A joke made at the expense of Ariana DeBose’s singing skills has drawn criticism and backlash after the Critics Choice Awards. While presenting the Best Song category, actress Bella Ramsey contrasted musicians like Billie Eilish against “actors who also think that they are singers.” Ramsey then named DeBose, along with Ryan Gosling and Jack Black, as examples of actors in the latter group. 

Did the Joke Undermine Ariana DeBose’s Musical Talents?

Ariana DeBose
Ariana DeBose

The joke immediately drew confusion and furrowed brows from Ariana DeBose’s herself. And angry fans soon called out Bella Ramsey and the awards show writers online.

Many viewers felt Ramsey’s joke came across as an unnecessary dig at DeBose’s singing abilities. As an esteemed triple-threat performer on Broadway and in films like West Side Story, DeBose is widely celebrated for her vocal talents. Here are some fan reactions : 

 

 

The camera cuts to DeBose looking legitimately puzzled amidst audience laughter. The actress later stated on Instagram that she “didn’t find it funny” herself.

DeBose was on hand as a Best Song nominee for her work in the animated movie Wish. So some felt singling her out as just an “actor who thinks they can sing” failed to acknowledge her actual musical pedigree.

Also Read: “These people should shut the f*ck up”: Jamie Lee Curtis Defends Ariana DeBose’s Viral BAFTAs Performance after Intense Fan Backlash Labeled it as ‘Peak Cringe’

Did Bella Ramsey Go Too Far With Her Presenter Banter?

The Last of Us
Storm Reid and Bella Ramsey in The Last of Us

While presenter banter often involves light roasting, many viewers believe Ramsey’s dig at DeBose’s vocal abilities crossed the line. DeBose has spoken about imposter syndrome and pressure as an Afro-Latina woman making her mark in Hollywood. So jokes questioning her hard-won credentials in the arts struck a nerve.

However, some have noted that Ramsey was likely just reading the teleprompter and that the blame lies more with the writers. Regardless, the attempt at humor clearly backfired. Ramsey herself has yet to address the controversy or publicly apologize.

For many, the singling out of DeBose as an “actor who thinks they can sing” ties into larger issues of representation and who “belongs” in Hollywood.

Ariana DeBose
Ariana DeBose

While unintentional, Ramsey’s presentation quip touched on themes of imposter syndrome, credibility policing, and women of color having to constantly prove their worth in the industry.

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DeBose laughed off the joke at the moment. But her Instagram response affirmed that she found the gaffe both unfunny and unnecessary. Here’s hoping all involved can learn and grow from this misguided attempt at humor. Because DeBose’s singing credentials speak loudly for themselves.

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