The Art of the Cover Song: Homage or Horror?
Music has a unique ability to connect with us on an emotional level, and for many artists, covering a beloved song is a way to pay tribute to the original while adding their unique style. But what happens when a cover version misses the mark, leaving the original artist visibly uncomfortable? This was the awkward situation Sting found himself in during a 2017 tribute concert.
A Prestigious Award and an Unexpected Performance
In 2017, Sting received the prestigious Polar Music Prize, a Swedish award recognizing significant achievements in music. Previous recipients included musical legends like Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan, making it a true honor for Sting to join their ranks.
The ceremony featured performances by renowned artists like Gregory Porter and Annie Lennox, who delivered stunning renditions of Sting’s songs. However, it was the performance by Puerto Rican musician José Feliciano that stole the show, albeit not for the right reasons.
Feliciano, a Grammy Award-winning artist known for his Latin-infused music and the holiday classic “Feliz Navidad,” was tasked with performing The Police’s iconic hit “Every Breath You Take.” Feliciano, blind since birth due to congenital glaucoma, had achieved considerable success with covers throughout his career, including a Latin-flavored rendition of The Doors’ “Light My Fire.”
Sting receiving the Polar Music Prize
Sting on stage accepting his award.
An Uncomfortable Tribute: Sting’s Visible Discomfort
From the opening notes, it was clear that Feliciano’s interpretation of “Every Breath You Take” was not going to be a faithful rendition. As Feliciano’s distinctive vocal stylings filled the auditorium, Sting’s discomfort became increasingly apparent. The cameras captured it all: the bewildered look, the frantic blinking, the nervous rubbing of his face, the audible gulping. Even Sting’s wife, Trudie Styler, sitting beside him, seemed equally taken aback.
The audience’s reaction mirrored Sting’s. The energy in the room seemed to shift, and a palpable awkwardness descended upon the crowd. It was one of those moments where you couldn’t help but cringe in sympathy for everyone involved.
José Feliciano performing at the Polar Music Prize
José Feliciano performs Every Breath You Take at the Polar Music Prize ceremony 2017
A Clash of Styles: When Artistic Differences Collide
Feliciano’s performance was not necessarily bad; it was simply a radical departure from the original, with unconventional phrasing and a Latin-inspired flair that seemed at odds with the song’s essence. It was a bold move, but one that ultimately fell flat, leaving Sting and the audience visibly ill at ease.
To his credit, Sting remained composed throughout the performance, clapping politely as Feliciano finished his set. Feliciano, unaware of the reaction due to his blindness, continued with his heartfelt tribute to Sting’s musical influence.
The Legacy of the Performance: An Enduringly Awkward Moment
The incident quickly went viral, becoming a stark reminder that even the most well-intentioned tributes can sometimes go awry. It sparked debates about artistic interpretation, the etiquette of cover songs, and the fine line between homage and horror.
Despite the awkwardness, the event highlighted the subjective nature of music. What one person finds enjoyable, another may find cringeworthy. And while Feliciano’s performance might not have resonated with everyone, it was a testament to his unique style and his admiration for Sting’s musical legacy.
In the annals of music history, this uncomfortable performance serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of cover songs, reminding us that sometimes, even the best intentions can lead to unexpected and awkward outcomes.
