St. Vincent’s Electrifying Cover of David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans’ on Colbert

St. Vincent delivers a standout rendition of David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans’ on The Late Show, adding her own bold twist to the classic.

A Fresh Take on a Bowie Classic

If you’ve ever been spellbound by St. Vincent’s daring artistry, then her recent performance of David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans’ on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is pure magic. Annie Clark, the mastermind behind St. Vincent, brought her signature flair to the 1975 hit, infusing it with a flamboyant rock’n’roll swagger that felt both nostalgic and thrillingly new.

Annie Clark channels Bowie’s spirit with her edgy performance.

This wasn’t just a straight cover either. Clark swapped Bowie’s original line, “Do you remember President Nixon,” for a cheeky nod to Joe Biden, showcasing her playful, modern edge. This little twist added a fresh political flavor, grounding the song in today’s world while paying tribute to Bowie’s original social commentary.

From Beacon Theatre to Late Night Lights

For those who caught St. Vincent’s set at New York’s Beacon Theatre during the Love Rocks event earlier in 2023, this wasn’t her first time diving into Bowie’s iconic track. But seeing her bring that same energy to a national TV audience elevated the performance to another level. It’s one thing to cover a legend on stage; it’s another to command the spotlight on a late-night show with such confidence and charisma.

Fans will appreciate how Clark embraces Bowie’s chameleon-like spirit, making the song her own while honoring its roots. It’s clear Bowie’s influence still pulses through her work, and this performance is a vibrant testament to that.

Who Would St. Vincent Like to Cover Her?

In a behind-the-scenes chat before the performance, Annie was asked about artists she’d love to hear reinterpret her own songs. Her picks? The soulful Erykah Badu, the electric Doechii, and the punk pioneers, The Slits. It’s a fascinating mix that reflects her wide-ranging taste and the eclectic sound she crafts.

“When I think about music that I love, I don’t give a shit what the artist was thinking.” — Annie Clark

That quote perfectly captures her fearless approach to music and covers alike—music is a living thing, meant to be reshaped and reimagined.

Watch the Performance

Here’s the full performance of St. Vincent’s Young Americans on The Late Show — prepare to be captivated:

Bowie’s Enduring Impact on St. Vincent

Bowie isn’t just a cover subject for St. Vincent; he’s a cornerstone of her musical identity. Back in 2015, Clark openly discussed how Bowie’s aesthetic and musical versatility inspired her:

“He had a myriad of aesthetics and was constantly changing – but it was always rooted in music. If David Bowie wasn’t a great songwriter, none of us would be here today, sitting and talking about authenticity as a guise.”

Her admiration goes beyond words. In the same year, her then-girlfriend, model Cara Delevingne, gifted her a guitar signed by Bowie, a present Annie described as the “best gift ever in the entire world.” It’s a beautiful symbol of how Bowie’s legacy continues to inspire contemporary artists.

Bowie's Influence in St. Vincent’s Projects

The Bowie connection didn’t stop there. In 2022, St. Vincent crafted a remix of Bowie’s 1980 track, ‘It’s No Game (No. 1),’ exclusively for Peloton. This remix was part of a special series celebrating the addition of Bowie’s catalog on their exercise equipment platform. It’s a testament to how St. Vincent keeps Bowie’s innovative spirit alive, blending past and present in unexpected ways.

Spotlight on St. Vincent’s Latest Album

While her Bowie tributes shine, St. Vincent’s own music continues to evolve impressively. Her latest album, All Born Screaming (2024), snagged three Grammy wins and even spawned a Spanish-language re-recording titled Todos Nacen Gritando. This ambitious project reflects Annie’s fearless exploration of sound and language, pushing boundaries once again.

Critics applauded the album’s raw honesty and creative depth. In a four-star review, it was noted:

“On ‘The Power’s Out,’ backed by a laconic bassline and aching slide guitar, she shrugs: ‘No-one can save us.’ It’s the sound of acceptance that there are few happy endings... St. Vincent has made her most generous and open statement yet.”

The collaboration with fellow avant-garde artist Cate Le Bon on the title track only added to the album’s allure, blending voices and visions in a way that’s both haunting and beautiful.

Wrapping It Up: Why St. Vincent’s Bowie Cover Matters

St. Vincent’s performance on The Late Show isn’t just a tribute; it’s a celebration of Bowie’s timeless influence and her own artistic bravery. By reinterpreting ‘Young Americans’ with her unique style, she bridges generations of music lovers, inviting us all to experience Bowie anew while appreciating her evolving sound.

Whether you’re a die-hard Bowie fan, a St. Vincent devotee, or just discovering either artist, this cover is a must-watch moment rich with passion and creativity.

FAQ

• What inspired St. Vincent to cover ‘Young Americans’?
  St. Vincent has long cited David Bowie as a major influence. Covering the song allowed her to pay homage while showcasing her own interpretation and flair.
• Where else has she performed this cover?
  She debuted her version at the Love Rocks event at New York’s Beacon Theatre in March 2023 before bringing it to Colbert’s late-night stage.
• Has St. Vincent collaborated officially with Bowie’s work before?
  Yes, in 2022, she remixed Bowie’s track ‘It’s No Game (No. 1)’ for Peloton’s exclusive collection celebrating his catalog.
• What are some highlights from St. Vincent’s latest album?
  All Born Screaming won three Grammy awards and includes a Spanish-language version, highlighting her experimentation with language and sound.
• Which artists has St. Vincent named as dream covers for her music?
  She chose Erykah Badu, Doechii, and The Slits, reflecting her appreciation for diverse musical styles.

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