LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Broadway star Ariana DeBose has expressed her displeasure at a joke made during the Critics Choice Awards. The joke referred to a group of “actors who also think that they are singers,” which included DeBose. Taking to Instagram Stories, DeBose made it clear that she did not find the joke funny.
The joke was made during the award ceremony as presenters Bella Ramsey and Anthony Ramos announced the category for Best Song. Ramsey mentioned that the songs nominated were “delivered by some of the most famous voices in the music industry,” and then Ramos listed some well-known singers. It was during this moment that the joke lumping DeBose with actors Jack Black and Ryan Gosling was read aloud.
DeBose, who is not only an actress but also a singer, did not take kindly to being grouped with those who “think they are singers.” She won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in the 2021 musical film adaptation of West Side Story.
In addition to West Side Story, DeBose has participated in Broadway musicals such as Bring It On, Motown: The Musical, Pippin, and Hamilton. She also received a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Donna Summer in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
At this year’s Critics Choice Awards, DeBose was nominated in the Best Song category for her performance of “This Wish” in the Disney animated film Wish.
DeBose’s reaction to the joke highlights the misconceptions and challenges that actors who also have singing talents sometimes face. It serves as a reminder that being a multi-talented performer does not make one any less deserving or skilled in their craft.
The incident at the Critics Choice Awards sparks a conversation about the entertainment industry’s tendency to categorize individuals and the expectations that come with those labels. It sheds light on the need to recognize and appreciate the diverse talents and capabilities of artists, regardless of their primary area of expertise.
DeBose’s reaction has garnered support from her fans and fellow artists, who commend her for speaking out against the joke. It serves as a reminder that artists deserve respect and recognition for their multifaceted abilities, whether they excel in acting, singing, or both.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and embrace a more inclusive and diverse landscape, incidents like this serve as reminders of the progress still needed in challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers for all performers.