The performance of an 8-year-old Washington girl singing the national anthem at an Indiana Pacers game has become a viral sensation, sparking conversations across social media platforms.
Kinsley Murray, adorned in a patriotic one-sleeve dress with stars in her hair, delivered a passionate rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the basketball game against the Toronto Raptors on Monday, Feb. 26. The video of her performance was shared on the Pacers’ TikTok page and has garnered over 16 million views, captivating viewers with her talent and enthusiasm.
“The passion, the outfit, this anthem performance was unmatched,” the Pacers wrote in their TikTok post, acknowledging Kinsley’s remarkable performance.
Kinsley Murray, at just 8 years old, has already made a significant impact in the world of national anthem performances. By the age of 6, she had already sung the U.S. national anthem at more than 100 sporting events, including baseball, football, basketball games, and rodeos. Her impressive resume includes performances at notable venues such as the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima in September 2021 and a University of Washington men’s basketball game in January 2022, as documented on social media posts by her father, Shafer Murray, who is an elementary school teacher.
In 2021, Kinsley gained attention for her rendition at a Gonzaga women’s basketball game, showcasing her love for honoring her country through her singing. Speaking to KREM, a TV station in Washington state, Kinsley expressed her passion for performing the national anthem, stating, “The louder the roar, the better I get.” Her dedication to her craft was evident as she delivered a flawless rendition of “O Canada” before singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Following her performance at the Indiana Pacers game, Kinsley continued to showcase her talent by singing at the Dayton-Davidson game in Ohio the following day, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her gift with audiences across the country.
While Kinsley’s national anthem rendition has received widespread praise and admiration, it has also attracted negative attention from some social media users who have made hurtful comments. However, many others have come to Kinsley’s defense, applauding her patriotism and passion for the anthem.
One TikTok user, Midnight Michaelson, spoke out against the online criticism directed at Kinsley, condemning the hateful comments and urging others to show support for the young performer. Michaelson emphasized Kinsley’s determination and love for her country, highlighting her resilience in the face of adversity.
Additionally, other TikTok users expressed their admiration for Kinsley’s singing prowess, with one user, Dr. Rod Vester, even providing musical accompaniment while Kinsley sang. Another user, known as North Omaha Cat Lady, acknowledged the difficulty of singing the national anthem and praised Kinsley for her impressive vocal ability at such a young age.
In summary, Kinsley Murray’s remarkable performance of the national anthem has captivated audiences and sparked discussions on social media, showcasing her talent, passion, and resilience in the face of online criticism. As she continues to pursue her passion for singing, Kinsley serves as an inspiration to many, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact through music.