17 of the best covers from 2017

2017 has given us more music than we can handle, huge comebacks, exciting new talent on the rise and well loved artists reaching gargantuan levels of success.

However, in addition to releasing their own music, a number of our favourite artists have also shared incredible covers this year. From Radio 1’s Live Lounge performances to special recordings as a gift for their fans, a whole host of artists have delighted fans across the world with some sensational covers.

Whilst there are too many to name, we’ve rounded up 17 of the best covers from 2017 for your enjoyment.

1. Ed Sheeran – ‘Touch’ (by Little Mix)

After making a stunning comeback at the beginning of the year, Ed Sheeran returned to BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge in February to perform a string of his hits in addition to a cover. His song of choice? Little Mix’s ‘Touch’! Ed added his own spin to proceedings and pulled off a really impressive cover of the Little Mix bop.

2. Sabrina Carpenter – ‘New Rules’ (by Dua Lipa)

Back in September, Sabrina Carpenter paid a visit to the Elvis Duran show. During her visit, she performed a cover of Dua Lipa’s ‘New Rules’, accompanied solely by an acoustic guitar. Sabrina managed to strip the song right back whilst maintaining the right amount of attitude needed for the sassy track.

3. Niall Horan – ‘Issues’ (by Julia Michaels)

Niall Horan paid a visit to BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge back in June. After a rousing performance of his single ‘Slow Hands’, Niall treated listeners to his version of ‘Issues’ by Julia Michaels. Offering up a folk-inspired version of Julia’s hit, Niall definitely made the song his own and delivered smooth vocals in the process. It’s safe to say that Niall is a big Julia fan, as she will be joining him on the European leg of his Flicker World Tour next year.

4. Cimorelli – ‘…Ready For It?’ (by Taylor Swift)

Ever since Taylor Swift made her comeback at the end of August, her songs have been the perfect cover material for artists across the world. One of our favourites is Cimorelli’s version of ‘…Ready For It?’. Not only did they showcase their great vocals, but the sisters accompanied the cover with a hilarious video.

5. Take That – ‘Million Reasons’ (by Lady Gaga)

Take That dropped by the Radio 2 studios at the end of March and performed a set for Chris Evans’ Radio 2 Breakfast Show. With such a large discography to their name, it’s rare that we get to hear a cover from the band. However, Gary, Mark and Howard performed a stunning version of Lady Gaga’s track ‘Million Reasons’. Armed with great harmonies, their voices suited the country song perfectly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUAUaArHB-0

6. Ariana Grande – ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ (by Judy Garland)

Back in May, the world was left shaken by the devastating terror attack which claimed the lives of 22 people during Ariana Grande’s concert at Manchester Arena. Just a few weeks after the attack, Ariana returned to the UK to hold the One Love Manchester benefit concert, with all proceeds going to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund in order to help the victims and their families. To close the concert, Ariana performed a stunning version of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’, which she later released as a charity single for the fund. Ariana’s cover was a beautiful yet poignant tribute to those who lost their lives but also acted as an anthem of hope in the face of tragedy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMNtiSvQWyg

7. Ben and Alex Haenow – ‘Solo Dance’ (by Martin Jensen)

2014 X Factor winner Ben Haenow has treated his fans to several covers throughout 2017, however, his version of Martin Jensen’s ‘Solo Dance’ is one of our favourites. Teaming up with his brother Alex on guitar, Ben delivers a fantastic acoustic version of the song. Make sure you listen out for a sneaky snippet of another track near the end of the cover too!

8. 4th Impact – ‘Symphony/Ain’t My Fault’ (by Clean Bandit/Zara Larsson)

4th Impact have also treated their fans well this year, sharing a variety of incredible covers online. However, their version of Clean Bandit/Zara Larsson’s ‘Symphony’/’Ain’t My Fault’ is definitely one of the highlights. ‘Symphony’ allows them to showcase their powerful vocals and harmonies, whilst ‘Ain’t My Fault’ gives them a chance to show their feisty, edgy side as well as some dance moves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npGwn9_2MsA

9. Charlie Puth – ‘Bon Appétit’ (by Katy Perry)

Charlie Puth visited Radio 1’s Live Lounge in June to perform ‘Attention’ and a special cover. Charlie opted to take on Katy Perry’s ‘Bon Appétit’ and gave it a completely new vibe. His cover is slick, sexy and has an indescribable Charlie charm all over it- we completely love the rendition.

