8 of the most killer duets in music history

The CMA Awards lent itself to a bit of genre-blending last Wednesday: in case you missed it, Miranda Lambert put on a show-stopping duet with Meghan Trainor. Dressed in their exaggerated fit-n-flare dresses, the two got down to Trainor’s latest hit, “All About That Bass.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v5tJ7dT5Lw

Even Ariana Grande got in on the crossover action, singing “Bang Bang” with country music super-group, Little Big Town. Because of all the amazing music combos, Wednesday’s CMA performances got us thinking about some other show-stopping duets. Across all genres and decades, there have been some pretty unforgettable twosomes. No matter their level of popularity, there’s something so powerful about two artists combining forces, so why not celebrate it? Below are a few of our absolute favorite duets.

8. Thom Yorke & PJ Harvey – “This Mess We’re In”

It doesn’t take much for PJ Harvey and Thom Yorke to create gorgeous music together. Simply combine their haunting vocals, add a guitar loop, and voila. I think your ears can take care of the rest.

7. Justin Timberlake & Beyoncé – “Until the End of Time”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h73T-J3XCDE

In 2007, Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé joined forces to create this gorgeous track on Justin’s FutureSex/LoveSounds album. The ethereal beat underneath their soulful vocals makes “Until the End of Time” one of the most gorgeous R&B duets in recent memory.

6. Monica & Brandy – “The Boy Is Mine”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va1Y6uAgNJY

Being that “The Boy Is Mine” was a competitive anthem on playgrounds across America, this song brings back a whole lot of memories. FUN FACT: Brandy actually came up with the concept for this song after watching an episode of The Jerry Springer Show. Just goes to show you, inspiration can come from just about anywhere. We’re just glad Monica and Brandy were totally cool in real life.

5. Trent Reznor & David Bowie – “Hurt”

Both of these gentleman are legends in their own right, but a duet?! It seems almost too good to be true. Thankfully, every rock lover’s dream was realied when they took the stage to do a live rendition of Reznor’s “Hurt.” I’m not one to get overly emotional at concerts, but I think I would’ve cried if I saw this in real life.

4. Sonny & Cher – “I Got You Babe”

You know I couldn’t leave Sonny and Cher off this list. “I Got You Babe” is the definition of a classic duet. Now, grab the person closest to you and hit the play button.

3. Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton – “Islands in the Stream”

“Islands in the Stream” was partially inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book, written by the Bee Gees, and performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. It doesn’t get any more legendary than this. The song has been covered more times than I can count, but nothing compares to the original.

2. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz-UvQYAmbg

This Motown classic has been heralded as one of the most prolific songs in history. In other words, if you don’t know the chorus to this song, there’s a possibility you may not be a living human being. Diana Ross paid tribute to the song’s Motown roots by covering it with The Temptations just three years after the song’s initial release, which is (obviously) pretty amazing and another incredible collaboration.

1. Queen & David Bowie – “Under Pressure”

I know, there’s a theme with David Bowie here, but I couldn’t resist. It’s “Under Pressure,” AKA that ridiculously famous bassline sample we’ve come to know and love again from “Ice Ice Baby.” No cover versions have ever dared come close to this duet, hence it being (my) number one.

Any you’d like to add onto the list? Let us know!

(Featured image via.)