Ah, summer concerts—a delightful escape for our ears, or a comedy fest for our friends? Remember those unforgettable musical performances that sent our group chats into hysterics? Whether it was the star who hit every wrong note or the one who took an unexpected detour off the stage, these moments are etched in our minds as landmarks of hilarity.
Ray-J: The Eternal Wish Undefeated
Ray J speaking at the BETX Main Stage during the 2024 BET Experience Fan Fest.
Who could possibly erase from their memory the unique sound of Ray-J during that fateful Verzuz battle? It was as if his “One Wish” was to be vocally transported to another dimension—one where music is merely a suggestion.
Jeremih and His Off-Key Ensemble
Jeremih performing at the 2019 Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas.
When someone undoubtedly wondered, “You n****s sound crazy,” during Jeremih’s performance, it felt like the voice of the people. Forget a musical showcase; it was an “open mic night gone wrong” at The Apollo. Note to self: bring earplugs next time.
Carl Lewis: Anthem Fail
Carl Lewis at a press conference during the 2023 Pan Am Games.
Speaking of epically cringe-worthy performances, who could forget Carl Lewis belting out the “Star-Spangled Banner”? Let’s just say it lacked a touch of dignity and a whole lot of pitch.
Mary J. Blige: The Tired Queen
Mary J. Blige performing during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Mary J. Blige seemed practically ready to throw her mic and retire mid-performance, giving the audience a look that screamed, “Please, someone just take me home.” The Queen of R&B looked exhausted—definitely not a good night for “Share My World.”
K-Ci and JoJo: A “Life” Misadventure
K-Ci and JoJo at the 8th Annual BET Walk of Fame.
When 90s R&B kings K-Ci and JoJo attempted to croon “Life,” it was clear they were singing from a different creative universe. Imagine struggling to grasp notes that had long ago abandoned them. Hilarity ensued!
Omarion: The Dance of Confusion
Omarion performing at Powerhouse 2015 in New York.
Omarion’s choreography during his performance had everyone questioning reality—especially him. His dance moves were so avant-garde that TikTok couldn’t resist making them a meme. The man may have been dancing, but we were all left scratching our heads.
Aretha Franklin’s Mixed Blessing
Screenshot from Aretha Franklin’s homegoing service.
During Aretha Franklin’s homegoing service, her son Edward Franklin poured his heart into serenading his mother. Unfortunately, the only notes he seemed to hit were the cringe-worthy kind. An emotional tribute, yes, but let’s just say the key was not his best friend.
Ginuwine: The Not-So-Great Escape
Ginuwine performing at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.
In a moment that guaranteed to be timeless, Ginuwine’s leap off stage during “In Those Jeans” didn’t just miss the mark; it practically required a stretcher. His graceful exit turned into a hilariously clumsy rescue mission, earning him an instant place in concert blooper history!
Chaka Khan: “Verzuz” What?
Chaka Khan performing during the Pride in London 2025 parade.
While we all adore Chaka Khan, her recent Verzuz performance left a lot to be desired. Imagine a slow flicker in place of a blazing fire—well, that’s precisely what we got. Time for an encore? Or just a nap?
Musiq Soulchild: A Misguided Journey
Musiq Soulchild performing during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.
As much as we love Musiq Soulchild’s nostalgic hits, his live performance felt more like a karaoke night gone wrong. Between awkward tempo shifts and strained vocals, we found ourselves wishing he had just decided to stay in the studio.
Giveon: An Earpiece Fiasco
Giveon performing during his “2022 Give Or Take” tour.
Oh, Giveon. His 2022 BET Awards performance had the potential to be brilliant, but an epic battle with his earpiece turned it into a tragicomic spectacle. It was a reminder that, even in music, tech issues can strike with zero warning. Call a tech support hotline?
Amerie’s Unfortunate Return
Amerie performing at the 2025 BET Experience Fan Fest.
Amerie’s comeback seemed promising until her NPR Tiny Desk performance fell flat. It was like watching someone turn a hit song into a game of karaoke—spot the off-pitch note! It was less of a soulful return and more of a desperate plea for vocal rest.
50 Cent: A Missed Opportunity
50 Cent performing during his Las Vegas residency.
During 50 Cent’s Las Vegas residency, the audience’s collective sigh was audible. Did you even want to be there, Mr. Jackson? His dry antics sent attendees straight to social media for a good chuckle instead of memorable melodies.
