The Invictus Games Closing Ceremony appears to be shaping up as an underwhelming event, leaving many questioning the choice of performers and overall planning.
Despite assurances from Robin McVicker, COO of the Invictus Games, that the event will be "exciting," skepticism lingers. The announced lineup, featuring Bare N-ked Ladies, Jelly Roll, and the duo War and Treaty, has left many feeling underwhelmed.
Jelly Roll, often better recognized for his infamous connection to Prince Harry’s neck tattoo than for his musical talent, has been described by some as a performer of modest ability at best. While his chaotic energy might bring some entertainment, it raises eyebrows when the headline act seems more infamous than talented.
Next on the roster are the Bare N-ked Ladies, a Canadian band that enjoyed significant popularity in the 1990s. However, their inclusion has sparked questions about whether this is more about nostalgia than appeal to a broader audience. While some fans might appreciate their presence, others are likely to respond with polite applause—or a quick Google search to remember who they are.
War and Treaty rounds out the lineup, a duo whose talents may be commendable but whose profile remains low. Their lack of mainstream recognition underscores the general sentiment of disappointment surrounding the selection.
There are reports that Prince Harry had a hand in choosing the performers, though it seems plausible he aimed for bigger stars but received polite refusals. This once-monumental tribute to wounded service personnel now feels diminished, with an event headlined by lesser-known acts, which many feel fails to match the spirit and scale of the Invictus Games.
Adding to the intrigue, David Foster—often dubbed Harry's "second father" and a renowned music producer who has worked with global icons such as Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, and Céline Dion—has been conspicuously absent. Speculation abounds as to why Foster hasn’t stepped in to craft a more impressive lineup, leading some to wonder if he’s deliberately steering clear of the event.
Rumors of attempts to secure high-profile stars such as Beyoncé have circulated, but it seems budgetary constraints or a lack of star power on Harry’s part may have prevented such names from gracing the stage. With Jelly Roll and a ‘90s band as the highlight, the ceremony has been likened to a participation trophy rather than a grand celebration.
Michael Bublé, another high-profile Canadian artist, is also missing from the roster, further adding to the list of noticeable absences. One can only assume that performers of his caliber prefer corporate gigs or other high-profile events over an association with what some have called “Harry’s circus.”
Ticket sales reportedly face challenges, with whispers of efforts to fill seats artificially to avoid the embarrassment of empty rows. The lackluster lineup has many lamenting what could have been. Big names like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Céline Dion, or Justin Bieber might have transformed the closing ceremony into a truly memorable affair.
