Music has become a massive part of the NBA All-Star Game. Whether it be the performers who put on a show at halftime or the acts that do their renditions of the national anthems of the United States and Canada, the music during the NBA’s premier midseason showcase is almost as much of a spectacle as the game itself.
That will continue to be the case during the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, as the league has a loaded slate of musicians who will perform during the game. Things will kick off with both national anthems being performed, with Fergie singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Barenaked Ladies doing their rendition of “O Canada.” The former’s second studio album, Double Dutchess, was released in Sept. 2017, while the latter released its 15th album, Fake Nudes, in November of last year.
Then, during halftime, fans will be treated to a performance by N.E.R.D. The hip-hop group comprised of Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, and Shay Haley released their first album in five years in December, titled No One Ever Really Dies, and according to a release sent out by the NBA, will “perform a medley of chart-topping hits” for those in attendance at Staples Center.
And outside of the music that will be performed, a familiar face will kick off the festivities before the game. Kevin Hart, a longtime participant and four-time MVP of NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, will handle the opening ceremonies, along with the introductions of both teams.
This year’s edition of the All-Star Game won’t be like those that came before it, as teams will be decided by captains from each conference picking rosters playground style. But when it comes to making sure it has big performers as part of the festivities, it’s cool that the NBA isn’t changing a thing.
