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

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.

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.

Miri Ben-Ari 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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