No singer can combine seemingly vapid lyrics with a bubblegum beat and transform it into an iconic anthem quite like Madonna. After all, that’s exactly why she is known as the Queen of Pop, and that’s exactly why over 1.6 million people showed up in Rio to the culmination of her Celebration Tour last month—which made history as the largest standalone concert ever.
.@Madonna makes history in Rio tonight marking the largest ever standalone concert for any artist, with over 1.6 million fans attending as she closes The Celebration Tour! pic.twitter.com/czryOx2q6i
— Live Nation (@LiveNation) May 5, 2024
More than 40 years since the start of her epic career, Madonna’s stage persona still slaps. And what’s even more impressive is that her music has continuously stood the test of time, which explains why so many people have taken to covering some of her greatest hits over the years.
In celebration of Pride Month—and Madonna’s all around rockstar LGBTQ+ advocacy– the following is a list of her most impactful songs covered by other musicians. Some of these cover teeter on being deep cuts, but they are all deeply entertaining and illustrate just how far-reaching Madonna’s influence has been in the music industry.
“Causing a Commotion” by Bright Light Bright Light
The main draw in this cover isn’t just singer Rod Thomas’ lower registered voice, it’s also the reworking and addition of a nu-disco beat. These elements give the song a more casual flair that wouldn’t be out of place at a gay lounge, perhaps where patrons are sipping on Pride-themed cocktails.
xnetminder
My favorites are by Susan Boyle and Darren Criss…or is that now CRISIS?????
Andrew
This is a terrific list, but wow, our author here is really missing out – there’s TWO ENTIRE albums of Madonna covers called “Virgin Voices” and “Virgin Voices 2″ of techno, industrial, new wave, and punk bands. Dead or Alive, Berlin, KMFDM, Heaven 17, Information Society, Annabelle Llwyn (Bow Wow Wow), Ofra Haza, Flock of Seagulls, Switchblade Symphony, Frontline Assembly… it’s pretty amazing. Hearing 6’4” En Esch of KMFDM growling that he’s “a material girl” the first time was maybe not life altering, but still remarkably memorable. Spahn Ranch’s cover of “Swim” is (heresy!) maybe better than the original.
frenchy
You’re missing 3 amazing covers by Darren Hayes: Angel, Dress You Up and The Look of Love.