Kristin Chenoweth knows how to kill it in a live performance, and she did just that Sunday when she sang the national anthem ahead of Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
The actress, perhaps best known for playing Glinda in Wicked on Broadway, is an Oklahoma native, so it made sense for her to rep the Oklahoma City Thunder at home. And did she! Chenoweth delivered a rousing version of the Star-Spangled Banner, switching it up a little when she got to that last “free.”
The singer went higher, then higher, then still higher — and held the note for about eight seconds.
See the full performance below.
Perhaps the move was good luck. The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to become NBA champions for the first time.
Of course, not everyone was a fan of her approach to the song, which she sang without any background music, particularly that high note.
Critics questioned her take on the classic, as pointed out by news stories, but many other people were impressed. Big time.
Multiple people who approved called it “magnificent” and noted that her singing range was on full display.
The clip that the NBA shared on YouTube included positive comments such as @kimberlee6227’s, “I forgot how this feels. She reminded me, and this is healing in a time of great uncertainty in our nation.”
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Added @denaleibowitz182, “Your rendition was magnificent!! Thank you for sharing your gifts once again.”
In the hours after her performance, Chenoweth appeared to address negative feedback or just share some simple life advice, when she posted the quote, “The price of authenticity is being disliked,” to her Instagram Story.
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Kristin Chenoweth promotes the ‘Wicked’ movie
She also added words from writer John Steinbeck: “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”
And Chenoweth has proven to be that, whatever the song.
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