Tony-winning actress breaks silence after polarizing NBA Finals anthem performance
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But while she was thrilled to see her beloved Oklahoma City Thunder win the NBA championship at home, many hoops fans weren't very happy with the Tony Award winner's performance of the U.S. national anthem before the game.
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The Broadway great appeared to reference the backlash she received from users on social media in a couple of posts to her Instagram Stories late Sunday night.
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Chenoweth took major heat on social media for her rendition of the U.S. national anthem ahead of the deciding game of the championship series between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Chenoweth flexed her vocal muscles while belting out The Star-Spangled Banner, which included holding an incredibly long high note at the song's crescendo.
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PERFECT WAY TO TIP OFF GAME 7 ON ABC! pic.twitter.com/BVUEcNmD8L
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2025
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But while the Oklahoma native received thunderous applause from the fans in attendance, the verdict on social media was decidedly a lot more negative.
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I would have rather listened to Fergie's anthem performance than that one by Kristin Chenoweth… #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/Sk1M1hQbsY
— Billy (@BillyK253) June 23, 2025
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Toon Media Networks executed on a highly effective cross-platform strategy in Q2 2025, leveraging Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST), Ad-supported Video on Demand (AVOD), and Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) platforms to deliver exceptional engagement and audience growth. This communication highlights key consumption metrics, market expansion, and achievements that position Toon Media Networks as a fast-scaling division within Kartoon Studios. Q2 2025 Toon Media Networks Highlights: Kartoon Channel! FAST views surged 221% year-over-year (YoY) and increased 45% sequentially versus Q1 Kartoon Studios' original, Rainbow Rangers FAST views grew 80% YoY Kartoon Studios' original Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten watch time rose 47% YoY Kartoon Channel! on Tubi watch hours climbed 50% YoY Kartoon Channel! app user base expanded 26% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) Kartoon Channel SVOD subscriptions increased for the seventh consecutive month through July Frederator Networks' Channel Frederator YouTube revenue surged 35% QoQ Toon Media Networks now reaches viewers in over 60 territories, delivering billions of views annually across Kartoon Channel!, Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, Ameba, and Frederator. Toon Media Networks in the U.S. carried on leading platform, including YouTube, YouTube Kids, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Fire, Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android TV, Android mobile, Xbox, Pluto TV, Xumo, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, Google TV, Cox, DISH, Sling TV, Samsung, and LG smart TVs and more, delivering expansive multi-platform distribution and audience reach. These results reflect the division's scalable, data-driven approach to combining high quality, in-demand content with optimized audience growth, engagement, and monetization strategies across multiple digital platforms. 'Under Todd Steinman's visionary leadership, Toon Media Networks continues to demonstrate the strength of our cross-platform monetization strategy, delivering strong, scalable growth across FAST, AVOD, and SVOD that fuels expanding revenues and global audience reach,' stated Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Kartoon Studios. 'This division is a key driver of strategic growth. Todd is a respected thought leader in the industry, and under his leadership, we've unified the global management of Kartoon Channel! within Toon Media Networks, bringing together Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, Kartoon Channel! Domestic, Ameba, and Frederator under a single, cohesive structure. I'm sure he will bring the same discipline and visionary strategies to the international markets as he has done here in the U.S. as the brand continues to gain recognition and becomes increasingly desirable. In the coming days, we plan to make several material announcements across multiple business segments. We are eager to share those developments, and are confident our investors will share our enthusiasm, as they highlight our ongoing commitment to delivering transformational value to and growth.' Todd Steinman, President of Toon Media Networks stated: 'Toon Media Networks is scaling across major streaming platforms around the world by combining premium content with proven strategies that drive engagement and monetization. Our global footprint is becoming increasingly optimized for profitability. We are focused on sustainable, long-term success by enhancing lives and delighting audiences through thoughtful, inspiring entertainment.' Kartoon Studios also announced that it received Amazon's Operational Excellence Award for the performance of Kartoon Channel! on Prime Video, recognizing its strong execution and results on the platform. About Toon Media Networks Through its wholly owned Toon Media Networks, including Kartoon Channel!, Kartoon Channel Worldwide, Ameba, and Frederator - Kartoon Studios reaches audiences across linear, AVOD, SVOD, and FAST platforms. Kartoon Channel! is the #1 rated kids' streaming app on the Apple App Store and delivers thousands of hours of family-friendly content, including top-performing series like Pac-Man, Mother Goose Club, Talking Tom & Friends, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and educational content through Kartoon Classroom and KC En Español. Frederator operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, featuring over 2,000 creators with billions of annual views. About Kartoon Channel! Kartoon Studios' (NYSE American: TOON) Kartoon Channel! is a family entertainment destination that delivers 1,000s of episodes of carefully curated and safe family-friendly content. The channel features original content, including Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Shaq's Garage, starring Shaquille O'Neal, as well as animated classics like PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures, Super Simple Songs, and Rainbow Rangers. 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Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding: consumption metrics, market expansion, and achievements that position Toon Media Networks as a fast-scaling division; cross-platform monetization strategy, delivering strong, scalable growth across FAST, AVOD, and SVOD that fuels expanding revenues and global audience reach; Todd Steinman bringing his discipline and visionary strategies to the international markets; brand continuing to gain recognition and becoming increasingly desirable; Toon Media Network's global footprint becoming increasingly optimized for profitability; Toon Media Network being focused on sustainable, long-term success; and the growing global distribution footprint and a robust content pipeline positioning Kartoon Studios for sustained growth and long-term shareholder value. 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Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
