Staff Picks

Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson Create Magic Together on “Shallow”

Discovering Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson’s rendition of “Shallow” was an unexpected delight, showcasing a blend we never knew we needed. Originally a hit by Gaga and Bradley Cooper, the song gained an extra layer of vocal depth with Gaga and Clarkson’s combined efforts, elevating the ballad to a whole new level.

A creative YouTuber named Blighght masterfully combined live performances by both artists into a seamless mashup that feels incredibly authentic. Initially, I was convinced it was a genuine collaboration, thanks to how naturally their voices melded in the track. This unique take on “Shallow” has garnered over 4.6 million views on YouTube, evident in the link below.

The mashup starts with Clarkson’s soulful rendition of the opening verse, setting a personal and intimate tone. Gaga follows, maintaining the laid-back atmosphere while accompanying herself on the piano. The intensity builds as they alternate in the pre-chorus, culminating in their voices beautifully harmonizing in the chorus.

The combination of Gaga and Clarkson on this track is truly a sonic feast, and Blighght’s arrangement makes it flow effortlessly. It’s clear from this mashup that a live collaboration between the two would be phenomenal, given the undeniable synergy in their vocal blend. For a glimpse at Clarkson’s captivating live performance of “Shallow” in Green Bay, Wisconsin, see the link below.

Clarkson’s ability to select and excel at covers is evident in her rendition of “Shallow,” which she perfectly adapted to her style. At the concert, she expressed her admiration for the original by Gaga and Cooper, humorously noting the absence of a “Bradley Cooper” for her performance. Clarkson also shared a touching anecdote about Gaga’s kindness early in her career, highlighting Gaga’s genuine appreciation for music and fellow artists.

Despite “Shallow” diverging from Gaga’s typical dance-pop tracks, it has become one of her most iconic songs, now the most streamed on her Spotify with over 2.2 billion plays, significantly surpassing her other hits like “Poker Face.”