University Challenge's Pop Music Round Was Bad News For Oriel College, Oxford

"Is it wrong how much I enjoy watching the University Challenge contestants squirm when Jeremy says 'a piece of popular music'?"

Monday’s edition of University Challenge had viewers glued to their screens with a particularly interesting set of contestants and a few major gaffes.

The show was a corker throughout, but nobody could quite tear themselves away from Oriel College, Oxford’s dramatic failure to name a single piece of popular music.

This will help you feel better about yourself when watching #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/67K4xfiyjU

— Tom Jarrett (@tomjrt) August 8, 2016

Oriel also failed to name who sang “Hey! Bo Diddley”. Here’s a hint if you’re playing along at home: It was Bo Diddley. Not Cole Porter, which prompted this reaction from Jeremy Paxman:

When Paxman lets you down gently 😂 #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/BOF7E4lEx6

— University Challenge (@UniversityChal) August 8, 2016

The people watching at home all jumped on Twitter at once to ridicule the supposedly clever Oxford students who failed at all hurdles when faced with a few simple pieces of pop culture.

I'm sorry I don't know pop music, I was born in 1712 #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/ebIc4eN18x

— Jamie O'Halleron (@ohallerjam) August 8, 2016

Loving watching the Oxford boys trying to work out the Clash. Like a dog seeing a washing machine for the first time #UniversityChallenge

— Batsfordio (@batsfordio) August 8, 2016

When the contestants on #UniversityChallenge fail to identify Bo Diddley, The Cure, The Clash AND George Michael pic.twitter.com/yD5qDBNpfP

— Megan Hunt (@_Megan_Hunt_) August 8, 2016

Shameful lack of pop music knowledge. What are these students doing with their time? Studying, probably. Shameful. #UniversityChallenge

— Duncan (@duncana_) August 8, 2016

You may be very clever, but if you don't recognise The Cure & The Clash something has gone horribly wrong in your life. #UniversityChallenge

— Tal (@iseemagpies) August 8, 2016

Is it wrong how much I enjoy watching the University Challenge contestants squirm when Jeremy says "a piece of popular music"? #0for3

— Djennifer J Macchia (@JennyJMacchia) August 8, 2016

what's the actual point of going to oxford if you can't identify faith by george micheal on the music round of university challenge

— lady macbeth (@lucymooring) August 8, 2016

I thought I fancied Helms from #UniversityChallenge but he didn't know who the Clash were so I doubt it would be love

— Carly Smallman (@carlysmallman) August 8, 2016

The boys were even faced with ridicule on their return to their College.

for anyone who watched #UniversityChallenge last night – this is now the sports notice board at Oriel pic.twitter.com/1EmoXeA0RJ

— ella (@ellegist) August 9, 2016

But other viewers were more concerned with the sheer amount of hair on the show.

Guys, you're missing the #UniversityChallenge heavy metal special pic.twitter.com/wLMcGMbgNu

— David Lewis (@davidclewis) August 8, 2016

University challenge or Prisoner of Azkaban? #UniversityChallenge #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/GBH2W7y8fU

— Evan Chrisp (@ChrispEvan) August 8, 2016

Ra ra Rasputin, Russia's greatest love machine #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/ZBlxEeQ2Bt

— Tim Downie (@TimDownie1) August 8, 2016

That curious moment you realise that Charles I and Mary, Queen of Scots appeared together on #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/tJUsSKuGgD

— Stephen (no V) (@reluctant_gent) August 8, 2016

The cleaners had to empty the hoover twice after tonight's #UniversityChallenge, last time there was that much hair Grateful Dead were on.

— Tony Schumacher (@tonyshoey) August 8, 2016

Before You Go

LOADINGERROR LOADING
Close

What's Hot