Kris Allen Set to Perform the National Anthem Sunday at NBA Finals

Idol winner, Kris Allen, is set to sing the National Anthem Sunday at Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles.

From the Associated Press:

NEW YORK (AP) — “American Idol” winner Kris Allen is taking part in a fiercely contested competition watched by millions, but this time, he’ll have nothing to do with the outcome.

Allen is scheduled to sing the national anthem Sunday before Game 2 of the National Basketball Association finals on ABC. The Los Angeles Lakers have a 1-0 lead over the Orlando Magic.

Having “American Idol” winners sing during the basketball championship series has become something of a tradition. Every winner has done it, with the exception of Fantasia.

Minor correction to the AP story:

Fantasia isn’t the only exception–Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks did not perform the Anthem at the NBA finals his year…it was 3rd place finisher, Elliott Yamin who had the honor…

ETA: OK, Turns out Taylor Hicks sang it a year later in 2007 at Game 7, rather than right after his win like David Cook and Jordin Sparks. Kelly Clarkson sang it during the 2005 playoffs (not the finals) at the Fleet Center in Boston. I can’t find evidence of Ruben Studdard’s performance, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.

About mj santilli 34832 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!