In 2022, awards season was undeniably overshadowed by what’s become known as “The Slap” between Chris Rock and Will Smith. Thankfully, this year, things have been relatively calm throughout the ceremonies we’ve seen so far. While the physical violence has been at a minimum, the viral moments have still been steadily coming, from Ben Afflecks’ grim expressions at the Grammys to Ariana DeBose’s outlandish opening performance at the BAFTAs.
It’s since been clarified that the former reportedly knew he was trending on Twitter in midst of the show. Even with the internet poking fun at him, he continued to take in various legendary performances while wearing a pained expression beside his wife, Jennifer Lopez, who was obviously much happier to be in attendance. As for the latter, DeBose likely wasn’t expecting such a negative reaction to her song and dance last week.
Ariana’s Awkward BAFTAs Flop
During the BAFTAs last weekend, she sang a cover of Eurythmics’ “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” and Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family.” While she was crooning, DeBose took creative liberty by including a rap verse name-dropping all the female nominees at the event in London. As she spit bars about them, the starlet’s faces appeared across the screen, some of them obviously unimpressed with the singer’s antics.
“Angela Bassett did the thing / Viola Davis my Woman King / Blanchett Cate you’re a genius / Jamie Lee you are all of us,” the not-so-clever rhyme goes. As criticism poured in on social media from unhappy viewers, the North Carolina native shut it out by deleting her Twitter account. As Page Six notes, however, she has been seen double-tapping memes about her flop on Instagram, and even praising them in the comments.
Lizzo’s Amsterdam Fans Loved Her Recreation
Going viral online certainly isn’t easy, but when Lizzo recreates one of your most embarrassing moments, it’s safe to say you’ve made it. During a concert in Amsterdam on Thursday (February 23) night, the Special songstress had her audience in stitches when she sang some of DeBose’s lines. Surrounded by backup dancers, she encouraged the crowd to “shake it off” with a shimmy before singing, “Angela Bassett did the thing, shake it off.”
A TikToker captured the hilarious moment on camera and shared it on the app to give more Lizzo lovers a laugh. “I lost my voice but worth it [because] Angela Bassett did the thing,” they wrote in the caption. Do you think Ariana DeBose’s BAFTAs performance was embarrassing? Sound off in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news.
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