A lighthearted look at the mishaps, blunders, and disappointments that kept us entertained in 2023.
Throughout the year, celebrities provide us with entertainment, sometimes unintentionally. In the midst of the often depressing news cycle, it’s refreshing to take a light-hearted look at some of the flops and fails that occurred in the cultural landscape of 2023. From a Match of the Day studio prank to the UK’s Eurovision disappointment, and even a failed attempt to recreate a supermoon, these mishaps offer a humorous and sometimes cringe-worthy glimpse into the world of entertainment.
Match of the Day studio chaos
In January, Gary Lineker found himself hosting the BBC sports show when the studio erupted with the sounds of an inappropriate ringtone. Pranksters had taped a phone to the back of the set and called it while the show was live on air. Although such behavior is not condoned, Lineker couldn’t help but find amusement in the situation.
The UK’s Eurovision placing
Despite having a brilliant entry with Mae Muller’s “I Wrote A Song,” the UK finished second to last in the Eurovision Song Contest. The disappointing outcome sparked theories about the running order’s impact on results. However, the overall success of the event in Liverpool overshadowed the UK’s placement.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
The latest Indiana Jones film, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” failed to meet expectations, grossing only $383 million worldwide. With a reported budget of $300 million, the film fell short of breaking even. This underperformance was not exclusive to Indiana Jones, as several other films, including “The Marvels” and “The Flash,” also failed to meet box office expectations.
Ariana DeBose’s Baftas rap
At the Bafta Film Awards, Ariana DeBose delivered a rap that celebrated the female nominees, capturing the attention of audiences. While some looked confused, others embraced the moment and danced along. DeBose’s rap became a viral sensation, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community.
Prince Harry’s book embargo
Despite tight security surrounding the release of Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare,” one bookshop in Spain put the Spanish version on sale early. The Sun seized the opportunity to translate and publish excerpts from the book, causing a frenzy among eager readers.
“Firstly, are you OK?”
Holly Willoughby’s return to ITV’s “This Morning” following Phillip Schofield’s departure and subsequent admission of an affair provided a memorable moment. Willoughby’s heartfelt address to the audience drew comparisons to a storyline in Apple TV’s “The Morning Show,” adding an element of art imitating life.
Lana Del Rey running late
Lana Del Rey’s tardiness at her Glastonbury performance resulted in her set being cut short due to curfew restrictions. Despite her pleas to perform “one more song,” Del Rey had to leave without finishing her set. She later apologized to fans at another show in Hyde Park.
Wild red carpet outfits
Celebrities such as Jared Leto, Shania Twain, and Sam Smith made bold fashion statements on various red carpets. From Leto’s Karl Lagerfeld’s cat-inspired ensemble to Twain’s Dalmatian-inspired look, these outfits captured the attention of the media and fans alike.
The Idol
HBO’s series “The Idol,” featuring Abel Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp, received negative reviews from critics, with one reviewer calling it “fatuously graphic” and “colossally gormless.” The lackluster response from audiences resulted in the series not being renewed for a second season.
The DIY supermoon
During a BBC News segment on the blue supermoon, presenter Maryam Moshiri attempted to recreate the phenomenon using her hands when the footage failed to appear. Her improvisation and subsequent viral moment added a touch of humor to the mishap.
The Ana de Armas legal case
Two fans of Ana de Armas attempted to sue a film company for false advertising when the actress was edited out of a movie despite appearing in the trailer. The case, which could have had significant implications for the film industry, was ultimately dismissed by a judge.
Weird objects given to pop stars
Pop stars like Pink and Taylor Swift received unusual gifts from fans, including a giant wheel of cheese and a fan’s dead mother’s ashes. While these incidents provided some lighthearted moments, more concerning incidents, such as stage invasions and injuries, prompted Taylor Swift to plead with fans to maintain boundaries.
Doja Cat’s cash grab
Doja Cat’s candid social media posts about her previous albums being “cash-grabs” and mocking her own fans sparked mixed reactions. While some fans were taken aback, others appreciated her honesty and relatability.
Riverdale? Never seen it
During a press interview, Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore admitted they had never watched the Netflix series “Riverdale,” despite working with Charles Melton on their latest film. The moment highlighted the humorous disconnect between actors and popular culture.
Twitter being renamed X
Twitter’s ongoing struggle to maintain its relevance led to a hypothetical scenario where people would refer to the platform as “X.” This amusing observation reflects the ever-changing landscape of social media and the challenges faced by established platforms.
Conclusion: From studio pranks to failed film franchises and unexpected red carpet moments, the cultural landscape of 2023 was filled with mishaps and surprises. These incidents provided moments of laughter, awkwardness, and reflection, reminding us that even in the world of entertainment, things don’t always go according to plan. As we look back on these flops and fails, we can appreciate the resilience and creativity of celebrities and the enduring power of entertainment to captivate and entertain us, even in the face of setbacks.
