The show truly did go on at Madison Square Garden Thursday night, despite an unruly fan’s attempt to disrupt the national anthem during the Knicks’ dominant 125-101 win over the Hornets. Liceli, the evening’s anthem performer, handled the situation with grace, earning cheers from the crowd—and a beaming smile from NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns.
The disruption occurred as Liceli sang “…and bright stars, through the…” when a heckling fan yelled something indiscernible, the interruption audible over the MSG broadcast. Liceli, dressed in a blue Knicks No. 24 jersey, paused briefly and turned toward the source of the noise, shooting a pointed glare in their direction.
Crowd Rallies Behind Liceli
Instead of faltering, Liceli composed herself and resumed her performance, her voice strong and unwavering as the crowd began to rally behind her. Towns, seated courtside, couldn’t hide his amusement, flashing a wide grin as fans showed their support.
The heckling didn’t stop there. Moments later, another shout came from the stands, but this time Liceli powered through without pause, finishing the anthem to a resounding ovation. She waved to the audience, her composure and professionalism shining through.
A Rising Talent
While Liceli did not directly address the heckler on social media, her Instagram account captured moments from the evening, including pre-performance clips and a confident post-performance caption: “umm n e ways… here i am!”
The young singer, who hails from New Haven, Conn., and falls within the 18-20 age range according to her backstage.com profile, is no stranger to high-pressure performances. She has previously performed as a solo artist at Radio City Music Hall, demonstrating her talent and resilience on major stages.
Knicks Cruise to Victory
The energy Liceli brought to the anthem carried into the game, as the Knicks dominated the Hornets to secure their fourth consecutive victory. Karl-Anthony Towns, a former Kentucky Wildcat, had a stellar night, leading all players with 27 points and 16 rebounds.
The Knicks’ balanced attack saw six players finish with double-digit points, and the team pulled away decisively in the third quarter. A slim three-point halftime lead turned into a commanding 103-78 advantage heading into the fourth.
The win marked the Knicks’ second victory over the Hornets in just seven days, improving their record to 14-8. With momentum on their side, the team looks to extend their streak to five games when the struggling Detroit Pistons visit Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
A Memorable Night
Liceli’s handling of the anthem disruption showcased her poise and professionalism, earning her admiration from fans and players alike.
Her performance served as a powerful reminder that grace under pressure often steals the show, even on a night when the Knicks were firing on all cylinders.
For both Liceli and the team, Thursday’s game was a moment to shine at the world’s most famous arena.
