It's always exciting hearing our favourite artists cover some of our most-listened-to tracks, but there's something extra special when they make it entirely their own. Enter It's Live.
It's Live is a YouTube show that's most known for inviting some of Korea's biggest stars to add their own unique flair to beloved K-pop tunes, all backed by a live band. While a lot of artists are also invited to perform their own songs live, it's their genre-bending covers that prove to be a major hit.
Throughout the years, we've witnessed some great performances come out of the series, from punk-rock covers to jazz-infused renditions. Here are some of our favourite It's Live covers.
'Fire' (by BTS) - GAHO
When you have a song as iconic and memorable as BTS' 'Fire', giving it justice is no easy feat; but GAHO never disappoints. Beyond his own energy-pumping discography, the singer-songwriter is known for his genre-bending covers that perfectly merge the worlds of K-pop and rock. This particular cover of BTS' 2016 hit is one we keep coming back to.
It's not easy making up for seven people but GAHO does it so seamlessly, giving his rendition his own spin. Owning every part of the dynamic track—from the fast-paced rap verses to the fiery choruses, this performance turns up the heat.
'Kill This Love' (by BLACKPINK) - NMIXX
NMIXX might be new to K-pop but they've already proven to be quite the force in the scene, and their It's Live debut shows exactly that. Turning up the drama and no short of grandeur, the rookie group gave their own unique take on BLACKPINK's 'Kill This Love' complete with mesmerising harmonies and powerful vocals.
'Beautiful' (by Crush) - WAYV's KUN&XIAOJUN
Crush's 'Beautiful', from the official soundtrack of Goblin, has been covered time and time again; but there's a smidgen of magic interlaced with KUN and XIAOJUN's rendition.
From the WayV members' heart-fluttering vocals to their sweet harmonies, there's something so serene about their cover of 'Beautiful'.
'Savage' (by aespa) - PENTAGON
Since their performance of 'Lovesick Boys'—their own take on BLACKPINK's hit 'Lovesick Girls', PENTAGON have been everyone's favourite It's Live guests. Whether they're shining with performances of their own songs or rocking out a cover, the nine-piece never fail to take K-pop hits to the next level (pun intended).
Straying from their usual cheery pop sound, PENTAGON's rock cover of aespa's 'Savage' highlights the group's wide vocal range as they alternate between, and even harmonise, melodious runs and raspy, raw singing.
'MONSTER' (by IRENE&SEULGI) - JAMIE
It's no secret that JAMIE is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to performing live, but her take on IRENE&SEULGI's 'Monster' lives in our heads rent-free. Backed by a brass band and armed with her hypnotizing vocals, this cover feels like something out of an intense action sequence.
'Psycho' (by Red Velvet) - Han Seung Woo
When you've got five people to cover for and an insanely high note to overcome, touching Red Velvet's 'Psycho' seems near impossible but Han Seung Woo stepped up to the plate and delivered.
Armed with a melodious voice and impressive vocal control, the singer-songwriter's seemingly effortless cover of 'Psycho' is one we keep going back to.
'Growl' (by EXO) - AILEE
Ailee singing and dancing to the ever-energetic single 'Growl' on It's Live had us out of breath, and the acclaimed vocalist executes every moment and second of the song with absolute grace and class. Turning the dynamic track on its head and giving it an R&B and soul spin, Ailee breathes new life into the EXO classic.
Check out more It's Live performances here.
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