Pop stars are best known for their dancing and vocal ability, but there are some pop stars who can also play an instrument. I love celebrities who are multi-talented, which is why these pop stars are among my favorites! In some cases, like with these pop stars who can also play an instrument, there is much more to the celebrity than auto tune and flashy performances.
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1. Shakira
The question is, what can’t Shakira do? Not only is she a talented singer and dancer, she is also one of the pop stars who can also play an instrument. In the video clip, Shakira performs her song "Gypsy." At the end of the performance, Shakira shows off her harmonica skills. Although it is short lived in this performance, she has shown off her harmonica skills other times as well.
Colombian-born Shakira has always wowed audiences with her powerhouse vocals and bewitching hip movements, but her musical talents extend beyond her voice and dance moves. A self-taught musician, Shakira also plays guitar, a skill often showcased during her electrifying live performances. Her diverse proficiency across instruments underlines her versatility and cements her status as a multifaceted artist. Whether it's the strumming of a guitar or her playful tunes on the harmonica, Shakira proves that she is a musical force to be reckoned with.
2. Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado is another multi-talented pop star. In this performance, Nelly sings her song "All Good Things" while playing acoustic guitar to back up her vocals. I am a big fan of Nelly Furtado and I love it when she does more stripped down performances like these.
Her knack for blending different genres into her music, from pop, folk, to hip-hop, shows her versatility not just as a vocalist, but as a musician too. Watching her command the stage with nothing but her voice and a guitar illustrates just how intimately connected she is with her artistry. It's performances like these that truly highlight Nelly Furtado's alluring simplicity and raw talent that can both capture a room and touch the soul.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, many singers can also play musical instruments. They may have learned to play an instrument before they became famous or may have picked up the skill along the way.
Some pop stars known for playing instruments include Lady Gaga (piano), John Legend (piano), Taylor Swift (guitar and piano), Prince (guitar and a variety of other instruments), and HAIM (various instruments, including guitar and drums).
It's beneficial for pop stars to play an instrument because it allows them greater creative control in songwriting and live performances. It can also help them to communicate better with their band and bring a deeper understanding of music to their work.
Some stars may decide to learn an instrument after they become famous to enhance their musical abilities or fulfill personal goals. However, many learn before they hit the spotlight as part of their musical training.
Yes, there are many talented female pop stars who also play instruments. For example, Alicia Keys is renowned for her skills on the piano, and St. Vincent is an accomplished guitar player.
3. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is one of the “princesses of pop” and one thing that sets her apart from the other big names such as Britney Spears and Katy Perry is the fact that she can play multiple instruments. She is best known for playing the piano, but she has also performed songs while playing an acoustic guitar, drums, and a keytar. This performance is of her song “Hair” on the Howard Stern show. This is one of my all time favorite Lady Gaga performances and I think you’ll enjoy it too.
4. Miley Cyrus
Although Miley is now known more for her tongue and twerking, the girl has serious talent that is often overlooked. Her performance of “When I Look at You” on American Idol is beautiful. Miley sits down at the piano to perform this romantic ballad to the delight of the audience. This performance is “pre-haircut” Miley at her best and one of the few times she shows off her piano playing ability.
Before her radical transformation, Miley Cyrus was primarily known for her role as the titular character in Disney Channel's Hannah Montana. However, she has continuously demonstrated that her musical abilities extend far beyond acting and singing. The emotive qualities in her voice during the soul-stirring performance of “When I Look at You” are a testament to her vocal depth and artistic versatility. Not only does she captivate with her voice, but Miley's skills at the piano—an often-underrated aspect of her talent—further showcase her as a multifaceted musician. This combination of heartfelt piano accompaniment and vocal prowess has allowed her to resonate with a wide audience.
5. Taylor Swift
While it’s often debated if Taylor Swift is considered pop or country, I have always thrown her into the pop category, which is why she is making this list! By now, it’s no secret that Taylor Swift can play the guitar. I love this performance of Taylor singing “Teardrops on My Guitar” while playing along on her sparkly acoustic.
Taylor's musical prowess extends beyond her captivating vocal abilities. She's no stranger to songwriting and guitar strumming, often showcasing her skills in intimate acoustic performances that leave her fans swooning. Her ability to play the guitar adds an extra layer of authenticity to her storytelling, making her songs resonate even more with listeners. From glittering award show productions to stripped-down sessions, Swift manages to weave her instrumental talents into her pop persona seamlessly. It's this blend of musicianship and melodic charm that solidifies her spot among pop's multitasking talents.
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6. Ke$ha
People like to accuse Ke$ha of not being talented, but the opposite is in fact true. Not only can Ke$ha actually sing (her Deonstructed album is proof of this), she can also play an instrument! This fan made video from her tour shows Ke$ha playing an electric guitar while performing her hit “Blah, Blah, Blah.”
Ke$ha's skills go beyond her dynamic stage presence and party anthems. Those who delve deeper into her discography will discover her musical prowess, as she holds her own with an instrument, showcasing versatility and depth often overshadowed by her pop persona. Her ability to handle an electric guitar is not just for show but an expression of her genuine artistry, which she has honed since childhood. With a background that includes songwriting for other artists before her own rise to fame, Ke$ha's inherent talent is undeniable and offers a richer appreciation for her work.
7. P!nk
Ah, P!nk! What can’t she do? This woman is one of the true talents in the music industry. We all know her vocals are incredible, but did you know she plays the piano as well? This video is her playing and singing her song “The Great Escape” during her Truth about Love tour. The first minute and a half of this video are her talking, so skip ahead if you are just looking to hear the song.
I love each of the multi-talented artists on this list. Each of these singers are more than just a pretty face that mouths along to their songs. Each of these pop singers can actually carry a tune as well as play a musical instrument. Who is your favorite pop star that can play an instrument as well as sing? Tell us in the comments!
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