“When You Wish Upon a Star” – Cliff Edwards (1940)
Written for Disney’s animated classic, Pinocchio, “When You Wish Upon a Star” is widely considered Disney’s signature song. In 2009, it was inducted into the National Recording Registry, and was ranked seventh in the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest Songs in Film History. Jiminy Cricket! Kelly and Cynthia Erivo sure do sound perfect together. Make a wish, ONTD!
“Sisters” – Rosemary Clooney & Trudy Stevens (1954)
A popular song from the even more popular film White Christmas, “Sisters” is a classic holiday duet sung by the renowned Rosemary Clooney (aunt to nepo baby George) and Vera-Ellen Trudy Stevens. Kelly, and her longtime vocal director, Jessi Collins, really do sound like sisters here! Would you let your sister come between you and your man, ONTD?
“California Dreamin'” – The Mamas & the Papas (1965)
Written in 1963 on a literal, cold winter’s day in New York, “California Dreamin'” was not an immediate hit on LA radio. Ironically, Boston radio was the one to break the song nationwide, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. It has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. Kelly’s haunting rendition is truly special. Chills!
“9 to 5” – Dolly Parton (1980)
Perhaps the only song in history to have a “nails” credit, “9 to 5” was written and performed by Dolly Parton for the feminist film of the same name. It peaked at No. 1 on Billboard, and has since become a timeless, worker anthem in the US. At least we have a nice song to sing while capitalism rings us dry. Kelly and Dolly really make being poor fun!
“It’s Raining Men” – The Weather Girls (1982)
It’s raining men! Can you imagine a more horrifying image? Why can’t it rain donuts instead? The song was originally written for Donna Summer, but she rejected it as “blasphemous”, as she recently became a born again Christian. The song was then offered to Diana Ross, Cher, and Barbra Streisand, all of whom declined. Enter the Weather Girls! Kelly really said “Ally!” with this one.
“Here Comes the Rain Again” – Eurythmics (1984)
Wow, the 80’s really loved rain songs! Becoming the Eurythmics second Top 10 US hit, “Here Comes the Rain Again” peaked at No. 4 on Billboard, and peaked at No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was written on a whim during a cloudy day in NYC, and is a metaphor for depression. Leave it to Kelly to inject some positive vibes!
“Love Takes Time” – Mariah Carey (1990)
Written by Mariah Carey, and added to her debut album at the last minute, “Love Takes Time” became her second No. 1 single in the US. The track was added so late that it’s listing is absent from the album’s early pressings. The song is about taking time to heal from losing a lover. Kelly really shines when it comes to 90’s ballads, and this rendition is no different. Pure talent!
“Queen of the Night” – Whitney Houston (1993)
The fifth and final single released from the timeless “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, “Queen of the Night” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The song technically never had a commercial release, which made it ineligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time. The nerve! Well, Kelly’s got both the stuff that you want and need with her version. Such a powerhouse!
“Black Hole Sun” – Soundgarden (1994)
Rock and roll really seems to fit Kelly’s aura, and this commanding rendition of “Black Hole Sun” is no exception. Considered to be Soundgarden’s signature song, it spent seven weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Chris Cornell (RIP) wrote the song in 15 minutes (talent), thinking the band wouldn’t like it (lol). You did good, Chris. Thanks for everything!
“Jumper” – Third Eye Blind (1997)
“[Jumper] was tragically inspired by the death of a gay teenager who was bullied. It’s been celebrated for its message of support for the LGBTQ+ community, which is why we chose it for today, because today is Spirit Day! So, my band, me, and everyone in our audience is wearing purple in recognition. Spirit Day was created to show support for LGBTQ+ youth, and to speak out against bullying.”
“Uninvited” – Alanis Morrisette (1998)
One of the biggest music stars in the world at the time, Alanis wrote and released “Uninvited” from the “City of Angels” soundtrack, her first follow-up since “Jagged Little Pill”. The song was also victim to one of the first “internet leaks” during the dawn of the “file swapping/Napster” era. (How much more 90’s can you get??) You’re invited to hear Kelly’s chilling version!
“Waiting For Tonight” – Jennifer Lopez (1999)
Originally recorded by girl group 3rd Party, Jennifer recorded her own version of “Waiting For Tonight” for her debut album after the group disbanded. Her version reached the top ten in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, the UK, and the US. Kelly’s heartfelt performance really takes the lyrics of the song to the next level. Icon!
“Breakaway” – Kelly Clarkson (2004)
Wow, Sam Smith is really living out my little gay dreams right now! Written by the legendary Avril Lavigne, “Breakaway” was passed to Kelly for the soundtrack of “Princess Diaries 2”. (What an iconic 2000’s sentence.) However, the song was so successful that Kelly decided to put it on her second album, and even name the album after the song. Kelly and Sam really sound great together!
“Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + the Machine (2008)
Inspired by a giant text installment titled “Dog Days Are Over” by artist Ugo Rondinone, the track of the same name was written by Florence for her debut album “Lungs”. The song peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 after Florence’s performance at the 2010 VMA’s. Kelly really pulls off her best impression of Florence here, and I’m not mad at it!
“Traitor” – Olivia Rodrigo (2021)
A song that really seems to hit home for Kelly, “Traitor” is Olivia Rodrigo’s fourth single from her critically acclaimed debut album “Sour”. The track peaked at No. 9 in the United States, No. 5 in the UK, and landed within the top 10 in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Portugal. Kelly really exposes her heart with this one. We love you, Kelly!
Well, there you have it! The Best of Kellyoke for 2022 (imo). Did your favorites make the cut? What songs do you hope to hear in 2023? Happy New Year, ONTD!
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