Miri Ben-Ari Becomes First Artist to Headline NBA Finals Halftime Performance

OKLAHOMA CITY, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark moment for sports and music culture, Grammy Award-winning violinist and music-tech entrepreneur Miri Ben-Ari made history as the first artist ever to headline a halftime performance during the NBA Finals. Her electrifying set took center court during Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers on June 22, 2025, earning widespread acclaim.

The first and only violinist to win a Grammy in the Hip-Hop category, Ben-Ari was hand-selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder to deliver what is often considered the most prestigious entertainment slot of the game: the NBA Finals Halftime Show. Her boundary-breaking live performance featured her original piece "Fur Elise" and a bold new arrangement of AC/DC's "Thunder", crafted exclusively for the occasion.

"I'm honored to make history on the NBA Finals stage," said Ben-Ari. "I couldn't believe I was the first artist to headline the NBA Finals halftime show, and it gave me a sense of responsibility to pave the way for those who will hopefully follow. I brought my violin to the center of the court to celebrate music, culture, and this incredible game. I wanted to rock halftime like a thunder—and I did!"

Ben-Ari's performance marked a turning point in NBA entertainment, highlighting the league's evolving approach to halftime shows by featuring an iconic artist known for cultural and creative innovation.

About Miri Ben-Ari

Miri Ben-Ari is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, producer, and music-tech entrepreneur. A "Goodwill Ambassador of Music" to the United Nations, a keynote speaker, and founder of the Symphony of Brotherhood School program. Originally from Israel, she has created a genre-defying sound that fuses classical, hip-hop, and electronic music.

A classically trained violinist who studied under the late Isaac Stern, she has collaborated with top artists including Kanye West, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, Janet Jackson, John Legend, and Armin van Buuren. Her album The Hip Hop Violinist (Universal Records) showcases many of these collaborations.

She is the first and only violinist to be named an Apollo Legend, and was honored by the White House and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

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Watch Miri Ben-Ari's NBA Finals halftime performance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHfVjC2XPFI&feature=youtu.be

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SOURCE Miri Ben-Ari