Bret Baier, Fox News anchor and seasoned journalist, is no stranger to controversy—but no one could have predicted the viral disaster that unfolded at a recent Fox News-sponsored event. In an attempt to show off a fun, more carefree side of himself, Baier grabbed the mic and launched into a performance of the iconic hip-hop track “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang. What followed was nothing short of a cringe-worthy moment, leaving viewers and audience members alike in uncomfortable silence.

As soon as the music dropped, Baier’s attempt to rap quickly spiraled out of control. Stumbling over lyrics, missing the beat, and completely failing to grasp the flow of the song, the usually composed anchor revealed a side of him that had people scrambling to hit “skip.” Instead of the lighthearted moment he likely envisioned, Baier’s performance has left the internet in hysterics—and not for the right reasons.

The Awkward Performance:

Baier, known for his political commentary and poised presence on air, seemed to think this impromptu rap would be a fun way to lighten the mood. But instead of impressing the crowd, the whole performance turned into a disaster. He was all over the place, missing crucial lyrics, and turning a fun throwback anthem into an absolute trainwreck. Even more perplexing, Baier switched up the iconic lines to mention his own show, a move that felt entirely forced and out of place in the middle of the legendary track.

Audience members, initially unsure of what was happening, slowly started looking around at one another in disbelief. Some attempted to play it cool, but you could see the discomfort in their faces. Meanwhile, the awkward silence that followed his failed rap attempt was only amplified by the awkwardness that filled the air.

The Backlash:

Once the video of Baier’s impromptu rap performance hit social media, the floodgates opened. X (formerly Twitter) was ablaze with reactions—mostly mocking. “Brother has all the flow of a clogged porta potty,” one user wrote, while another quipped, “@BretBaier needs to issue an immediate apology to @TheRealSHG for that abomination.”

For some, it was a moment of pure comedic gold. Others, however, were not so kind. The backlash was swift and brutal, with many wondering why such a respected news anchor would try something so… uncharacteristic.

The Unexpected Support:

While the majority of responses focused on Baier’s lack of rhythm and timing, there was a surprising amount of support from a small group of fans. “I don’t care if I’m showing my age… I absolutely love this,” one person tweeted, adding that they appreciated Baier’s effort, regardless of how awkward it was. Another fan remarked, “Thrilled to see Bret in his element! He can sometimes seem a bit reserved, so it’s refreshing and exciting to witness this lively, engaging side of him.”

There’s no denying that Baier’s attempt at fun was a monumental fail, but for a select few, it was endearing—proof that even the most serious journalists can have a moment of carefree spontaneity.

The Dangerous Suggestion:

Perhaps the most shocking part of this viral disaster is the reaction it sparked in some fans, who suggested that Baier take this new persona to the next level. “@BretBaier should open every show like this,” one bold fan suggested, imagining Baier rapping the opening of Special Report instead of his usual news intro. While we all love a good surprise, this might be one Fox News anchor’s career change we hope doesn’t take off.

In the end, Bret Baier’s rap disaster may go down as one of the most awkwardly unforgettable moments in Fox News history, but hey, it’s not every day that you see a seasoned journalist attempt to break into the hip-hop game. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that even the most polished professionals can sometimes miss the mark in the name of fun.

Stay tuned for the next unmissable moment—just, maybe not another rap attempt from Baier.