7 Worst Cover Songs Of All Time

Sometimes singers have so much respect for those within their field that they decide to show this by covering one of their songs. This can turn out to be a really good thing or a really bad thing. We’re not sure what some of these singers were thinking when they decided to cover these classic songs. Maybe they saw dollar signs everywhere or were more interested in promoting themselves. Either way, they weren’t thinking about how the listeners might feel. We have 7 of the worst cover songs of all time on this list. People have unanimously agreed that these are all unforgivably bad!

7. Hilary Duff – My Generation

The Who’s song “My Generation” is really angsty, which Hilary Duff is anything but. We have no idea what possessed her to cover the rock and roll band’s signature song, but hopefully she learned her lesson. She’s way too bubble gum pop for anything this edgy and rebellious.

6. Celine Dion – You Shook Me All Night Long

For some weird reason, Celine Dion decided to cover ACDC’s song “You Shook Me All Night Long” at a Las Vegas concert several years ago. People were not impressed that she tried cover the classic and they still harbor resentment over it. People hate it so much that it has been voted the worst cover song ever by multiple sites.

5. Paris Hilton – Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?

Paris Hilton was never much of a singer, but she tried anyway. Her cover of Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” is pretty bad. Her breathy little girl voice combined with her excessive use of autotune on the track makes this cover very unpleasant for people’s ears. Thankfully she’s given up on the whole singing thing.

4. Madonna – American Pie

Madonna’s dance-pop version of Don McLean’s folk rock song “American Pie” may have been a number one hit when it was released in 2000; however, over time, it has become one of the most loathed of cover songs. Critics can’t decide which is worse – the song itself or the movie, “The Next Best Thing,” which the song was recorded for. We’re sure they are both equally bad.

3. Avril Lavigne – Imagine

We’re not sure what possessed Avril Lavigne to cover John Lennon’s hit “Imagine.” Her version feels so empty in comparison to his. It is not as though she can’t sing – she just can’t sing with the soul and conviction that Lennon did. The only slightly redeeming thing about this song is that she chose not to use autotune.

2. Miley Cyrus – Smells Like Teen Spirit

Who knew that Miley Cyrus was such a big Nirvana fan! According to her, they have really inspired her, which is why she decided to cover their hit song, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Rolling Stone readers hated this song so much that they voted it the Worst Cover Song Of All Time.

1. Jessica Simpson – These Boots Are Made for Walking

Jessica Simpson’s version of Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 hit “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” which was made for the “Dukes of Hazzard,” is awful on so many levels. From the lyrics she added to the hip hop-like beat to the oversexed video, the whole thing is tragic. We’re not sure why Willie Nelson willingly chose to get involved in this mess.

Cate

Cate

Cate has a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature and has been the Managing Editor of Fame10 for more than 6 years. Despite having a love for the works of Thomas Hardy, Leo Tolstoy and Lord Byron, she also has an intense fascination with pop culture. When she isn’t writing for Fame10, she’s planning her next big adventure in Southeast Asia.

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