What The Celebrities Have On Their iPods
There are songs that remind us of our first kiss, our favourite summer, a great night out with the girls, even a walk down the aisle; and it’s no different for the rich and famous. And while many of them may have dated, married or befriended most of their iPod – it’s still holds true. Celebrities love music just like the rest of us. Here are what some A-listers are listening to on their iPods:
Madonna
Given that Material Mum spends two hours a day working out, it should come as no surprise that her favourite tunes must be something she can dance to. Her taste is eclectic, and her musical mind open; she has a wide range of favourites from pop candy like Kylie and Britney to driving edge beats and raunchy lyrics by artists like Eminem and 50 Cent. Nothing particularly sentimental here, no sappy love songs or romantic ballads – and the theme is clear: they all make you want to get up and move.
Madonna’s favourite song of the moment? : Katy Perry’s “Ur So Gay” (and you don’t even like boys)
Madonna’s work-out mix:
- Breathe Me by Sia “Sia has a beautiful voice and I use this song to warm up to when I work out”
- Speakerphone by Kylie (Madonna’s favourite Kylie song)
- Feedback by Janet Jackson (Madonna loves to dance to this one)
- Shake That by Eminem “This song is amazing to dance to; it has a great beat and is a little naughty.”
- In Da Club by 50 Cent – a classic club song that will never die
- Break the Ice by Britney Spears “I love Britney. I work-out to her music a lot. This is a great one to dance to.”
- Don’t stop the Music by Rhianna. This is what Madonna puts on when she is tired and wants to quit. “This is a great song. It gives me an extra burst of energy when I feel like I have no more”
Hugh Grant
He may have wined and dined some of Britain’s most attractive women – but let’s be honest, this is not a man known for his musical taste. In fact, when filming Bridget Jones’ Diary in London, co-star Renee Zellweger took pity on the British star and gave him 20 or so of her favourite CD’s, all by artists like David Gray, Keane and the White Stripes, in an effort to expand his musical horizons. Judging by his favourite list of songs, however, it appears that Renee’s attempts at bringing this romantic leading man into the modern age were in vain. There’s hardly a song on here that was recorded later than 1960!
What Hugh listens to:
- Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. Hugh seems to have over-thought this one a little bit. “Great melody. Great singing. Brilliant encapsulation of the meaningless and the pointlessness of existence. Perfect for an existential party.”
- Satellite of Love by Lou Reed. “The whole Transformer album is great but this one stands out. Lou knows about love – more than me anyway.”
- I’m not in Love by 10cc. “this was my first ever slow dance. It was romantic and perfectly paced for switching partners in the middle if you felt like you weren’t getting anywhere”
- Crazy by Patsy Kline. Hugh quips: “I’d like to dedicate it to every girlfriend I’ve ever had”
- And no Hugh Grant playlist would be without a song from great friend Elton John. Hugh’s favourite Elton tune? Daniel “Lovely Elton melody and singing. Terrific Bernie Taupin lyrics.”
Elle Macpherson
Elle Macpherson has pretty good taste in tunes. She is a huge Rolling Stone’s fan and loves bluesy, folk rock with a bit of Indy spirit. What makes this supermodel’s play list especially cool is that she has been either linked romantically with most of it, or counts them as long-time friends. That’s a hard one to beat.
On Elle’s list:
- Fool to Cry by The Rolling Stones. “No playlist is complete without something from Mick.”
- Quelqu’un M’a Dit by Carla Bruni. France’s First Lady is a good friend of Elle’s who has an iPod full of her music. Elle says, “She’s smart sexy, with a voice to die for.”
- Lay Lady Lay by Bob Dylan. “Because he’s the man”
- Hotel California by the Eagles. “Classic Dreaming of America at 16”
- Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy has particularly sentimental appeal to Elle. “This one is for my son Cy who was born in a warm bath”
Jackie Collins
This famous author’s musical taste may surprise you. Anticipating an iPod full of English greats like Dusty Springfield or Cliff Richard or perhaps LA 80’s glam rock bands like Bananarama – you’d be sorely disappointed. It seems that this English novelist and sister to the great Joan Collins, has ahem… soul. Everything from Al Green to Queen Latifah.
Jackie’s favourite singer is Al Green who she says is: “pure soul at its best. The man was a genius.”
On her iPod playlist:
- What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
- Let’s Stay Together by Al Green, “A total classic – Al green rocks your soul”
- The Thrill is Gone by BB King “Always good to listen to the master of the blues”
- I Put a Spell on You by Queen Latifah. “So good. Equal to Nina Simone in a different way.”
