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Kristin Chenoweth is speaking out after her high-energy rendition of the National Anthem at the NBA Finals on Sunday, June 22. The Broadway star performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City's Paycom Center.
The Oklahoma native said she took the performance seriously and wanted to make her home state proud. "I always take singing that song very seriously, because of the beautiful words, the lyrics of the song. So, I just wanted to make Oklahoma proud," Chenoweth told The Oklahoman in an interview.
Chenoweth's performance stirred mixed reactions online, with some fans praising her take on the National Anthem and others criticizing her high-energy approach. Despite the mixed reviews, Chenoweth remained focused on her goal of making Oklahoma proud and cheering on her favorite team, the Thunder.
"I'm an Okie. The Thunder is my favorite team. It's the very final game; we're at home; we want this championship. We've never been there. It's our turn. All of those things are going through my mind. So, that's the time to really sing it," Chenoweth said.
Chenoweth flew in for the performance and then flew back to Nashville, demonstrating her commitment to her favorite team. "I'm always gonna try to be here if they ask me, because it's my team. I bleed blue, yellow and orange; what can I tell you?" she said.
In related news, Steven Van Zandt undergoes emergency surgery for appendicitis, and Nationals' Keibert Ruiz exits game after being hit in the head by teammate's foul ball.
Chenoweth's performance may have been divisive, but she remains proud of her high-energy rendition of the National Anthem. "I went up to the High C. It's the night to do it, you know?" she said of the key in which she sang.
While some fans criticized Chenoweth's performance, others defended her take on "The Star-Spangled Banner." "Probably my fav National Anthem ever! Girlfriend's got game! Love her Oklahoma pride!" one fan wrote.
Chenoweth remains committed to her craft and her favorite team, and her high-energy performance at the NBA Finals is a testament to her passion and dedication.