10 Times That Australian Artists Covered an American Hit and Arguably Did It Better
When it comes to covering songs, Australian artists have a long history of taking American hits and creating versions that rival, or even eclipse, the originals.
To “Kelly Clarkson” someone is to beat them at their own game: covering their song so brilliantly that the new rendition takes on a life of its own. Rachel Zegler’s recent cover of Addison Rae’s Fame Is a Gun is a perfect example.
But Australian artists have been “Kelly Clarksoning” their American counterparts for decades, transforming everything from pop classics and ’90s R&B hits to rock anthems through their own distinctive sound.
Spotify has pulled together 10 of the best examples, from songs that became defining moments in Australian music history to stripped-back Like A Version performances.
- “The Horses” by Daryl Braithwaite
It may feel as Australian as a summer road trip, but The Horses was originally recorded by American singer Rickie Lee Jones alongside Walter Becker for Jones’ 1989 album, Flying Cowboys.
Daryl Braithwaite released his version in 1990, transforming the track into an enduring Australian anthem. Decades later, it remains a guaranteed festival singalong and one of the most beloved songs in the country.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Rickie Lee Jones
- “Believe” by DMA’S
Cher’s Believe is an almost untouchable pop classic, but Sydney trio DMA’S managed to completely reinvent it during their appearance on triple j’s Like A Version.
Replacing the original’s dance-pop production with acoustic guitars and a raw vocal performance, the band uncovered a new sense of vulnerability beneath the enormous chorus. The cover became a defining moment for DMA’S and one of the series’ most memorable performances.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Cher
- “Black Betty” by Spiderbait
Spiderbait’s thundering rendition of Black Betty became the band’s first Australian number-one single.
While the song has roots stretching back decades and is often associated with American rock band Ram Jam’s 1977 recording, Spiderbait brought their own chaotic energy to the track. Their version became a staple of Australian rock radio, sporting events and party playlists.
Kelly Clarksoned: Ram Jam (Originally by Lead Belly)
- “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
For many listeners, Torn is inseparable from Natalie Imbruglia. However, the track was originally written by members of American alternative-rock band Ednaswap and first recorded in the early 1990s.
Imbruglia’s 1997 version became an international phenomenon, topping charts around the world and launching the Australian singer and actor into global stardom. It remains one of the clearest examples of a cover becoming far more famous than its predecessor.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Ednaswap
- “The Loco-Motion” by Kylie Minogue
Before becoming a global pop icon, Kylie Minogue introduced herself to music audiences with a cover of The Loco-Motion.
Originally made famous by American singer Little Eva in 1962, Kylie’s 1987 version became an enormous hit in Australia before being re-recorded for her international debut album. With its colourful video, catchy choreography and unmistakable ’80s production, it helped launch one of Australia’s greatest pop careers.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Little Eva
- “I’m on Fire” by Keli Holiday
Bruce Springsteen’s I’m on Fire is a masterclass in understated longing, but Keli Holiday—the solo project of Peking Duk’s Adam Hyde—gave the song a darker, more theatrical transformation during a Like A Version performance.
Leaning into the track’s tension and vulnerability, Holiday delivered a rendition that felt less like a straightforward cover and more like a complete reimagining.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Bruce Springsteen
- “No Diggity” by Chet Faker
Blackstreet’s No Diggity is one of the most recognisable R&B tracks of the 1990s, but Melbourne musician Chet Faker found an entirely different mood within it.
His slow-burning electronic interpretation swapped the original’s confident swagger for something more intimate and atmospheric. The cover became one of Faker’s early breakout releases and helped introduce international audiences to his distinctive sound.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Blackstreet
- “Teenage Dirtbag” by Amy Shark
Wheatus’ Teenage Dirtbag has long been an anthem for awkward outsiders, making it natural territory for Amy Shark.
Her Like A Version performance stripped the song back and brought its emotional undercurrent to the foreground. Rather than imitating the original’s pop-rock energy, Shark reshaped it through her own vulnerable, confessional style.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Wheatus
- “Cruel Summer” by G Flip
Taking on a Taylor Swift song is no small task, particularly one as widely loved as Cruel Summer. But G Flip put their own stamp on the track during an energetic Like A Version performance.
With live drums, rockier production and G Flip’s distinctive vocal delivery, the cover demonstrated how an artist can honour a massive pop song without simply recreating it.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Taylor Swift
- “Baby Come Back” by Ocean Alley
American rock group Player first released Baby Come Back in 1977, but Ocean Alley’s Like A Version performance brought the soft-rock favourite into an entirely new era.
The Sydney band infused the track with their trademark psychedelic groove, laid-back vocals and sun-soaked instrumentation. The result sounded unmistakably like Ocean Alley while preserving the irresistible melody at the heart of the original.
Kelly Clarkson-ed: Player
From global chart hits to unforgettable Like A Version performances, Australian artists have repeatedly proven that a great cover can be much more than a tribute.
Sometimes, it becomes the version everyone remembers.
And in Australia, we’ll always have The Horses.