- I Need a Girl by P Diddy featuring Usher and Loon. “I love P. Diddy. And this mix of I need a girl has real attitude.”
Sarah Jessica Parker
The Sex And The City star’s choices are all over the map. From Guns and Roses to Sade and Otis Redding to vintage 90’s Janet Jackson, SJ isn’t afraid to let music express a wide range of her emotion. There are plenty of surprises – who would have a guessed she‘s a massive Fiona Apple fan? And in case you were wondering – what does Carrie listen to when yet again trying to get over Mr. Big? Roberta Flack’s classic heartbreak song, Killing Me Softly with His Love, naturally.
What SJP is listening to right now:
- A Mistake by Fiona Apple. “Don’t make me choose one song from this brilliant artist – she is a sort of miracle”
- Sweet Child of Mine by Guns and Roses – “who was greater than Axel Rose there and then?”
- All About Our Love by Sade. “She’s just the sexiest singer who sings only when she wants to. Only leaves you wanting more”
- Killing Me Softly With His Song by Roberta Flack. “Because she sings of heartbreak – just how girls like to hear it. And feel it”
- Love Will Never Do Without You by Janet Jackson. “The video! The song! The Lady!”
- And remember when SJP was filming those Sex And The City episodes in Paris? She was listening to Qui by Charles Aznavour the whole time. “Ah, Paris” she says, “who doesn’t want to be transported occasionally?”
Sharon Stone
Known for her brassy directness and it’s not surprising that her play list is filled with women with the same approach. Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Tracy Chapman are particular favourites. Sexually outspoken, Sharon is equally bold in some of her other choices. F***ing You Tonight by The Notorious BIG is a particular favourite of hers, despite lyrics that could make a stripper blush. Sharon is typically unapologetic: “For me, Biggie Smalls was the most talented rap musician/composer ever. That’s it.”
Sharon’s favourite singer? British great Dusty Springfield – of whom Sharon says: “what a voice!”
What Sharon’s listening to right now:
- What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye. “This is the most healing song I know.”
- Just Like A Woman by Bob Dylan. “From the time I was a young girl this song made me feel in touch with my woman-ness.”
- Guess Who I Saw Today by Nancy Wilson. “This is the quintessential song of all time sung by the quintessential singer.”
- I’d Rather Go Blind by Etta James. “This is the way I feel the blues”
Nicole Kidman
Nicole loves music – and the men who make it. Currently married to country music superstar Keith Urban, Kidman was previously romantically linked to A Tribe Called Quest rapper Q-tip and sexy R&B rocker Lenny Kravitz – so as you can imagine, her musical taste is as eclectic as her taste in partners. There’s plenty to choose from: The Police, Outkast, Kanye West, INXS, Morcheeba, and Pink.
Her all time favourite song? Making Memories Of Us by hubby Urban – this is the song Keith wrote for her and sang for her at their wedding. Nothing is going to touch this one.
The rest of Nicole’s list?
- Lady by Lenny Kravitz (She offers no comment on this one).
- Walking On The Moon by The Police. “Who doesn’t love this song?”
- Lips Like Sugar by Echo and the Bunnymen. “This is the perfect kind of song to listen to when you are on a road trip – you wind the windows down and turn it up nice and loud”
- Don’t Phunk With My Heart by Black Eyed Peas. “My daughter Bella and I love Fergie. She is so pretty and an amazing dancer.”
- Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani. “We like this song because Gwen rocks! Her whole record is great”
- Fade Into You by Mazzy Star. “Such a beautiful song – the lead singer has such a distinct voice and when it’s on I find it so calming”
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber
This celebrated British composer of musical greats like Phantom, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita and the winner of seven Tonys and three Grammys, might be expected to have an iPod full of songs by Petula Clark or at least a few by ex-wife and singing star Sarah Brightman. He does not. What he does have is an affection for artists like Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake and yes, Boyzone! It seems Sir Webber is full of surprises.
So what is Sir Andrew listening to?
- David by Nellie McKay
- Señorita by Justin Timberlake
- Lose Yourself by Eminem
- Tosca, Act II, Vissi d’arte by Maria Callas
- Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley
- In Dreams by Roy Orbison
- No Matter What by Boyzone
- Let’s Dance by David Bowie
- Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne
- Love Is Strange by The Everly Brothers
