Browsing through BBC Radio 1's rad selection of musical guests is always a pleasure (hello, Taylor Swift [1]!), and the best part of the radio station's offerings is its exquisite covers. You never quite know who's going to cover who. It's really that mixed bag element of the unexpected that makes the experience fun. One day, you might hear Hozier [2] covering an Arctic Monkeys song and the next, Halsey doing a Jonas Brothers hit [3]. The covers usually have a radically different arrangement from the original song, keeping it fresh and creative for listeners. Sifting through the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge covers, we've gathered the best of the best, so put on your earbuds and scroll ahead to give them a listen!
Halsey Covers the Jonas Brothers' "Sucker" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2019
Halsey's cover of "Sucker" [4] is really sonically different from the Jonas Brothers song . . . in the best way possible. We're digging the jazzy, slowed-down version, which could honestly pass for an original tune.
The Jonas Brothers Cover Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2019
In this emotional cover of Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved," Nick and Joe get all in their feelings, hitting beautiful high notes. It's also worth checking out Camila Cabello's smoky, R&B take on this song in the Live Lounge [5] as well!
James Bay Covers Taylor Swift's "Delicate" in the Live Lounge in 2018
Try to hold back the tears while listening to James Bay's vulnerable rocker version of Taylor Swift's "Delicate" [6] (with a mashup of Drake's "One Dance," to boot).
Khalid Covers Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2018
We can only describe Khalid's voice [7] as velvety in this beautiful rendition of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car."
Paramore Covers Drake's "Passionfruit" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2017
Drake's "Passionfruit" is all about the vibe, so it stays in one place musically. Hayley Williams's powerful voice definitely adds tension and dynamic in this gorgeous cover of "Passionfruit."
Harry Styles Covers Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2017
It's pretty wonderful that we live in a world where Stevie Nicks and Harry Styles are tight friends [8]. And here Styles is, totally living up to that label with a killer, emotional version of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain."
Bruno Mars Covers Adele's "All I Ask" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2016
Fun fact: Bruno Mars was one of the original co-writers [9] on this song with Adele. So it comes as no surprise that he pours his heart and soul into this slowed-down, stripped-back version of "All I Ask."
Hozier Covers Arctic Monkeys' "Do I Wanna Know" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2016
Alex Turner's sound on the original "Do I Wanna Know" has an angsty vibe to it, while Hozier's rendition offers a melancholy and vulnerable take. If you're looking for a more pop-flavoured cover, definitely check out Hozier doing Destiny's Child's "Say My Name [10]."
Ed Sheeran Covers Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2015
You don't need to be part of the Ed Sheeran hive to appreciate this extremely in-pocket jam cover of Christina Aguilera [11]'s sexy "Dirrty."
Demi Lovato Covers Hozier's "Take Me to Church" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2015
With her signature clear, emotive vocals, Demi Lovato [12] brought us to church with this rousing cover of the Hozier radio hit. It's definitely one of her best performances!
Taylor Swift Covers Vance Joy's "Riptide" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2014
Taylor Swift [13] recently made us swoon with her sweet cover of Phil Collins's "Can't Stop Loving You [14]," but Vance Joy's "Riptide" is her best BBC Radio 1 cover if we *had* to choose. The song's specific lyrics fit her emotional country pop vocals extremely well.
Thirty Seconds to Mars Covers Rihanna's "Stay" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2013
Thirty Seconds to Mars and Rihanna [15] aren't typically in the same musical sphere. Still, we can't deny that Jared Leto [16]'s electrifying and edgy vocals [17] sound amazing in this cover of "Stay."
Miley Cyrus Covers Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2013
One of the most viewed BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge covers, Miley Cyrus [18]'s take on Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness" brings a raspiness and smokiness to the original song that's just a delight.
Kings of Leon Cover Robyn's "Dancing on My Own" at the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2013
This Kings of Leon cover of "Dancing on My Own" isn't quite as sad as the Calum Scott version, but it has a wistful, dreamy quality to it that distinguishes it from the already great Robyn original [19].
Arctic Monkeys Cover Drake's "Hold On, We're Going Home" in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in 2013
There's just something deeply satisfying about seeing Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys wiggle to a Drake song like it's an oldie jam. This cover sounds nothing like the original, and yet we still love it so.