Every so often, a song comes out that's so infectious, everyone seems to be humming, singing, or shimmying to it ("Let It Go," we're still not over you)—and Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" is 2014's prime example. Even though T. Swift released the single back in August, viral covers are still popping up daily because like it or not, the song's THAT catchy.
From Kendrick Lamar's hip hop teaser to Kelly Clarkson's full-out gospel cover, here are the best takes on the Taylor Swift hit:
Related: Listen to Taylor Swift's Fantastic Cover of 'Riptide'
President Obama:
In what some would describe as very appropriate moment for a "Shake It Off" cover, the president "sang" part of the song during the Tonight Show last night. The number came right as midterm elections results rolled in, so hearing Obama say "shake it off" after the Democrats lost control of the Senate was very fitting.
Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan:
The two hosts covered the hit on their talk show before Swift made an appearance this week. The video is full of TV show spoofs (Downton Abbey, Orange Is the New Black, etc.) and celebrity cameos (Hugh Jackman, Kerry Washington, Emma Stone, and, you know, Taylor Swift…) It's the most star-studded cover yet.
Kendrick Lamar:
During a Fader interview, Lamar did a brief cover of the song's chorus—but not before revealing how much he appreciates the singer's admiration of him. "Shout out to Taylor Swift," the rapper said. "I enjoy great music outside of my own music all the time, so I definitely can see where she's coming from when she says that she listens to [my] record, and it's a great thing for her to acknowledge that and put that good energy out into the world like that."
Related: Taylor Swift Is Billboard's Woman of the Year Again
Kelly Clarkson:
Clarkson went full gospel on Swift when she did her own cover. "Seriously, everybody gives Taylor such a hard time, but I can tell you, she can write a hook. I'm just sayin'," she told the crowd after performing. Swift tweeted the video as testament of her approval.
Walk Off the Earth:
Because every pop hit needs an indie spin, Canadian group Walk Off the Earth did a cheery riff of the tune on a beach. It doesn't get much more chill than shaking maracas against a picturesque sunset, amirite?
Meghan Trainor:
Trainor was one of the first celebrities to get attention for her "Shake It Off" cover, providing an acoustic riff as lovely as her mid-song pep talk to Taylor ("So Taylor, shake 'em off, don't let 'em get to ya.)
Related: A Guide to Binge-Listening Taylor Swift's New Album Without Losing Your Sanity (Barely)
And need you be reminded, the original that started it all. It's a legend for a reason, thanks to T. Swift.
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Alyssa Bailey is the news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she's not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.
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