Music taste says a lot about a person and sometimes more than interviews ever do.
When rich and famous reveal the one song they could listen to forever, the answers are often surprisingly emotional, nostalgic or completely unexpected.
Music has a funny way of attaching itself to moments in life: a breakup, road trip, wedding, or even a difficult year. Even the world’s biggest stars aren’t immune to that.
Is that why these choices below feel so relatable? Beneath the fame, many of them love the same kinds of songs the rest of us do — the ones that stir memories or simply make us feel something again.
From rock legends and actors to Australian icons, these are 10 famous faces who’ve publicly revealed their favourite song of all time… and the stories behind them.
Favourite song: God Only Knows
McCartney has repeatedly called the God Only Knows one of the greatest songs ever written, saying it often brings him to tears. He has long admired Brian Wilson and once described hearing the song for the first time as life-changing.
Favourite song: Greatest Love of All
Elton has spoken emotionally about Whitney Houston’s recording of the song, calling it one of the greatest vocal performances he’s ever heard.
Favourite song: Like a Rolling Stone
Springsteen has often credited Bob Dylan’s anthem as the song that changed his understanding of what music could be. He once said hearing it was “like somebody kicked open the door to your mind”.
Favourite song: I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
The Rolling Stones frontman has often spoken about his admiration for Hank Williams and once described the haunting country ballad as one of the saddest and most perfect songs ever written.
Favourite song: I Hope You Dance
Oprah has said the song’s message about embracing life and staying open to possibility deeply resonates with her.
Favourite song: Imagine
Jackman has previously named John Lennon’s classic as one of the songs that has stayed with him throughout his life because of its hopeful message.
Favourite song: Somewhere
The legendary singer has often spoken about her lifelong connection to the emotional ballad from West Side Story.
Favourite song: Landslide
Urban has praised Fleetwood Mac’s haunting classic and especially Stevie Nicks’ songwriting.
Favourite song: The Winner Takes It All
Streep fell in love with the song while filming Mamma Mia! and has described it as heartbreakingly perfect.
Favourite song: In My Life
The U2 frontman has often singled out the reflective The Beatles track as one of the most beautiful songs ever written.