Kels took center stage earlier ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, but her rendition of the national anthem drew plenty of criticism.
The Pittsburgh singer performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Frost Bank Center before New York’s 105-104 win, which put the Knicks up 2-0 in the series.
While the one-point finish became the headline on the court, Kels’ performance was already trending for the wrong reasons.
Kels’ national anthem at NBA Finals draws harsh fan reaction
The NBA shared a clip of Kels’ performance on X, but many fans were not impressed with her approach.
One fan wrote, “Kels pulling a Fergie.”
Another added, “Whoever hired this person to sing this national anthem like a country karaoke needs to be fired.”
One viewer questioned the booking, writing, “First of all, who is Kels? I have never heard of this person. And secondly, that had to be one of the worst renditions I have ever heard for the U.S.A. anthem.”
Another blunt reaction read, “I don’t know who Kels is but that was the driest version of The Star-Spangled Banner I’ve ever heard.”
One more fan summed it up simply, “Not a very good rendition.”
The Fergie comparisons were always going to sting. Anthem performances at major events tend to stick around online when fans feel the singer has missed the mark.
Kels NBA Finals moment follows NFL Draft anthem
Kels, whose full name is Kelsey Hillock, is a 30-year-old singer from Pittsburgh with pop, jazz and soul influences.
She is no stranger to big stages, having also performed the anthem at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, a moment that likely helped her land the NBA Finals gig.
Game 2 itself lived up to the hype. Jalen Brunson’s late free throw put the Knicks ahead, and Victor Wembanyama missed San Antonio’s final chance after a crucial turnover.
The series now shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Monday, June 8, with the Spurs already facing a 2-0 deficit.
For Kels, the night brought plenty of attention, even if not all of it was positive. On a stage as big as the Finals, every moment is under the microscope.
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