Name: The Fergies
Song: “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift
Why we’re obsessed: This acoustic version of T-Swift’s new single by The Fergies is catchy with a sweet tone at the bridge. Kahlia’s soft and high-pitched vocals add a certain flare to the hit and her brother Daniel lets her voice shining by playing a simple melody on the guitar. It’s a slightly more mellow attempt at calling out an ex.
The Fergies’ cover is one of the more unique covers I’ve seen. So far, it’s received over 37,000 views in just one week.
Background: The Fergies are a pop band composed of five siblings with the last name Ferguson from Brisbane, Australia. They’ve been uploading covers and originals to their YouTube page since 2010. While their videos and songs don’t always include every sibling, they seem to be really popular in their native country.
Watch their cover here:
Name: Noah
Song: David Guetta’s “Titanium”
Why we’re obsessed: We first saw Noah when he performed a bluesey version of LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” — proving that the song can actually sound classy. His new acoustic cover for “Titanium” is even more electrifying than the storm literally happening right outside my window right now. According to his YouTube channel, he likes to make music with minimal effects and tricks, yet his simple covers capture a spark of something incredible.
Since Noah’s cover really only consists of him strumming the guitar, he can showcase his intriguing chops and visible passion as an artist. More than 106,000 views in six days is well earned.
Background: At just 18, this South Carolina native has been wowing us all by uploading various top 40 covers since 2010. Strumming the guitar or playing the piano, Noah notes he loves all kinds of music, but what he writes is pretty “organic” and includes some good melodies, lyrics and a message.
Watch it here:
Name: Jayesslee
Song: Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound”
Why we’re obsessed: We finally found the perfect Taylor Swift cover performed by Jayesslee, the insane twin duo from Australia. I’m OBSESSED with anything and everything Taylor Swift, but they really capture the depth of emotion in this track, which is off the The Hunger Games soundtrack.
This acoustic version has a similar rhythmical pattern to the original, but the blended harmonies from both Janice and Sonia make it eerie. Both ladies have super soft and effortless vocals, but together they gives me chills. So far this video has hit over 620,000 views in less than a week, I’m guessing I’m not the only one completely and happily haunted by it.
Background: Jayesslee’s Janice and Sonia have been around YouTube since 2008, uploading various covers and originals, in English and/or Korean. Sonia usually strums the guitar, but both share the spotlight with their killer vocals and harmonies!
Listen here:
Name: MattyB
Song: Cher Lloyd’s “Want U Back”
Why we’re obsessed: Cher Lloyd’s addictive “Want U Back” hit takes on a whole new meaning with MattyB’s impressive spin on it. Instead of yearning for an ex, he’s heartbroken over a confiscated iPhone. Really? Is he even old enough to have one?
While this cover’s tempo and beat is pretty similar to the original, MattyB’s rapping skills stand out. He raps: “Head spinning like a helicopter cause I just got in trouble with the monster” (a.k.a mom), or “Girl you can have everything you want as long as you don’t take away my iPhone.”
MattyB is a regular on YouTube and so far, this video has reached over 190,000 views in only three days.
Background: MattyB has been covering a variety of tracks, from JBiebs to David Guetta, since he created his YouTube channel in 2010. He has over 80 videos along with some originals. Trust me, he’s really good at what he does. At such a young age, I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from him really soon!
Watch it here:
Name: Madison Beer
Song: Etta James’ “At Last”
Why we’re obsessed: We’re not the only ones completely amazed by Madison Beer’s cover of Etta James’ “At Last.” In fact, Justin Bieber was the first to tweet about the teen:
Along with tweeting about her Etta James cover, Bieber also tweeted a link to her singing Bruno Mars. Madison’s soulful voice, which kind of reminds me of Miley Cyrus, totally fits this song perfectly. It’s unreal how she can hold those notes. She’s effortless but full of emotion, and that’s not so easy to find, especially at such a young age.
