2GB host Ben Fordham’s awkward live segment with Sting on air

2GB’s Ben Fordham has had an awkward exchange with Sting on air – but the iconic musician was gracious about it, for one reason.

2GB host Ben Fordham had an awkward exchange with iconic musician Sting during an on-air interview on Thursday.

The radio host played his “embarrassing” rendition of The Police’s 1978 classic Roxanne, which encouraged people to get vaccinated and asked the Grammy award-winner to rate his off-key vocals.

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2GB host Ben Fordham in his Pyrmont studio. Picture: John Feder/The Australian.

Iconic singer Sting was put on the spot and asked to rate Fordham’s off-key rendition of Roxanne out of 10.

“Ok let me explain myself. When we were trying to encourage people in Australia to go and get the jab, to get vaccinated, we thought on our radio show; ‘Maybe we need to come up with a song that would encourage people?’ Andd we thought, ‘Well everyone knows Roxanne. What if you change the word Roxanne to vaccine?’ Are you ready for this?” Fordham said adding, “Ok this is embarrassing.”

After playing the cringe-worthy recording, Fordham, 45, asked the 70-year-old singer, born Gordon Sumner, to score him out of 10.

“I’ll give you a wh... A whole 10,” he stammered.

He politely added, “I’m always happy when the song has a utility beyond just amusement. That’s a useful message so thank you.”

Fordham then made a joke about royalties.

“Did you receive the royalties because when we ripped off that song, we did send you a big check. I presume it arrived?” he laughed.

Sting replied, “I presume it’s in the post ‘cause I’m waiting.”