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Valerie voted best Radio 1 Live Lounge performance


Valerie voted best Radio 1 Live Lounge performance

It’s a format that has been used by some of the biggest names in music over the last quarter century.

And now, to celebrate 25 years of Radio 1’s Live Lounge, the station’s presenters have voted for the show’s best ever performances.

Amy Winehouse tops the list with her 2007 cover of The Zutons’ “Valerie,” beating out the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Adele, RAYE and Dua Lipa.

Second and third place went to Arctic Monkeys with their cover versions of “Love Machine” by Girls Aloud and “Hold On We’re Going Home” by Drake.

Adele’s cover of “Cheryl’s Promise This” reached fourth place, while Ben Howard’s rendition of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” took fifth place.

In the on-air segment, artists usually present their own song and a cover of another artist in an acoustic live format.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary, Radio 1 presenters were asked to rate their 25 best performances from a longlist of 50.

The criteria for inclusion in the longlist of 50 pieces were based on the quality of the performance, cultural impact, audience success and longevity.

“Valerie” was originally released by indie band The Zutons. Amy’s cover at Maida Vale Studios attracted so much attention that it was officially released on Mark Ronson’s album Version, which also featured famous names covering other artists’ songs.

Amy, who died in 2011 at the age of 27, reached number two in the official singles charts with her version of “Valerie”.

Current Live Lounge hosts Rickie, Melvin and Charlie said the past 25 years have produced “some iconic and unforgettable” cover versions.

“But Amy Winehouse’s cover is such a worthy winner… her performance was so special.”

Live lounge tracks from Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Jay Z and Miley Cyrus have been viewed millions of times on YouTube.

Artists have often taken the opportunity appreciate to artists who inspired them.

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