The 20 best celebrity covers

Every few years, someone covers “Fast Car.” When Luke Combs decided to cover it, magic happened. The entire world became enamored with his version, and for good reason. Some might claim recency bias, but we’re certain Combs’ version will remain a classic for years. Watch Combs' performance with Tracy Chapman from the 2024 Grammys if you need convincing. 

Whitney Houston performed “I Will Always Love You” so beautifully that it became an instant classic in her catalog of songs, and the general public forgot that the song was originally written and performed by Dolly Parton. The legendary country singer herself even gave Houston props for her rendition. 

Kelly Clarkson has turned her daytime TV show into a platform for her to sing covers of her favorite songs, and it’s been a blessing to us all. Many Clarkson covers could be included on this list, but her rendition of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” is particularly beautiful. 

Miley Cyrus is another modern cover queen. She knows her voice so well and chooses songs that showcase the best parts of it. Her version of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” is about as good as the original — and to some, it’s better. 

Miley Cyrus started on her covers journey when she sang her version of her godmother Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene.” Many singers have tried their hat at this song over the years, but Cyrus does it better than any of them. She’s even dueted to it with Parton. 

Ed Sheeran could sing the phonebook. His smooth, melodious voice is so beautiful, and “Love Yourself” was an excellent choice from Justin Bieber’s discography for him to cover, especially because Sheeran co-wrote the song (and initially intended to put it on his own album, Divide). We can understand why listeners might have a hard time deciding which version to listen to. 

Sarah Hyland first showed the world she could sing during Modern Family when she performed a snippet of “Midnight Train to Georgia.” A few years later, she joined Boyce Avenue to sing a gorgeous rendition of The Chainsmokers’ massive hit “Closer.” It’s further evidence that Hyland should sing more covers. 

Despite being raised in Texas, it was a bit of a surprise when Beyoncé released “Daddy Lessons.” The singer’s gritty country tune inspired the country trio The Chicks to cover it, and the four have even sung it live together. We’d love more collaborations from that group of talented women. 

Another very recent cover, Olivia Rodrigo sang a cover of “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan for the BBC, and it showed that Rodrigo is just as big of a fan of Kahan as we all are. Now, if only we could get that inevitable duet from the two, that would be great.  

Yep, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin is a cover. The song was originally recorded by Otis Redding, and it became Franklin’s defining song. Redding is a legend in his own right, but fate most certainly meant for Franklin to get her hands on it. 

Not every career singer has recorded a cover of “Hallelujah,” but it feels like it. Still, the best cover version of Leonard Cohen’s iconic song is Jeff Buckley’s. If listening to Buckley sing that song doesn’t send shivers down your spine, you don’t have ears. 

“Valerie” was originally recorded by the British band Zutons. Once Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse got their hands on it, the song became wholly theirs. Winehouse’s signature sound needed to be put on that track. 

Robert Hazard originally recorded “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” and even after seeing him perform it live, Cyndi Lauper wasn’t sold on the idea of recording her own version. After some tinkering, though, she settled on a version she loved, and the rest is history. 

Another song that many artists have covered throughout the years, something is haunting and magical about Lana Del Rey’s version of “Season of the Witch.” Whether it be her vintage vibe in a modern era or her bewitching voice, Del Rey’s rendition is special. 

Another artist to turn a cover into a defining song from their career, Marvin Gay made “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” an undeniable hit. Gladys Knight & the Pips originated the tune, but Gay made it immortal. 

Justin Bieber doesn’t get enough credit from wide audiences for how truly beautiful his voice is. The man can make anything sound good, and he’s covered quite a few classic songs throughout his career. “I’ll Make Love to You” is among his best. 

We love an acoustic cover, and if anyone is going to do the job well, it’s Sam Smith. Their cover of Whitney Houston’s pop classic “How Will I Know” is so gorgeous, and it’s proof that not all pop songs sound bad when they’re slowed down. 

The most unexpected covers are often the best. Alessia Cara covered Nelly Furtado’s “I’m Like a Bird,” and it showed Cara’s range in the loveliest way. “I’m Like a Bird” is a deceptively difficult song to sing, and it’s made better by Furtado’s unique tone, but Cara killed her rendition. 

“Year 3000” is almost synonymous with the Jonas Brothers as a band. It’s almost hard to believe the song is a cover, but it is. The song becoming such a staple in their catalog is evidence of how great of a cover it is. 

Lady Gaga’s hits are great songs, but they don’t always do her justice. Her most talented moments have come from her covers, and “Imagine” is an excellent example. It isn’t easy to record a standout cover version of this John Lennon hit, but Gaga made it seem like it is.