Queen Charlotte's Playlist: The List of Pop Hits Reimagined for Bridgerton's Prequel
What's the common thread in all of Queen Charlotte's pop covers?
The Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, has become the latest Netflix sensation, attracting a staggering 22 million viewers within the first three days of its release.
Audiences have been captivated by its stunning sets, dazzling costumes, exceptional casting, and engaging plotlines.
However, a significant mood setter for this romantic show is its unique soundtrack. Just like its predecessor, Queen Charlotte features a specially curated playlist, blending period-appropriate orchestral covers of contemporary pop hits. These renditions have left many viewers astounded. It should be noted, though, that they all share an intriguing commonality.
As the spinoff shines a light on England's first Black Queen and the Great Experiment, an attempt at integrating different races into London's high society, its music pays homage to celebrated black female artists. The covers, performed by Brian Chan and Caleb Chan, Audiostation, and the Vitamin String Quartet, all reinterpret these artists' songs. Here's the full lineup:
If I Ain’t Got You (Alicia Keys cover)
I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston cover)
Fitting, Beyoncé, the reigning queen of modern pop culture, is most represented with three covers. In an interview for Tidium, Alexandra Patsavas, the show's music supervisor, emphasised the importance of giving the series its own unique soundtrack that pays tribute to the contribution of black music to modern pop culture.
'It was important to honour Queen Charlotte with her own musical palette,' Patsavas said. 'And that felt like Charlotte’s essence.'
Alicia Keys played a personal role in the project as well. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her song If I Ain't Got You, Keys re-recorded it with Queen Charlotte's Global Orchestra, a collective of over 70 women of colour from diverse backgrounds and a range of countries.
The stunning music video, which has been published on Alicia Key's official YouTube Channel, is a must-watch.
'Alicia’s participation is so thrilling for this project,' Patsavas said. 'It’s just gorgeous in a beautiful Bridgerton sort of setting, with the costumes and the immensely talented women.'
Source: Tudum.