PinkPantheress demonstrated a surprising breadth of pop culture knowledge during a recent appearance on the BBC game show The Weakest Link, correctly identifying both a Harry Styles song title and a Lady Gaga tour. The singer, whose real name is not publicly available, navigated the quiz show alongside a diverse panel of celebrities, proving she’s more than just a chart-topping musician.
The appearance, which aired on , saw PinkPantheress correctly answer that Harry Styles’ track is titled “Music For A Sushi Restaurant,” distinguishing it from a fictional “Music For A Greasy Spoon.” She also accurately identified Lady Gaga as the artist behind the “Mayhem Ball” tour. These moments, quickly circulating on social media, showcased a playful side of the artist and a familiarity with fellow pop stars.
While she excelled in some areas, PinkPantheress stumbled on a question about Shakespeare, playfully suggesting that The Merry Wives of Windsor was actually The Merry Wives Of Chaka Khan – a reference to the iconic soul singer RuPaul frequently mentions. Despite this humorous misstep, she advanced to the final three contestants, ultimately finishing behind comedian Harriet Kemsley and podcaster Hilary Gish Whitehall, Jack Whitehall’s mother.
PinkPantheress’s success in 2025 has been remarkable. Her track “Illegal,” sampling Underworld, was named NME‘s song of the year, lauded for its “winking storytelling smarts, artful sampling, cheeky culture-defining quips, and dance floor-filling beats.” The song’s success was partially attributed to its popularity on TikTok, a platform the artist herself acknowledged as a key driver of its resonance. “I don’t know if it’s anything too deep, other than having a TikTok trend for it helped and also the sample is quite timeless,” she told NME.
The song’s impact extends beyond streaming numbers and critical acclaim. “Illegal” received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording, though it ultimately lost to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.” Despite this, PinkPantheress continues to garner recognition within the industry, currently holding nominations for Artist of the Year and Best Dance Act at the upcoming BRIT Awards.
The artist’s rise has been swift. Her second mixtape, ‘Fancy That,’ released in May 2025, cemented her position as a rising star. The album’s success is built on a distinctive approach to song length, with PinkPantheress deliberately crafting tracks under three minutes. This stylistic choice, initially noted by NME, hasn’t hindered her ability to create impactful and memorable music.
Beyond the studio, PinkPantheress is set to embark on a busy festival season this summer. She’s scheduled to perform at All Points East alongside Lorde, and will also take the stage at Open’er in Poland. These appearances will provide further opportunities to connect with fans and showcase her music to wider audiences.
The Weakest Link appearance, while seemingly a lighthearted diversion, underscores PinkPantheress’s growing profile and her ability to connect with audiences beyond her musical output. It’s a reminder that today’s pop stars are often multi-faceted personalities, capable of navigating both the creative demands of their art and the playful challenges of a televised quiz show. Her knowledge of pop culture, combined with her musical talent, positions her as a compelling figure in the contemporary music landscape.
For UK viewers interested in watching the full episode, it is currently available on the BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002r7qn/the-weakest-link-series-5-episode-11?seriesId=unsliced&page=1
