The WNBA‘s New York Liberty recreation towards the Washington Mystics on September 9 had greater than basketball on the schedule. Throughout halftime, the New York Liberty’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, paid tribute to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, with a efficiency that had the Barclays Heart crowd in a frenzy. The tribute was an ideal cultural homage that completely captures Mary’s influence.
The beloved mascot rolled onto the court docket in full Blige-inspired trend. Ellie’s costume included knee-high boots, a cheetah-print outfit, and a platinum blonde wig—all traditional nods to the legendary R&B singer’s signature seems to be over time. The efficiency was a standout second, backed by a squad of dancers, with Ellie delivering choreography to a medley of Blige tracks, together with “Be Pleased” and “Simply Nice.” Followers rapidly seen the mascot’s repeated tackle the well-known “Mary Strut,” a signature transfer Blige has made a live performance staple.
In keeping with Complicated, the response was rapid and overwhelmingly constructive. Cheers stuffed the sector, and clips of the efficiency rapidly went viral on-line, with MadameNoire posting footage from courtside. The remark part was full of followers praising Ellie’s strikes and calling for the mascot to be protected in any respect prices.
“Ellie higher be the best paid mascot,” one fan wrote. One other consumer famous, “The bob is sending me.” A 3rd added, “Carrying the complete franchise on her again. GO ELLIE.” The vitality on-line matched the gang inside the sector, treating the halftime present as an ideal crossover second between sports activities and music.
Although a comparatively new determine within the WNBA, Ellie the Elephant has rapidly turn out to be a fixture for Liberty followers since her debut in 2021. In keeping with the crew, Ellie was designed to embody traits tied to each elephants and the franchise itself, together with “power, knowledge, willpower, loyalty, and resilience.” In apply, Ellie has lived as much as her repute, turning into a crowd favourite who balances playful antics with performances that connect with New York tradition.
Mary J. Blige additionally caught wind of the viral efficiency, and when she bumped into the mascot throughout New York Vogue Week, she confirmed nothing however love. She even complimented the jacket Ellie was sporting, additional cementing her admiration.
