There is no single comprehensive list of “downfalls” for music entertainers in 2025. However, several notable unfortunate events, including deaths, health issues, and career setbacks, occurred within the year.
Career setbacks and controversy
- Viral scandal for a CEO at a Coldplay concert: At a Coldplay concert in July 2025, an executive from the company Astronomer was caught on a “kiss-cam” with her married CEO. The viral video led to public speculation about an affair, ultimately causing both to resign from their positions. Her husband has stated they were already separated, but the public controversy was significant.
- Ed Sheeran’s single flop: Despite high expectations, Ed Sheeran’s single “Old Phone,” released in May 2025 from his album Play, failed to gain traction and performed poorly on the charts compared to his previous work.
- Drake vs. Universal Music Group: Following his feud with Kendrick Lamar in 2024, Drake expanded his lawsuit against Universal Music Group in 2025. He accused the label of conspiring to promote Lamar’s music and claimed Lamar’s Super Bowl performance of the track further defamed him.
- Jelly Roll’s CMA snub: Despite strong recent success, country-rap artist Jelly Roll was notably snubbed for the Entertainer of the Year award at the 2025 CMA Awards. Some analysts suggested this was due to his crossover appeal and his blending of hip-hop and rock, which may have led the CMAs to make a statement about how they categorize such artists.
- Festival cancellations: Several independent music festivals, such as the Black Deer Festival and WinterWonderGrass California, were forced to cancel their 2025 events due to immense financial challenges. This reflects broader industry problems with rising production costs and stagnant ticket sales.
Health scares
- Mikkey Dee’s hospitalization: The Scorpions’ drummer, Mikkey Dee, was hospitalized early in 2025, forcing the band to postpone their Las Vegas residency.
Deaths in the music community
A number of musicians passed away in 2025:
- Rapper Unk died in January at the age of 43.
- Singer-songwriter Roberta Flack passed away in February due to complications from ALS.
- David Johansen of the New York Dolls died from cancer in February.
- Singer-songwriter Marianne Faithfull died in January.
- Legendary vibraphonist Roy Ayers passed away in March.
- D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné! died from bladder cancer in March.
- Angie Stone, the hip-hop and soul singer, was killed in a car accident in March.
- Ozzy Osbourne died in July and was honored with a tribute at the VMAs.