Liberty’s ellie the elephant delivers a whitney houston spectacle – 30 years in the making
Thirty years. That’s how long the New York Liberty has captivated fans, and this season, they’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate. Forget predictable halftime shows; the team’s beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant, is channeling Whitney Houston in a performance guaranteed to send shockwaves through Barclays Center.
A nod to a legend, a legacy built on new york
The concept? A reverent homage to Houston’s deep roots with the Liberty and the WNBA. Criscia Long, Senior Director of Entertainment at Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, explained, “We wanted to anchor Ellie’s first half-time performance of the season in something that felt both nostalgic and distinctly New York. It all went back to the 1999 WNBA All-Star Game, hosted by the Liberty, where Whitney delivered an iconic National Anthem performance.” It wasn’t just about a song; it was about capturing the spirit of a moment, a moment that cemented Houston’s place in the city’s cultural tapestry.
Months of intense preparation – an elephant’s hustle
But recreating a Whitney performance isn’t exactly a walk in the park, even for an elephant. Ellie has been undergoing a rigorous training regimen for months, logging several miles each day with a Whitney playlist powering her cardio. “It’s been physically intense, but mentally demanding too,” Ellie shared with Vogue. “I’ve studied her vocals, her movement, her energy, her presence – every detail. I spent hours immersed in her performances and interviews, ensuring authenticity.” The team meticulously narrowed down Houston’s extensive catalog to six iconic tracks: “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “How Will I Know,” “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay,” “I’m Every Woman,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
Beyond the music: a visual transformation
The styling team, led by Long, went above and beyond, creating four entirely new costumes inspired by key moments in Houston’s career. The first, a scarlet red tracksuit mirroring her 1999 All-Star performance, immediately grounds the show in Liberty history. Then came a sleek black leather corset paired with a wrap skirt, referencing “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay.” A shimmering silver gown, inspired by her Grammy wins, and finally, a vibrant silver mini-dress with arm bands perfectly capturing the joy and momentum of her legacy. “We had to be intentional about pacing,” Long emphasized. “Balancing big vocal moments with high-energy sections to keep the performance dynamic.”
A minty fresh finale
And let’s not forget Ellie’s manicure – a fresh coat of Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” perfectly complementing the team’s new Court Origins jersey. “It ties together every era of the Liberty,” Long explained. “Ellie does a lot of talking with her hands, so I know that your manicure speaks before you even say a word. Whether it’s subtle or statement-making, make [your nails] you. And most importantly, keep them fresh. A clean, intentional manicure will Ellie-vate any look!” (That’s what we call it around here – a little branding never hurts.)
A diva’s legacy
“When I think of Whitney, I think of legacy,” Ellie stated definitively. “So many have been inspired by her presence and performance. She’s raised several generations of vocalists through her eternal art. I strive to have a legacy that exudes that level of confidence, originality, and inspiration.” As the curtain falls – or rather, as Ellie takes a well-deserved post-game ice bath – one thing is clear: this isn’t just a halftime show; it’s a celebration of an icon and a milestone for the New York Liberty.