On TUNESDAY, I share some of the songs, music videos, and live performances I’ve been groovin’ to. Here are 12 of my favourites from February, which all happen to be tied to a few of the biggest television events of 2015 thus far…
Katy Perry, Missy Elliott & Lenny Kravitz’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
Pop, Rap, and Rock converged together at this year’s triple-powered halftime spectacular. Headliner Katy Perry went all out with the spectacles, including a giant robotic lion, a shooting star, and a pair of dancing sharks, but it was Missy Elliott who stole the show with her medley of hip-hop hits from the early 00s. We’re ready for your comeback, Misdemeanor!
Sam Smith – Lay Me Down
“Yes, I do, I believe
That one day I will be
Where I was right there
Right next to you.”
I dare you not to cry over this emotional music video from the four-time Grammy winner. No words.
Glee Cast – At Last
“At last, my love has come along.”
As the Glee-ful couples walk down the aisle to marry the loves of their lives, wedding singers Mercedes (Amber Riley) and Artie (Kevin McHale) serenade them with the greatest love song of all time.
Glee Cast – Our Day Will Come
“Our dreams have magic because we’ll always stay in love this way.”
Newlyweds Santana (Naya Rivera) and Brittany (Heather Morris), and Kurt (Chris Colfer) and Blaine (Darren Criss) join together to celebrate the happiest day of their lives with this sweet classic. Ah, young love.
Stevie Wonder – If It’s Magic
“If it’s magic, why can’t we make it everlasting?”
I fell in love with this song upon hearing Usher‘s fantastic performance at the Grammys. The original track by Stevie has such a ethereal and timeless vibe to it that is just so mesmerizing (and the inclusive of a harp instantly makes any song 10x better).
Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran & Gary Clark Jr’s Stevie Wonder Tribute
What I love about Grammy events is how they bring together artists from different genres for mind-blowing collaboration you never would have considered. Case in point: Beyoncé, Ed, and Gary jammin’ to “Fingertips”, “Master Blaster”, and “Higher Ground” at the Grammy Salute to Stevie Wonder. So cool!
Hozier & Annie Lennox – Take Me To Church / I Put A Spell On You
Another example of a Grammy match made in heaven is newbie Hozier and the legendary Annie Lennox (who in particular schooled everyone on how to deliver an incredible Grammy moment). Also worthy of mention is American Idol Season 14 contestant Quentin Alexander‘s cover of “I Put A Spell On You“, which was the best performance from Top 24 week.
Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do
“Let me take you past our satellites
You can see the world you brought to life”
Yes, I know, it’s from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. But before you hit that x button, just listen to Ellie’s exquisite voice on this track and be grateful for the one good thing that came out of this franchise.
Florence + The Machine – What Kind Of Man
“What kind of man loves like this?”
The lead single from the indie queen’s forthcoming third album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, is a fiery rocker you’ll find yourself dedicating to everyone who has ever jerked your heart around.
Jenaux – Renegades (feat. Pia Toscano)
“Gonna rise ’til we’re standing on top of the highest star.”
Rising House star Jenaux recruits American Idol Season 10 alum Pia Toscano for this up and coming dance floor hit. Though I never would have anticipated the soulful balladeer songstress to go EDM, the genre is a surprisingly pleasant fit for her powerful voice.
Lady Gaga – The Sound of Music Tribute
“The hills are alive with the sound of music.”
I always knew Lady Gaga had the pipes, but never did I ever foresee this from her. Her Sound of Music tribute at the Oscars was THE BEST vocal performance of her entire career. Even Julie Andrews was in awe over the sheer brilliance of her delivery. Next stop? Broadway!
Common & John Legend – Glory (from Selma)
“When the war is done, when it’s all said and done
We’ll cry glory, oh glory”
I felt overwhelmed with inspiration every time this Best Original Song winning anthem was performed during the Awards Show Season, not just because of the powerful message it carries, but because of the reactions from the people who were moved by the song. Stand together and march on.