In the world of glitz and glamour, the year 2024 has been an eventful one filled with unexpected flops and failures from well-known celebrities. Despite their wealth and recognition, public figures often find themselves embroiled in mishaps that entertain and intrigue fans. The light-hearted look at some of these blunders truly reveals that fame does not shield one from missteps. Here’s a recap of 15 notable celebrity flops of 2024.
Katy Perry, a pop icon known for her vibrant performances, faced backlash over her latest album, “143.” Critics claimed the album felt outdated and lacked artistic evolution. The accompanying music video for her single “Woman’s World” was deemed regressive for featuring dancers in scanty outfits on an industrial site, despite Perry claiming the intent was satirical. Further irony unfolded as she attracted the ire of Spanish authorities after filming a video in ecologically sensitive sand dunes in the Balearic Islands. Nevertheless, her fans emerged in her defense, and her concert tour following the album’s release became a commercial success.
The sequel to the comedic yet dark “Joker,” titled “Joker: Folie à Deux,” was another major disappointment. While the original film made significant box-office waves, with earnings surpassing $1 billion, the follow-up struggled to replicate that success. This musical twist alienated many fans, resulting in muted audience enthusiasm and ultimately underwhelming box office returns, which barely covered production costs. In a year rife with film flops, the likes of “Madame Web” and “The Fall Guy” joined Joker on this unfortunate tally.
Another controversial topic arose when Ticketmaster utilized “dynamic pricing” during the UK Oasis reunion tour. Prices skyrocketed up to £350, drawing ire for capitalizing on fans’ high demand. This poorly received strategy prompted the Gallagher brothers to distance themselves from it. The outcry led to the abolishment of this pricing method for the US tour and ultimately resulted in the frustration of many fans who had purchased overpriced tickets through secondary markets.
Amidst the entertainments of political events, 2024 was also marred by a cringe-worthy situation: a surprise birthday party announcement was made live on television. BBC weather presenter Kawser Quamer inadvertently spoiled her niece’s surprise when she discussed attending the party during her broadcast. Although ratings soared and the incident even made it to Jimmy Kimmel Live, Quamer cleverly managed to turn it around by convincing her niece that discussions referred to a different relative’s gathering.
The Netflix drama “Kaos” starring Jeff Goldblum met an unfortunate end after its initial series was deemed unsuccessful, culminating in its cancellation. Streaming platforms are notorious for acting swiftly on viewership metrics, and despite fan campaigns for its renewal, “Kaos” was not spared from the chop.
In Manchester, the Co-op Live Arena finally opened it’s doors, although not without significant delays and ongoing technical issues, including a ventilation mishap. Scheduled concerts, including performances by Olivia Rodrigo and Peter Kay, were canceled, raising public eyebrows about the venue’s readiness. They ultimately debuted successfully with a concert by rock band Elbow, but the challenges faced prior were notable.
Political mishaps were also in the spotlight as President Joe Biden’s poor debate performance in June ultimately led to his withdrawal from the presidential race, culminating in Kamala Harris being elected as the Democratic candidate. Struggling to keep pace with Donald Trump and suffering from visible mental fatigue during the debate undercut his campaign momentum.
The Olympic opening ceremony held in Paris was met with disappointment, as adverse weather conditions sabotaged what was intended to be a grand spectacle. Celine Dion’s performance could not mask the reality that rain dampened the occasion, leaving spectators feeling distraught due to its disorganized flow. Additionally, an artistic choice depicting drag queens led to public upset, highlighting the challenges event creators when attempting to blend tradition with modern expression.
Meanwhile, a disastrous “Bridgerton” themed ball in Detroit fell flat when attendees found the décor subpar and entertainment lacking, receiving apologies from the event organizers for organizational challenges.
The Eurovision Song Contest also struggled, plagued with controversies and security issues that marred the event, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for performers and attendees alike. Disqualifications, technical blunders, and a dismal 18th-place finish for the UK included the final straw for a troubled event.
Broadcasting gaffes added to the chaotic mix of 2024’s downfalls, with notable incidents involving Laura Kuenssberg and her premature sharing of notes with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, alongside unorthodox interview setups that raised eyebrows and led to complaints.
Capping off curiosity and charm was a stage invasion during “Oppenheimer’s” BAFTA win. The security lapse showcasing a YouTuber infiltrating the ceremony and behaving inconspicuously behind director Christopher Nolan became a talking point, pushing the organization to revise its security protocols.
In the realm of live performances
