National Anthem Singer for NBA Finals Game 2 Causes a Stir
Rising soul and jazz singer KELS sparked widespread debate online after performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on Friday night.
The NBA shared a video of her national anthem performance on X shortly before tipoff, and reactions quickly poured in from basketball fans and viewers across social media.
While some praised the singer's distinctive vocal approach, others compared the performance to one of the most talked-about anthem renditions in NBA history.
KELS, born Kelsey Hillock, had announced the milestone appearance on Instagram before taking the court. The performance immediately became a trending topic as fans weighed in with sharply different opinions.
"Never heard of her before tonight! She did an amazing job!! I am now a fan!!" one viewer posted.
Another fan disagreed, writing, "Maybe one of the worst national anthem performances I ever seen."
Others defended KELS' artistic style.
"People said this was worse than Fergie? I thought it was a nice performance. Maybe I just have a bigger heart than all you haters."
One commenter focused on the singer's presentation, saying, "This is some…..strange styling….."
Another viewer interpreted the performance as a deliberate creative choice.
Kels performs the National Anthem ahead of Game 2 👏
— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2026
NYK/SAS GAME 2 IS LIVE NOW ON ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/U2fqbR7Gky
"She was all over the place, but I think that was the point, for it to be totally original. Very interesting imo."
A separate reaction added, "Bad… but not as awkward as Fergie 😂."
Several fans referenced Grammy-winning singer Fergie's widely criticized national anthem performance at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.
The comparisons stem from the lasting memory of Fergie's unconventional performance during the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. At the time, Fergie later addressed the backlash in a public statement.
"I've always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA," Fergie said. "I'm a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn't strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best."
Who Is 2026 NBA Finals Game 2 National Anthem Singer?
Although many NBA viewers were unfamiliar with KELS before Game 2, the singer has steadily expanded her audience through independent touring and live performances.
Born in Germany to a military family and raised in Pittsburgh, KELS developed her musical skills from a young age. She began writing songs at 13 and trained as a jazz vocalist while performing in choirs, church groups and jazz ensembles.
Earlier this year, KELS performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, adding another major sports event to her résumé.
Whether praised for originality or criticized for its style, KELS' Game 2 rendition became one of the most discussed moments leading into the latest chapter of the Knicks-Spurs championship series, introducing the rising singer to a much larger audience across the country.
Related: National Anthem Singer for NBA Finals Game 2 Announced
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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 12:19 AM.