The NBA All-Star Game went off without consequence Sunday. However, the song of inspiration that prefaced the game brought a few more surprises than the game itself.
The festive NBA game, which features the league’s best players, took place in Chicago. It ended with a final score of 157-155, with Team LeBron, led by Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, edging Team Giannis, which was led by Milwaukee Bucks standout Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Chaka Khan, the legendary R&B songstress, gave a nearly three-minute rendition of the emotional song Sunday evening prior to tip-off. Khan, a Chicago native, presented in Chicago Bulls colors from her hair color to her form-fitting ensemble Sunday. Her vocal stylings, which are often riddled with runs and high-pitched tones, were on par with previous performances.
Though some would say Khan gave a signature performance, many responded with shock and awe at her gospel-inspired version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” On Twitter, several expressed their amazement and the assessment that the 66-year-old’s singing felt more like a shrilling shout than a soul-stirring sing-along.
Another terrible rendition of the national anthem. Really Chicago?? #chakakhan is the best guy could do? What a joke
— 🕺🏻 (@Snak123456) February 17, 2020
Me when #chakakhan hit that last note. Heavens. 😬 pic.twitter.com/zI75qT66Qj
— Emily Rizzitiello (@emleehope) February 17, 2020
Kyle Lowry's reaction says it all #chakakhan #NBAAllStar2020 #usanthem pic.twitter.com/NuKxRSG1UL
— Candy Kid (@candykidcanada) February 17, 2020
Some drew comparisons to Fergie’s 2018 NBA All-Star Game national anthem performance, which was also panned universally.
2018 NBAs: I guess no one could ever mess up the national anthem worse than Fergie.
— Ross (@idadsipad) February 17, 2020
Chaka Khan: Hold my beer!#ChakaKhan #Fergie #NationalAnthem #NBAAllStarGame
It’s a tie between @Fergie and @ChakaKhan #NBAAllStar2020 #NBAAllStarGame #NationalAnthem pic.twitter.com/zst4MgLwW5
— Roman (@romanntx) February 17, 2020
Me watching Chaka Khan #NBAAAllStar #NBAAllStarWeekend #chakakhan pic.twitter.com/qZcgLZY962
— 👑Prince (@princethegre8) February 17, 2020
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