Brandy’s Unconventional National Anthem Draws Mixed Reactions

The Grammy winner performed an R&B-inspired version of the “Star Spangled Banner” and social media sounded off.

Screenshot from 'Brandy Performs the National Anthem NBA All-Star 2026,' YouTube.

Brandy performed the National Anthem at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and the R&B superstar decided to take the “Star-Spangled Banner” in a unique direction. The Grammy winner took to midcourt at Inglewood, Calif.’s Intuit Dome before tipoff–alongside group June’s Diary–to perform an R&B-leaning version of the song. Brandy sang an a capella take, with June’s Diary singing their vocals in harmony. 

It was a departure from the song’s traditional structure and melody. 

This year marked the first-ever USA vs. the world All-Star game, which featured three teams (Team USA Stars, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons; Team USA Stripes, head coach Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs, and Team World, with head coach Darko Rajaković) competing in a round-robin tournament. The event was hosted by the Los Angeles Clippers and the game itself was televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock. Team USA Stars defeated Team USA Stripes. 

Brandy’s unique take on the National Anthem drew strong reactions across social media. Check them out below. 

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