Kristin Chenoweth Defends Controversial Rendetion Of National Anthem

Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth took heart courtroom on Sunday, June 22, for Recreation 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.

Earlier than the sport, the “Depraved” singer gave the gang and viewers worldwide a strong rendition of the Nationwide Anthem, showcasing her spectacular vocal potential and vary.

Nevertheless, the actress’ signature Broadway-style efficiency sparked blended reactions on-line, although in a brand new interview, she did not appear fazed by the noise.

Talking with The Oklahoman, Chenoweth stated that whereas she’s usually requested to sing the Nationwide Anthem by completely different sports activities leagues, this invitation got here personally from the Thunder group.

“I took it very significantly,” she stated concerning the efficiency. “And I at all times take singing that music very significantly, due to the attractive phrases, the lyrics of the music. So, I simply wished to make Oklahoma proud.”

Chenoweth’s model of the music featured her belting her signature excessive notes, which some weren’t keen on. In line with the Oklahoma native, nevertheless, her stylistic decisions had been intentional.

“I assume I did wish to set the tone (and) simply get everyone prepared to essentially cheer their brains out to, hopefully, win,” she stated.

One more reason this second was particular to Chenoweth is that she did not consider she’d even have an opportunity to sing the music, contemplating she believed OKC would win the sequence in Recreation 6.

“That is the one recreation I may do, and truly, due to my schedule, I did not assume I might be doing it,” the powerhouse singer stated. “I assumed we might win earlier than (Recreation 7). However what? It simply made it all of the extra thrilling, and so I discovered myself reserving my flight, going, ‘All proper, Thunder, I am coming.'”

Chenoweth defined that planning the looks for Recreation 7 was a bit chaotic, as she’s presently splitting her time between New York and Nashville to organize for her new Broadway present, “Queen of Versailles.”

“I did not even get to see my household,” Chenoweth added. “I simply got here in, sang, and I am headed out.”

“I am at all times gonna attempt to be right here in the event that they ask me, as a result of it is my group,” she famous. “I bleed blue, yellow, and orange; what can I inform you?”

As soon as the NBA shared the video of Chenoweth’s efficiency on-line, customers chimed in to share their bold thoughts about her twist on the music.

“Nicely, it wasn’t excellent, however a minimum of it is in English,” a consumer wrote on X, previously Twitter.

“The best rendition of all time was executed by Whitney Houston and it definitely wasn’t ‘conventional,'” one other shared.

A 3rd consumer said plainly, “That sh-t was horrible.”

“Soo uninterested in these ‘icons, stars’ making up new renditions of the Nationwide Anthem!” one other consumer posted. “Sing it as written and meant to be sung.”

Different customers, in the meantime, had been fast to defend the “Defying Gravity” singer, with one writing, “For those who’re dragging [Chenoweth’s] rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, you are simply asserting to the world that you have by no means set foot in a theater.”

“D-amn!” another person shared. “That was one of many stronger Nationwide Anthems I’ve heard shortly!!”

“Nice job by Kristin Chenoweth,” they added.

Another person stated, “Kristin Chenoweth sang the Nationwide Anthem and let me inform you it was good.”