• Here’s Why These Hilarious Music Performance Fails Still Live Rent Free in Our Heads

    Here’s Why These Hilarious Music Performance Fails Still Live Rent Free in Our Heads

    While we all love a good summer concert, who can forget these hilarious musical performances by some of our favorite artists? From Verzuz battles to our favorite award shows, we’re revisiting the comical moments that had us blowing up our group chats, like, “Did y’all hear what we heard?” Whether a singer was off-key or they were falling off the stage, these performances live rent-free in our heads, for all the funniest reasons.

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    Ray-J Was Never Fulfilling His “One Wish”

    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 28: Ray J speaks on the BETX Main Stage: Where Black Music Lives during the 2024 BET Experience Fan Fest at Los Angeles Convention Center on June 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)

    Who can ever forget the crazy sounds of Ray-J during the iconic Verzuz battle? Brandy’s brother was so off-key that it was clear his “One Wish” may not ever be fulfilled.

    Jeremih and Friends Sounded Crazy

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 17: Jeremih performs during the 2019 Soul Train Awards at the Orleans Arena on November 17, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

    Whoever said“You n****s sound crazy,” concluded everyone’s thoughts during this performance. During the same chaotic performance, Jeremih did everything but sing a note on key. It was like “open mic night gone wrong” at The Apollo.

    Carl Lewis’ National Anthem

    SANTIAGO, CHILE – OCTOBER 28: Olympic legend Carl Lewis of United States talks during a press conference at the Main Media Center of Parque Deportivo del Estadio Nacional on Day 8 of Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games on October 28, 2023 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Fernando de Dios/Getty Images)

    Speaking of unforgettable performances, Carl Lewis’ spirit moved him to give a hilarious rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” His vocal performance was not prideful.

    So, What’s The 411? Mary J. Blige Is Tired

    CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 19: Mary J. Blige performs onstage during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony streaming on Disney+ at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

    No one hates being a celebrity more than Mary J. Blige. The Queen of R&B was so tired of singing, she turned the mic over to the audience mid-performance. The “Share My World” singer looked like she was one step away from taking off her signature thigh-high boots and calling it a night. At this point, Mary is begging for retirement.

    K-Ci and JoJo Unforgettable “Life” Performance

    WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Singers K-Ci and JoJo Hailey gesture as they attend the 8th Annual Black Entertainment Television (BET) Walk of Fame award show October 19, 2002 in Washington, DC. Wonder was presented as the BET honoree for this year. (Photo by Stefan Zaklin/Getty Images)

    When 90s R&B icons K-Ci and JoJo performed their hit single “Life” live on “The Tom Joyner Morning Show,” their time as performers was slipping away. Despite listening to the audio through their headphones, the Jodeci members sounded as though they were grasping for notes that were just out of their reach. What a hilarious mess!

    Omarion Dancing To His Own Beat

    NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Singer-songwriter Omarion performs onstage during 105.1’s Powerhouse 2015 at the Barclays Center on October 22, 2015 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Power 105.1’s Powerhouse 2015)

    B2K’s own Omarion served his audience some of the most unconventional choreography we’ve ever seen– so questionable that even he had to think, “What the hell was that, O?! ” This dance became so popular that content creators made videos mimicking the moves.

    Aretha Franklin’s Homegoing Gone Wrong

    Screenshot | YouTube

    During Aretha Franklin’s homegoing service, her son Edward Franklin did his best to honor his mother. Though he had to push through to stay on key, he poured his heart into every note.

    Ginuwine Takes A Tumble

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 06: Ginuwine from TGT performs onstage during Day 2 of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola at Caesars Superdome on July 06, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

    Ginuwine’s performance will always be timeless, even during those embarrassing moments. While performing his 2000s record, “In Those Jeans,” the singer attempted to jump off the stage, only to find himself diving behind the speaker, causing security to rescue him. Sit down, Unc!

    Chaka Khan ‘Verzuz’ The Mic

    LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 05: Chaka Khan performs on stage during the Pride In London 2025 parade in Central London on July 05, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)

    Chile, we love Chaka Khan down, no doubt– but this Verzuz performance though? Much to be desired. It did not have the energy or the vocals we expected from the “Through The Fire” singer. It was more like a flicker than a fire.

    Oooh, What’s Going On, Musiq Soulchild?

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 07: Musiq Soulchild performs during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 07, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

    We absolutely adore Musiq Soulchild’s iconic hit records– but this performance was a definite miss. Between the delayed tempo and lackluster vocals, we kindly ask that he throw the performance away.

    Are You Alright, Giveon?

    ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 30: GIVĒON performs onstage during his “2022 Give Or Take” tour at Coca-Cola Roxy on August 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

    Oh, Giveon. His 2022 BET Awards performance could have been a whole vibe if only he hadn’t had to fight with his earpiece halfway through the song. The “Heartbreak Anniversary” singer missed his mark– and half the notes– to sound like Jerome from “Martin.”

    Amerie’s Shaky NPR Tiny Desk

    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 07: Amerie performs at the BETX Main Stage during the 2025 BET Experience Fan Fest at Los Angeles Convention Center on June 07, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images for BET)

    As much as we love Amerie’s comeback, her NPR Tiny Desk performance was everything short of amazing. The “Touch” artist gave more karaoke at the office than a quality performance. Between the pitchy high notes and chaotic background vocals, it felt less like a soulful return and more like a cry for help.

    50 Cent’s Performance Came Up Short

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 27: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson performs on the first night of his six-date residency “In Da Club” at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

    At 50 Cent’s Las Vegas residency, the audience seemed unimpressed and unfazed by the “Many Men” emcee’s dry performance. Did you even want to be there, Mr. Jackson?

    Straight From The Root

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