‘Iconic Queen’: Fans hail Adele as she gets candid about her annoyed look in 2022 viral NBA meme

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Adele finally lifted the curtain on the backstory of one of 2022's most talked about memes - her notoriously viral annoyed courtside photo taken at an NBA All Star Game, as per Daily Mail.

During a candid chat session with fans at her sold-out Las Vegas residency on Saturday night, February 17, the famously private British singer shed some light on what it's like being an unwilling celebrity caught by cameras without consent.

She also clarified that her seemingly different face in the instantly meme-ified photo was simply a result of her signature frown, not any cosmetic tweaking. As expected, the Internet was abuzz on hearing Adele's explanation of what led to her inadvertent NBA courtside photo shoot.

Adele gives some behind-the-scenes context to viral courtside meme

During her 'Weekends with Adele' Las Vegas residency, Adele gave some behind-the-scenes context to the viral courtside meme that swept the Internet back in 2022.

"I know it sounds crazy, but I really don't like being famous, right? So obviously, I know I'm sitting courtside at a basketball game, you're asking for it. Whatever," Adele told the audience during a chat session on Saturday night.

"But I was just there on my own, looking for Michael Jordan, to be honest with you."

It was then that a camera crew approached her, after which a meme-worthy still of a glum Adele was captured. She emphasized to the crew that she did not give consent to be filmed given she'd just cancelled her Vegas residency only weeks earlier.

"I really don't wanna be [on camera]," she recalled saying plainly. But despite Adele's refusal, the camera operators "came back and they filmed me" anyway.

Adele clarifies she hasn't undergone any cosmetic procedures

After the 2022 NBA All-Star Game photo went viral, fans began questioning if Adele had gotten facial work done.

The singer clarified that her seemingly different face was simply a result of her frowning into the camera.

"The reason my lips looked like I had filler...I have naturally big lips. I don't need them filled," Adele emphasized to some laughter.

"The reason I looked like a different person was because I was sulking. Because I was like, 'These motherf***ers have come back and are filming me against my will.'"

She went on to explain she had no idea the footage was being broadcast on live TV at the time.

"I just wanted to give some context. I was ignoring looking everywhere but in the camera. I was just very annoyed because I asked not to be filmed," she added. "But I guess I was asking it by going."

Adele did poke fun at her frowning face being prime meme material, joking, "Also my face is very memeable. I can't help it."

Internet praises Adele following her unfiltered narrative

Following Adele's unfiltered narrative, the Internet erupted with praises and admiration.

Fans took to social media to express their love and admiration for the singer's authenticity.

One X user exclaimed, "Iconic Queen." Another appreciated her humor, stating, "I love her. She’s so naturally funny."

A third user wrote, "She’s so real for that."

Another person said, "She is the moment."

A fifth user wrote, "And an iconic stan twitter meme was born from that day."

A sixth user wrote, "Wow, she is a queen after all."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.