Capital FM has unveiled the star-studded line-up for this year’s Summertime Ball, featuring names like Benson Boone, Busted VS McFly, and Rita Ora. But the event’s two main headliners have left some fans underwhelmed.
The day-long musical extravaganza will be hosted by Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby, with music royalty Mariah Carey and Will Smith topping the bill.
The spectacular show is set to light up London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday, June 15, featuring a roster of talent including KSI, Lola Young, Zara Larson, Reneé Rapp, and Jessie J.
Despite the array of talent, social media users have been left divided over the choice of headliners. Lauren, a TikTok user, captured her disappointment in a video showing her live reaction to the news.
Lauren’s video, captioned: “When Capital said to film your reaction to the stb headliner,” shows her brimming with excitement, only for her expression to fall as Will Smith is announced. Her dismay is palpable as she listens to the rest of the line-up announcement.
In her video’s caption, the 22-year-old lamented: “I was expecting more… where is Gracie and Sabrina and Ed Sheeran,” echoing the sentiments of many fans hoping for different headline acts.
Lauren wasn’t the only one left underwhelmed by the headliners. When Capital broke the news, social media was abuzz with reactions, some labelling it ‘the worst’ lineup ever.
“I think this is the worst Capital Summertime Ball lineup I’ve ever seen it would be the year when I was thinking of going again,” lamented one user on X.
“Capital’s summertime ball headliners are Mariah Carey and Will Smith?????” tweeted another, accompanied by a gif of a confused man.
Yet, a third fan jumped to the event’s defence, commenting: “It is actually wild seeing literal tasteless children in the replies to Capital FM complaining about the Summertime Ball line-up, because it isn’t full of one hit dance artists.
“Mariah Carey, Will Smith, JADE, Busted, McFly, Jessie J… literally COUNTLESS hits between them! ! !” they added.
Chiming in, someone else posted: “If I see one more 12 year old say ‘why Mariah Carey she’s only known for a Christmas song'” followed by a facepalm emoji.
“summertime ball lineup is 10/10 this year,” enthused a user, while another shared: “Summertime Ball tickets secured, possibly the best lineup i’ve seen for a hot minute #CapitalFM.
“summertime ball lineup actually being good for once,” another agreed.
Conversely, a user countered: “Counter point: it’s a brand that’s meant to appeal to younger audiences and Mariah and Will Smith don’t appeal to that demographic.”
The Express has reached out to Capital for a comment.