Former “American Idol” contestant and multi-platinum R&B singer Queen Naija stunned fans with her performance at the 2025 NBA Cup Final.
The singer, 30, kicked off the event with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, setting the tone for the championship showdown between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The crowd erupted in applause as Naija belted out the song effortlessly.
For the event, the singer opted for a fitted, long-sleeve mini dress that accentuated her figure, keeping the look simple with minimal accessories and sleek, straight hair.
Knicks dominated the Spurs 124-113, securing their first NBA Cup title.
Fans React to Queen Naija’s NBA Cup Performance
Naija’s performance quickly went viral on social media, with many praising her vocals.
Someone wrote on X, “Queen Naija singing the national anthem for the Spurs vs Knicks NBA cup finals. Let this be a lesson. Even the most clowned on social media can succeed (she ate too, I fear).”
A fan commented, “A Queen indeed,” while another chimed in, “Now, that’s how you sanggg.”
Naija first gained recognition through her YouTube channel, which now has 5.2 million followers and counting.
Naija’s ‘American Idol’ Stint
Naija initially auditioned for an earlier season of ‘American Idol’ but didn’t advance. She returned in 2014 for Season 13, progressing through the Hollywood rounds, though she didn’t make the Top 30 for the live shows.
Speaking with BuzzFeed UK, Naija recalled the moment she auditioned again at 18 years old and got the golden ticket.
“I went to Hollywood for the first time. It was my first time on a plane. My first time traveling outside of where I lived,” she said. “I think it was meant for me to have those experiences, but not go through all the way through with it, because I feel like I had to grow more. I don’t think I was prepared for that lifestyle yet.”
Despite getting eliminated, Naija still found success in the music industry, transforming into a successful R&B artist.
In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Naija admitted that she hasn’t spoken to the “American Idol” judges from her season (Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban) since becoming popular.
“I haven’t. I would love to, but I haven’t. I would like to one day,” she told the outlet. “I’m like, ‘You remember me when y’all booted me off the show? Look.'”
