LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Queen Naija sings the United States national anthem before the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Knicks defeated the Spurs 124-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Queen Naija had the whole arena and the internet in a chokehold this week. The singer delivered a jaw-dropping rendition of the National Anthem at the Emirates NBA Cup Championship, leaving fans in awe, players moved, and social media handing out a virtual round of applause.
From American Idol to the NBA, Queen Naija continues to show just how far shes come. The 30-year-old multi-platform artist opened the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup Championship at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with a powerful performance of the National Anthem ahead of the New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs matchup. The crowd erupted in applause as Queen effortlessly belted out the anthem and reminded everyone why her vocals hit every time. In video clips circulating online, the Knicks and Spurs players appeared visibly emotional, some standing in prayer, others holding back tears as she sang. Sharing the milestone on Instagram, Queen reflected on the full-circle experience, writing:
As a girl who used to sing the national anthem for my high school basketball games, this was a full circle moment thank you @nba for having me.
It didnt take long for Queen Naijas performance to go viral. Fans flooded The Shade Room Teens comment section, showing love and giving her flowers.
Queen Naija wasnt the only one showing out at the NBA Cup Final. Her man, ClarenceNYC, shared family moments from the game on Instagram, posting clips with Queen and her 10-year-old son, CJ, by his side. When it came to the fits, the family understood the assignment. Clarence rocked a Canadian tuxedo with a double-denim look, paired with Winter 2025 Balenciaga brown Alaska fur boots. Queen kept it sleek in brown heels and a matching leather jacket, while CJ represented New York energy with a Yankees fitted cap and classic Timberlands.
