Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Standing at just 4 feet 11 inches, Kristin Chenoweth continues to leave her mark on the grand stage, this time by performing the national anthem at the seventh game of the NBA Finals. The acclaimed actress and singer, who hails from Broken Arrow, is set to deliver her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the championship showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. The performance will be broadcast live on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern.
On Saturday, Chenoweth teased her upcoming appearance on social media, donning Thunder gear and revealing that she was in Oklahoma City. In a playful spirit, she hintingly remarked that it was time to “start warming up,” before sharing a brief preview of the anthem.
A longtime supporter of the Thunder, Chenoweth has shown her passion for the team since its inception. Although she has occasionally expressed admiration for the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, her loyalty to the Thunder is evident. In a previous interview, she even shared that she spent three hours embellishing a Thunder hat. Having pursued her education at Oklahoma City University, her roots are deep, lying just 115 miles from the home court of her beloved team.
Her connection to the Thunder extends beyond fandom; her dog is also named Thunder, and she has playfully dressed her pet in themed outfits. Chenoweth has previously sung the national anthem at various Thunder games, sometimes alongside children from her own Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp. This program aims to nurture young artistic talent and promote the importance of arts education.
Born to musicality, Chenoweth gained national acclaim after winning a Tony Award in 1999 for her outstanding performance in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” She later earned two additional Tony nominations for her standout roles in “Wicked” and “On the Twentieth Century.” Her impressive career also includes an Emmy Award for her role as a supporting actress in the comedy series “Pushing Daisies,” which aired on ABC.
As the NBA Finals approach, anticipation builds not only for the thrilling matchup but also for Chenoweth’s spirited performance. Her unique blend of talent and enthusiasm promises to add an unforgettable touch to the championship game. As a proud representative of Oklahoma, Chenoweth’s voice will echo through the arena, uniting fans in a moment of national pride and local camaraderie.