15 Surprising Facts About Female Musicians You May Not Know

15 Intriguing Insights on Iconic Female Musicians

 

In the realm of music, women have made indelible marks, often backed by fascinating stories and facts that many may not know. Let’s dive into some captivating tales from the lives of these powerhouse artists.

 

1. Sabrina Carpenter drew inspiration from the classic 1992 film Death Becomes Her for her “Taste” music video, where she and co-star Jenna Ortega engage in a quirky rivalry reminiscent of Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn’s characters, albeit with a twist of gore. Interestingly, Carpenter also penned her hit “Juno” after watching the film of the same name.

2. As Chappell Roan began making waves in 2024, fellow artists like Miley Cyrus and Hayley Williams reached out to offer guidance, recognizing the industry’s challenges for women. Mitski even welcomed her with a message about the difficulties women face in the music business.

 

3. Billie Eilish has candidly shared that she finds collaborating with other musicians somewhat undesirable. Yet, the opportunity to join forces with Charli XCX on “Guess” in 2024 changed her perspective.

 

4. When Christina Aguilera recorded her iconic 2002 song “Beautiful,” the now-famous opening line “don’t look at me” was ad-libbed. This moment captured her vulnerability, leading songwriter Linda Perry to realize the depth of Aguilera’s emotions.

 

5. Known as the Swamp Princess, Doechii emerged as one of the brightest new stars in the industry, gaining recognition in 2024. She spoke about the lessons learned in the music world as she progressed, particularly about self-validation amidst external pressures.

 

6. Janelle Monáe is no stranger to hosting vibrant parties that served as a backdrop for her 2023 album, The Age of Pleasure. She recounted her experiences at these gatherings, keeping a meticulous spreadsheet of thrilling moments.

 

7. Adele boasts a quirky keepsake in her home: a piece of gum chewed by Céline Dion. This light-hearted exchange occurred during a Carpool Karaoke segment, revealing a fun side to their interactions.

 

8. Megan Thee Stallion crafted “Thot Shit” in response to the backlash she and Cardi B faced over their 2020 collaboration “WAP.” In an interview, she humorously acknowledged the political critics fueling her streams, turning adversity into opportunity.

 

9. Madonna’s controversial music video for “Justify My Love” faced a ban on MTV in 1990 for its bold themes. Despite the backlash, Madonna defended her artistic choices, recalling her previous experiences with censorship.

 

10. Despite the progress in 2024 for LGBTQ women in pop music, Reneé Rapp pointed out the personal toll that came with it, describing the year as intense and daunting.

 

11. Patti LuPone, a Broadway legend, is enjoying a resurgence following her role in Marvel’s Agatha All Along. An anecdote from co-star Joe Locke highlighted her impressive capabilities, recalling that she recorded her song flawlessly in one take.

 

12. Barbra Streisand has long been associated with her signature long nails. While filming A Star Is Born, she had to trim the nails on one hand to learn guitar, a decision that showcased her commitment to her craft.

 

13. Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” arguably her most celebrated track, is actually a cover of an Otis Redding original. By rewriting the lyrics, Franklin transformed it into an anthem of empowerment for women everywhere.

 

14. Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes experienced a memorable moment when Prince invited her to perform at his Paisley Park home. Though their collaboration never materialized, the experience remains a highlight for Howard.

 

15. Yoko Ono was co-credited as a songwriter for John Lennon’s “Imagine” many years after its release, as it was revealed that many lyrics were derived from her poetry. In a later interview, Lennon acknowledged her significant contribution, reflecting on his initial oversight.

 

These stories highlight not just the artistry of these women, but the complexities and cultural significance they bring to the music landscape. Each fact serves to enrich our understanding of their journeys and the challenges they’ve faced in an evolving industry.