She obviously has a musical career planned for her future. Maybe Madison will be the next Carly Rae Jepsen?
Background: This singer/songwriter is only 13 and has covered 10 hits from a variety of artists such as Bruno Mars, Adele and the Biebs, himself, plus she has one cover of her own on YouTube. I’m sure the world is rooting for Madison, and will be waiting patiently for a hit album!
Etta James “At Last”
Newest track: Alicia Keys “No One”
Bruno Mars mashup Read more…
Names: Madilyn Bailey and Jess Moskaluke
Song: Ellie Goulding’s “Lights”
Why we’re obsessed: We’re seriously mesmerized by Madilyn and Jess’s radiating cover of Ellie Goulding’s “Lights.” It’s incredible how a piano and slower tempo can transform the song entirely.
Although their voices have quite a different range, they harmonize perfectly. Jess’ raspy quality brings out a certain edge to the song and backs Madilyn’s soprano perfectly. The cover has received more than 81,000 views in less than a week.
Background: Both girls have been singing and uploading various covers of Top 40 hits and some of their own material to their YouTube pages, along with collaborations with other YouTube stars. Jess seems to be heading more into the country music scene, since her first official music video was released on CMT, while Madilyn’s first EP is focused on pop/rock music.
Watch it here:
Name: Tyler Ward
Song: “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye
Why we’re obsessed: We’re so drawn to Tyler Ward’s authentic cover of Gotye’s addictive hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” it’s insane how I can still hear his voice resonating. BUT that’s because I’ve been listening to this cover for hours. Literally!
I seriously love how different this acoustic cover is compared to the original, especially the way Tyler slows down the song and unexpectedly starts belting 2/3 through.
His stage presence is amazing and I totally felt like he was playing the perfect part of a heartbroken heartthrob, both physically and mentally. It’s a no-brainer his video has been viewed by over 180,000 people in only a few days!
Background: Starting off his YouTube channel in 2008, Tyler has been uploading covers from various genres and Top 40 hits, some of his own material and recordings with other YouTube stars. He’ll be on tour this fall in Europe, the USA and Canada to promote his first official album which will be coming out in two parts, the first in September and second in February!
Watch it here:
Name: Pentatonix
Song: “Starships” by Nicki Minaj
Why we’re obsessed: We’re really liking Pentatonix’s acappella twist on Nicki Minaj’s “Starships” and besides, who needs all those instruments when you can just create the sounds by your mouth? Duh! I must be really obsessed with this track, because we did a “Starships” cover two weeks ago, yet they sound completely different.
This group slowed down the song at times, but totally made it just as awesome as the original! I love how all their voices compliment one another and rotate on who sings and who makes the awesome beats and rhythms. It can almost be compared to a number done by Glee, except this one is obvs way cooler. I can see why this wicked cover has received almost 150,000 hits in three days.
Background: Based in Los Angeles, this five-member band covers a wide range of music all the way from pop and R&B to even electronic music in an acappella style for the most part, and upload their songs to their YouTube channel. They won Season 3 of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” and just released their first EP.
“Starships”
Names: Megan and Liz
Song: “Wide Awake” by Katy Perry
Why we’re obsessed: We’re excited about the release of Katy Perry’s new video, but what about Megan and Liz’s cover? It’s not as magical and transformational as the original, but it’s still dayam good. And trust me, I’m not just saying that because I’ve watched ALL their videos!
This acoustic version is nothing short of what I’m used to hearing from these two. I love the way they share their songs instead of trying to compete, plus their harmonies are insane. They’re so emotional while singing it sounds like they’re talking to an old flame. No surprise, their video has received over 180,000 views in three days!
Background: No strangers to the music scene, these twin sisters have been uploading various covers on their YouTube page since 2007. They’ve covered everyone from Taylor Swift to Lil Wayne and perform many originals. Megan strums the guitar and they both harmonize together. They recently released their first EP.
Watch it here:
