With celebrities, at times, loving their peers’ melodies so much, they decide to do their own rendition. A few leave lasting impressions and make you wish the classic cut was their original song in the first place. Janelle Monáe has taken her cover talents front stage, performing hits from classic artists. Tap play on this list to hear this CoverGirl’s take on a few songs.
On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Janelle Monáe filled the studio with a little rock and soul through her cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wings” off the Rock N’ Roll legend’s posthumous album People, Hell and Angels. Monáe sang with every emotion possible and gave a stellar performance, not to mention a guitar solo by Kellindo Parker was just as electrifying as her voice.
A guitar-led ballad and one of Michael Jackson’s favorite songs, Janelle sends listeners into a trance with this cover of Nat King Cole’s “Smile.” Her rifts are just as crisp and colorful as the strumming of Kellindo’s painted nails. Listen above.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=R-ffFtQrCnY
With a little up-tempo tweak, Janelle took this 1983 DeBarge hit “Time Will Reveal” and kept the soul but placed her style on the track.