Natalie Gilbert is a 13-year-old eighth grader from Lake Oswego, Oregon who won the chance to sing the anthem during the first playoff home game through the Toyota "Get the Feeling of a Star" promotion with the Blazers. Gilbert performed in front of judges and the Rose Garden crowd on three occasions, making it to the finals for the contest.
Having won the contest, Gilbert took center court to sing in front of the crowd. Even though she had the flu and had spent the whole day in bed, she was determined to give it her best.
Gilbert, who performed the song perfectly in the locker room before the game, as well as the other times she's sung for the team, forgot the words to the anthem.
Coach Maurice Cheeks joined Gilbert courtside to help her sing, and the crowd soon joined in to help the struggling singer.
"He totally saved me, I couldn't even remember the words. I tried to start over again, but the words wouldn't come," said Gilbert. "I was walking off afterward and he said to me 'Don't worry kid, everyone has a bad game once in awhile.'
"I wish I could help some of my players like that,'' said Cheeks.