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Top 10 Shocking Music Industry Moments Of The Century (So Far)

Top 10 Shocking Music Industry Moments Of The Century (So Far)
VOICE OVER: Ryan Wild
Music can be wild, and the 21st century has proven that beyond doubt. From shocking performances to tragic incidents, we're diving into the most jaw-dropping moments that rocked the music industry and captured global attention. Our countdown includes controversial incidents involving Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Britney Spears, and more shocking events that left the world stunned and talking! Which of these moments did you find the most shocking? Share in the comments.
Top 10 Shocking Music Industry Moments Of the Century (So Far)

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the moments in the world of music, from the year 2000 onward, that got everyone talking.

#10: Fyre Festival Fallout

2017
Have you ever heard the old saying, “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is?” That’s likely what attendees of the ill-fated Fyre Festival might caution after being virtually abandoned on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma at the end of April. Coordinated by businessman Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule, the lavish music festival was intended to promote McFarland’s “Fyre” talent booking app. The festival’s founders promised VIP accommodations, world-class music (like Blink-182, Pusha T, and Major Lazer), and an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. What did attendees get instead? Tents, a single local group playing for a few hours, and cheese sandwiches in styrofoam containers. McFarland was charged with wire fraud, and served over three years in federal prison.

#9: Britney Spears’ Conservatorship

2008-21
Spears, one of the most popular and influential musicians of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, found her career dogged by excessive media attention and public scrutiny. The singer suffered from a mental health crisis in the mid-2000s, which was — rather predictably — widely publicized. When Spears was put on involuntary psychiatric hold in 2008 as a result, her father Jamie had her placed in what was supposed to be a temporary conservatorship. As music fans know all too well, the conservatorship stretched on until 2021, following two years of tireless activism and advocacy by Britney’s supporters.

#8: Astroworld Festival Tragedy

2021
Founded by rapper and Houston native Travis Scott in 2018, the Astroworld Festival was intended to evoke feelings of nostalgia, freedom, and fun — even built near the site of the defunct Six Flags AstroWorld location. Cancelled in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Astroworld returned in 2021, but it would hardly be a heroic homecoming. Instead, its 2021 edition spiraled into a logistical nightmare, with fans surging the event’s barricades and thus overwhelming the festival’s intended capacity. Almost as soon as Scott began performing, a deadly crowd crush ensued, causing 10 deaths and 25 hospitalizations. Although a grand jury declined to criminally charge the rapper, any future editions of the festival were quickly scuttled.


#7: Miley Cyrus & Robin Thicke At the VMAs

2013
There comes a time in every young pop star’s life when they must shed their teenybopper image and embrace a more mature, “adult” persona. The former Hannah Montana herself clearly took this challenge seriously, using the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards as a springboard for her ambitious new era. What ensued was something the Disney Channel would surely take issue with. Taking the stage with R&B singer Robin Thicke, the duo performed a raunchy medley of “We Can’t Stop” and “Blurred Lines”... which was roundly panned by viewers, critics, and everyone in between. Although Cyrus was able to recover and regain her career momentum, Thicke’s reputation took a serious, lasting hit, especially when coupled with other scandals and controversies.


#6: Chris Brown Attacks Rihanna

2009
R&B singer Brown had what was arguably the most promising career of any young musician in the mid-2000s. A highly talented singer and dancer, Brown’s track to a bright future in the music industry came to a screeching halt on February 8, 2009. For context, Brown was dating fellow singer Rihanna, and the two constituted a notable power couple. On that fateful February night, Brown and Rihanna reportedly got into an argument that escalated and unfortunately resulted in her hospitalization. Turning himself in to the Los Angeles Police Department that same evening, Brown pled guilty to felony assault, avoiding prison time by accepting a plea deal that placed a restraining order on him by Rihanna.

#5: R. Kelly Indicted

2019
The #MeToo movement ushered in a new era in the film industry, exposing decades of reprehensible conduct by people in power. However, its ripple effects were felt across countless other industries — and music was no exception. Soul and R&B legend Kelly had long been the subject of assault and abuse allegations, stretching back as far as 1991. However, the saga escalated dramatically upon the release of “Surviving R. Kelly,” which aired on Lifetime from 2019 to 2023. The docuseries’ heinous revelations finally blew Kelly’s case wide open, attracting widespread attention and calls for Kelly to face justice for his actions. These were answered when the singer was formally charged with racketeering and trafficking, promptly ending his decades-long career.

#4: Kanye West Interrupts Taylor Swift

2009
Possibly one of the wildest moments ever captured on live television, this viral moment captured the Internet’s imagination and spawned thousands upon thousands of memes. For the uninitiated: country-pop star Taylor Swift (maybe you’ve heard of her?) won the Best Female Video award at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards for the ubiquitous hit “You Belong with Me.” Before anyone knew what was happening, eternal provocateur West bum-rushed the stage and cut Swift’s speech short. The rapper expressed his outrage that Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” video hadn’t won the award. The ensuing public backlash was so intense that West was forced to apologize for it multiple times, which makes sense considering President Barack Obama’s reaction.


#3: Phil Spector Takes Lana Clarkson’s Life

2003
Even if you don’t know the name “Phil Spector” offhand, chances are you’re familiar with the venerated record producer’s output. Spector was famous for his “Wall of Sound” technique, which added orchestral pomp and bombast to pop and rock records, including those by the Ronettes, Ike & Tina Turner, and a little group called the Beatles. The music legend’s long and respected career crashed and burned following the revelation that he was responsible for shooting actress Lana Clarkson at his mansion. Spector was eventually found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 19 years to life, eventually dying in 2021 of complications related to COVID-19.

#2: Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake At the Super Bowl

2004
Remember when we said that Kanye and Taylor was one of the wildest live television moments ever? We think it’s fair to say that Janet and Justin at the Super Bowl probably tops it. Jackson, who was the event’s scheduled halftime act, performed a medley of her hits before surprise guest Timberlake joined her onstage. In a move that shocked everyone, but probably Jackson herself most of all, a botched move by Timberlake revealed Jackson’s right breast to the audience. The resulting media frenzy found Jackson inexplicably punished and blacklisted by the music industry, while Timberlake got off scot-free. At least, at the time — social media backlash in the 2020s found him apologizing to both Jackson and his ex Britney Spears.

#1: Michael Jackson’s Death

2009
Do you remember where you were when you found out that the King of Pop had died? June 25, 2009 marked one of the most significant days in the history of music. Jackson, who had reportedly suffered from mental health issues and substance use disorder for years, was found unresponsive by Conrad Murray, his personal physician, at the singer’s Holmby Hills residence. Jackson’s sudden death came as a heartbreaking shock to music fans around the world, who paid tribute to the fallen musician. Murray was found to be personally responsible for Jackson’s death due to the multiple medications prescribed to him, and was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011, before being released in 2013.

Which moment on our list shocked you the most? Are there any 21st century moments that we missed? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

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