NEW YORK: "American Idol" winner Kris Allen is taking part in a fiercely contested competition watched by millions, but this time, he'll have nothing to do with the outcome.

Allen is scheduled to sing the national anthem Sunday before Game 2 of the National Basketball Association finals on ABC. The Los Angeles Lakers have a 1-0 lead over the Orlando Magic.

Having "American Idol" winners sing during the basketball championship series has become something of a tradition. Every winner has done it, with the exception of Fantasia.

Allen won the "Idol" crown last month over Adam Lambert.