Chenoweth Faces Backlash Over Anthem Performance at NBA Finals

- Kristin Chenoweth performed the national anthem at the 2025 NBA finals in Oklahoma City.
- Social media was abuzz with both criticism and praise for her rendition.
- Some fans defended Chenoweth, calling her performance emotional and impactful.
- While dealing with backlash, she shared a quote on authenticity on Instagram.
- Her outfit included sparkly knee-high boots that turned heads during the performance.
Fans React to Kristin Chenoweth’s National Anthem Rendition
Chenoweth’s Anthem Performance Sparks Mixed Reactions Kristin Chenoweth didn’t just sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2025 NBA finals, she belted it out at the Paycom Center like she was auditioning for a role in a musical theatre blockbuster. But the reaction? That was a whole different song. Some critics on X (formerly known as Twitter) went in hard, relatively speaking, calling her performance “horrible” and suggesting she carried an impressive high note just a smidge too long. Naturally, joys of social media often mean that praise and critique dance together like awkward partners at prom, and in this case, it seemed the dance floor was a bit too crowded for many fans’ comfort.
Supporters Celebrate Chenoweth’s Unique Style
Chenoweth Takes the Heat but Shines On Kristin, who starred in Wicked, didn’t let the negativity rain on her parade. Nope, she chose to respond with a classic move on social media by sharing a cryptic quote: “The price of authenticity is being disliked.” It’s like she said: ‘Keep the noise, I’m still fabulous!’ But hold on—while some decided to jump on the virtual brigade of naysayers, others were quick to type out their support, calling her delivery heartfelt and suggesting that it was even heartbeat-worthy. One particularly enthusiastic fan noted the emotional impact of her performance, claiming that it made three people cry and even left one referee reconsidering their calls. Now that’s some serious anthem prowess!
Kristin Chenoweth Reflects on Singing at the Event
A Personal Connection to the National Anthem Let’s take a moment to appreciate the fashion statement Kristin made while singing—jeans light enough to brighten a room, an Oklahoma Thunder t-shirt that screamed fan loyalty, and knee-high sparkly boots that practically stole the show! It’s the kind of outfit that has fans not just wondering who designed it, but demanding to know where they can get a pair. As she shared in a video from the event, Kristin takes this anthem to heart, explaining that she loves it and brings her own twist to it. Plus, she’s got some serious local pride as an Oklahoman. In her own words, “I was a cheerleader in high school in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma… and this is my team.” And for those wondering, yes, she did name her dog after the Thunder. Talk about commitment!
Ultimately, Kristin Chenoweth’s national anthem rendition sparked quite a buzz, prompting a mix of criticisms and applause. While some were less than impressed, a good number of fans defended her unique take and glamorous style. With her personal connection to the anthem and her spirited performance, she certainly made her mark at the NBA finals, showing that sometimes, authenticity comes with a price, but it’s absolutely worth it.