10. Over Atlantic – ‘If I’m Lucky’ (by Jason Derulo)

Five piece band Over Atlantic have shared numerous covers online this year, so picking just one favourite was a tough job. However, Charlie, Sean, Liam, Trevor and Gabe’s cover of Jason Derulo’s ‘If I’m Lucky’ is so underrated that we had to share it with you. They’ve done an incredible job of adding a rocky edge to the song, and we guarantee you’ll be hooked on the drum beat.

11. Alex Aiono – ‘Despacito’ x ‘I’m The One’ (by Luis Fonsi, Justin Bieber, Daddy Yankee x DJ Khaled)

King of mashups Alex Aiono always manages to impress with his covers but we must give a special mention to his version of ‘Despacito’ x ‘I’m The One’. The mashup is slick with Alex showcasing his versatility. You’ll also definitely be left swooning over him singing in Spanish.

12. Pink – ‘Stay With Me’ (by Sam Smith)

Pink was one of the many stars to take part in BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month and had the opportunity to perform a set from the Maida Vale studios. The singer decided to cover Sam Smith’s iconic track ‘Stay With Me’ and completely slayed it with her powerful and emotive vocals. Whilst you might not necessarily think that the cover would work, Pink’s voice suited the track perfectly.

13. Harry Styles – ‘The Chain’ (by Fleetwood Mac)

Harry Styles also performed a session for BBC Radio 1 as part of their Live Lounge month, and took on a Fleetwood Mac song as his choice of cover. Armed with his mesmerising vocals, Harry delivered a passionate version of the band’s classic song ‘The Chain’. It’s no secret that Harry is a huge fan of the band and we’re certain that they will have loved his take on the song as much as we did.

14. Camila Cabello and Machine Gun Kelly – ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ (by James Arthur)

During promotion for their hit ‘Bad Things’ back in January, Camila Cabello and Machine Gun Kelly dropped by Radio 1’s Live Lounge. During their set, they performed a beautiful cover of James Arthur’s ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’. MGK added a unique rap whilst Camila let her stunning vocals do the talking. We wonder if she’d imagined that less than a year later she’d get the chance to sing the song with James himself on stage?!

15. Jimin and Jungkook (BTS) – ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ (by Charlie Puth)

BTS have truly owned 2017 and in between taking over the world, a few of the members have found time to share covers with their loyal ARMY online. As part of their FESTA 2017, Jimin and Jungkook dropped a breathtaking cover of Charlie Puth’s ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’. Both stand out vocally in the cover and we reckon that Charlie would be a huge fan of their version.

16. Little Mix – ‘Love On The Brain’ (by Rihanna)

Earlier this year, Little Mix had the opportunity to perform on the Honda Stage at iHeartRadio. In addition to some of their own material, the ladies gave us all the goosebumps with a phenomenal acoustic version of Rihanna’s ‘Love On The Brain’. Not only are Leigh-Anne, Perrie, Jesy and Jade serving some flawless vocals, but they delivered some serious harmonies which will leave you shaken to the core.

17. The Vamps x Conor Maynard – ‘Shape Of You’ sing off (by Ed Sheeran and various)

Out of all of the covers and mashups released this year, we’ve got to say that The Vamps and Conor Maynard’s ‘Shape Of You’ sing off is one of the most memorable. Taking it in turns, Conor and Brad sing off various tracks over James, Tristan and Connor’s ‘Shape Of You’ accompaniment. Both lads do a great job, with Brad’s voice particularly standing out (Mr Brightside sounds insane). We guarantee that you’ll be singing along to all the different tracks in an instant.

What was your favourite cover from 2017? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix

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