Alex Warren has admitted he feared his career was over after a technical failure disrupted his performance at the Grammy Awards.
The 25 year old singer encountered serious in ear monitor issues during the live broadcast, leaving him unable to hear himself properly on stage.
“I was really surprised” by the reaction
Speaking to People, Warren said he expected backlash following the performance but instead found support from those around him.
“I was really surprised by so many people coming up to me that day.”
He added that the pressure of the environment shaped his perception in the moment.
“I think when you’re in these settings, and there’s all these important people, you kind of just think … I walk into that room, and I think everyone hates me for some reason.”
Technical failure during live performance
Warren previously discussed the incident on the Call Her Daddy podcast, describing the experience as “horrifying” despite flawless rehearsals beforehand.
“To this day, I don’t know exactly what happened.”
He explained how the issue began moments before going live.
“They’re like, ’30 seconds,’ and I said, ‘I can’t hear anything. I can’t hear myself,’ and the guy’s like, ‘It’s live TV, 25 seconds,’ and I go, ‘Guys, something’s wrong’.”
“Something gets blasted into left ear, and right ear I hear nothing, and I go, ‘Guys, I can’t hear.’”
“There’s no mix” as audio issues escalate
As the performance continued, Warren said the audio became increasingly disorienting.
“I start singing, and all I’m hearing is what’s from the other room — like, a crowd mic is on or something.”
“Once I start getting into the hallway… I get the left ear blasting again… there’s no mix to it, so all I’m hearing is my voice super loud.”
He added that removing his earpiece only made matters worse.
“I get down to the steps, and then immediately I start hearing echoing on the right ear, so I take it out, and then that made it worse — stupidly.”
A moment that could have gone differently
Despite fearing the worst, Warren said the response from fans and industry figures was more understanding than expected, highlighting how unpredictable live television performances can be.
