RHOP’s Ashley Darby butchers “Killing Me Softly” on live TV [VIDEO]

Ashley Darby’s Performance on Fox 5 Goes Viral For All The Wrong Reasons

Ashley Darby, one of the most recognizable faces from The Real Housewives of Potomac, is no stranger to putting herself out there. But this time, it wasn’t drama with the girls, a wellness event, or her personal life making headlines — it was her voice. Darby’s recent performance of Roberta Flack’s classic “Killing Me Softly” on Fox 5 DC has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, leaving social media in stitches and sparking a fierce conversation online about pitch, confidence, and cringe.

The reality star-turned-singer took the mic on live television in Washington, D.C., showcasing what many assumed would be a tribute to the legendary Flack, who recently passed away in February 2025. Unfortunately, what began as a bold artistic moment quickly unraveled into an off-key, rhythm-challenged performance that viewers couldn’t ignore — or unhear.

A Classic Song with Grammy-Winning Legacy

To understand the weight of this moment, it’s important to remember the significance of “Killing Me Softly.” Originally composed by Charles Fox with lyrics by Norman Gimbel in collaboration with Lori Lieberman, the song became iconic thanks to Roberta Flack’s 1973 rendition. Her version topped the Billboard Hot 100, earned her two Grammys. Also, it cemented her as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. In 1996, the Fugees’ Lauryn Hill-led cover became a global hit. Therefore, further pushing the song into pop culture canon. As a result, Flack’s version is THE version of the song.

This is a song with history. A song that demands nuance, control, and vocal excellence. Darby’s version — to put it gently — did not meet those marks. However, her version has made history.

Ashley Darby’s Attempt Falls Flat

Darby, who has previously dabbled in music with her 2018 single “Coffee and Love” and performed “Healing and Thriving” live at GnA events, gave the impression that she was taking her musical pursuits more seriously. But Thursday’s televised performance had even her most loyal fans doing double takes.

From the moment she opened her mouth, viewers noted that her pitch was inconsistent and her sense of rhythm seemed to lag behind the track. Though she tried to power through the verses and chorus of the emotional ballad, the result was a vocal display many have since labeled as “tone-deaf,” “chaotic,” and “painfully flat.”

Twitter Users React: “Every Key But the Right One”

As expected, social media erupted. One viral tweet joked, “I need her to befriend a locksmith because she possess every key besides the correct one at all times.” Another quipped, “Your voice is killing me,” a tongue-in-cheek jab referencing the song’s title.

Even musicians weighed in. One user noted, “Okay here’s the thing — as a musician she’s in KEY… the same way J.Lo is in key, if that makes sense?” A deeper conversation emerged about musicality, pitch perception, and the delicate balance between performing with confidence and executing with precision.

Still, most reactions leaned into humor:

• “Everything being a tad off and her inability to catch the rhythm is stressing me out rn.”
• “Sauna suit on the keys during daytime TV is a case idc.”
• “LOUD PACK.”
• “Ashley Darby said key? I’ve never met her.”

The performance quickly became a trending topic, and videos of the moment have been clipped, remixed, and memeified across TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Who is Ashley Darby?

For those unfamiliar, Ashley Darby rose to fame after winning Miss District of Columbia in 2011. Her beauty pageant background helped her land a starring role on The Real Housewives of Potomac when the series premiered in 2016. Over the years, fans have followed her journey through marriage, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and now — her foray into music.

Darby was previously married to Australian restaurateur Michael Darby. The couple shares two sons and officially separated in 2022 and divorced earlier this year. Her current storyline on RHOP involves navigating life as a single mom, co-managing GnA events, and re-entering the dating pool — all while still exploring her passion for singing.

Did the Song Choice Doom Her?

It’s fair to say that taking on “Killing Me Softly” was an ambitious choice. This isn’t your typical pop track — it’s a vocally challenging, emotionally charged ballad known for its subtlety and depth. Between the legendary legacy of Roberta Flack and the Fugees’ iconic cover, expectations were sky-high.

Whether Darby was aware of how demanding the song truly is remains unclear. But attempting to sing such a beloved track on live television, without studio support or auto-tune, is a risky move for even seasoned vocalists. Unfortunately, it didn’t land — and the internet had jokes ready.

Where She Goes From Here

Despite the roasting online, Darby has shown resilience in the past. She’s no stranger to criticism, both in her personal life and her professional endeavors. In fact, her openness about postpartum depression and single motherhood has earned her both empathy and praise.

It remains to be seen whether she’ll respond to the backlash. Some fans are hoping she’ll take the critiques in stride and use them as motivation to sharpen her skills. Others simply want her to lean back into the reality TV drama they know and love.

Regardless of the path she chooses, one thing is clear: Ashley Darby’s name is trending again, and the internet won’t soon forget her rendition of “Killing Me Softly.”

A Lesson in Live Performances

This incident isn’t just about Darby — it’s a reminder of the high stakes of live TV. In a world where everything can be screen recorded, clipped, and posted within seconds, every note matters. Every performance is preserved forever.

For Darby, this may have been just another promotional stop. For viewers, it became one of the most unintentionally viral musical moments of 2025. Of course, all fans need to buckle up. After all, it’s not even halfway the year yet. There’s a lot more that can transpire. However, for now, Ashley has the leading moment.

So what’s the takeaway? Practice makes perfect. And maybe — just maybe — next time, choose a song with fewer vocal landmines.