Nationwide — Brandy took the spotlight at the NBA All-Star game on February 15, performing the National Anthem with her signature R&B style. Her layered harmonies and vocal runs impressed some fans, while others felt it was too different from the traditional version.
The Grammy-winning singer performed at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, with R&B group June’s Diary. She sang a cappella and added vocal runs and harmonies that changed the familiar melody.
Brandy wore a military-style outfit and led the performance confidently, supported by June’s Diary’s harmonies. The performance immediately divided opinions, with some viewers enjoying the style and others expecting a more standard version.
Supporters posted on social media, calling the performance “stunningly nuanced” and “soulful,” as reported by EURWeb. Many appreciated the emotional depth and complexity, saying it added a fresh perspective to a classic song. Some even suggested it could become their preferred version for future events.
Critics, however, were quick to voice concerns. Comments described the arrangement as “chaotic” or “butchered,” while some questioned the heavy use of vocal styling and production. Terms like “autotuned” and “overprocessed” trended alongside both praise and critique.