National Anthem Singer for NBA Finals Game 2 Announced
Rising soul and jazz singer KELS has been announced as the national anthem performer for Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals, adding another major sports event to her growing list of high-profile appearances.
The singer shared the news with fans through Instagram ahead of Friday night's championship matchup between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
"Dirty Blues Princess is back in San Antonio," she excitedly wrote. "A lot of people don't know this but I lived in San Antonio as a baby and my little brother was born there. Honored to be ask to perform the National Anthem for Game 2 of the NBA Finals tonight. Baby Kelsey Anne would be so proud."
The announcement quickly drew excitement from fans, many of whom celebrated the milestone in the comments section.
"I've been watching for so long and this is so well deserved. Get ‘em girl! 👏👏👏👏," one supporter wrote.
Another commented, "Thats BIG!!!.💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾."
Others added messages such as "🔥yes. Cant wait," "So happy and excited for you!! You deserve this! 🔥" and "I'm not an NBA fan but I'll tune in just for this."
Game 2 of the NBA Finals marks another major sports-stage appearance for the 30-year-old singer-songwriter.
Earlier this year, KELS performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, her hometown. Her appearance at the NBA Finals continues a breakout year for the artist as her profile continues to rise nationally.
While many basketball fans may be hearing her name for the first time, KELS has steadily built a loyal following through independent touring and live performances.
Born Kelsey Hillock in Germany to a military family, she grew up in Pittsburgh and later relocated to Atlanta. Her musical style blends jazz, soul and pop influences, drawing inspiration from artists such as Amy Winehouse and Jazmine Sullivan.
The singer has spent years developing her craft. According to Unclear, she began writing songs at age 13 and trained as a jazz vocalist while performing in choirs, church groups and jazz ensembles. Her early experiences helped shape the powerful vocal style that has become her trademark.
KELS gained widespread attention after completing a 52-show independent tour across the United States in 2023 without management or a record label. During the eight-month run, her fanbase grew significantly, and supporters helped fund the tour.
Since then, she has continued to expand her audience through sold-out headlining performances in cities across the country. She has also appeared at major music festivals and opened for acclaimed artists, including Andre 3000 at the Atlanta Jazz Festival.
Among her most-streamed songs are "Gone," which has surpassed four million Spotify streams, along with fan favorites "amphetamines," "We Tried" and "6ft Under."
The artist recently released her debut EP, Slow Ryde, and is preparing for her Dirty Blues Princess tour, named after her forthcoming project.
The NBA Finals spotlight comes one game after Grammy-winning singer Tori Kelly performed the national anthem before Game 1.
With the Knicks seeking a 2-0 series lead and the Spurs looking to bounce back after a difficult opening loss, fans inside Frost Bank Center and viewers watching on ABC will hear KELS deliver the national anthem before another pivotal Finals showdown begins.
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 4:43 PM.