Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMariah Carey had just finished “Auld Lang Syne” on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve when the track for “Emotions” began. She tried to continue, then stopped and said, “We can’t hear.” As the backing track carried on, she walked across the stage and addressed the audience. It became one of the show’s most notorious live-TV mishaps—but “worst ever” is a judgment, not an established all-time ranking.
What happened during Mariah Carey’s 2016 performance?
Carey’s appearance aired on December 31, 2016, as part of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest. After “Auld Lang Syne,” she began “Emotions,” but the performance quickly went off course. Contemporary reporting said Carey asked her dancers to walk her down the stairs, told the audience that they could not hear, and explained that some vocals were missing. She moved around the stage and spoke to the crowd while the backing track continued. The Washington Post’s January 1, 2017 account detailed the sequence.
During “We Belong Together,” Carey pulled the microphone away while a vocal continued on the recording. Coverage described the moment as apparent lip-syncing. The visible mismatch between the live performance and the continuing track helped make the broadcast a viral talking point.
Why did the performance go wrong?
The accounts of the technical problem conflict, and the available reporting does not establish an independent technical finding or prove who was responsible.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Carey’s representative: attributed the difficulties to a production issue and a malfunctioning earpiece. The Washington Post reported that the representative said Carey had alerted stage managers and producers before she went onstage.
- Dick Clark Productions: said its initial investigation found that it had “no involvement in the challenges associated with Ms. Carey’s New Year’s Eve performance.” The company also said, “We want to be clear that we have the utmost respect for Ms. Carey as an artist and acknowledge her tremendous accomplishments in the industry.” Both statements were reported by The Washington Post on January 1, 2017.
Carey later tweeted, “S— happens,” as reported in the same article. That brief reaction did not explain the technical failure.
Why do people call it the “worst” performance?
The broadcast was awkward, widely mocked and heavily covered. TheWrap recounted the online reaction and reported that Carey could not hear herself or the on-stage monitors; the Los Angeles Times likewise described a performance troubled by technical difficulties and noted the reaction online. Together, the reports support calling it notorious, but they do not compare every performance in the show’s history or establish a measurable “worst ever” ranking.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Social-media backlash is not unique evidence of an all-time low. In 2014, Idina Menzel drew online criticism after stumbling over a high note while performing “Let It Go” on the program, along with defenses from fans, as TIME reported. Online reactions show how a televised moment landed with viewers; they do not settle an objective ranking.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the incident fit into the show’s history?
New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 1973 debuted on December 31, 1972, and the program went on to become a long-running television tradition. The Television Academy’s historical overview says the show had spent 50 years on ABC and reports that 29 million viewers tuned in at midnight in 2025. That 2025 figure describes a later broadcast, not Carey’s 2016 audience.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Carey’s performance stands out in the show’s public memory because the failure unfolded live, was difficult to conceal, and produced a stark contrast between the continuing track and what viewers saw onstage. That makes it a defensible candidate for a viewer’s personal “worst”; the available reporting does not make it a verified champion across the program’s history.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
