Lately, it's impossible to overlook the growing trend of K-pop idol groups covering Stray Kids' songs as a way to show respect to their sunbaenim (seniors). Stray Kids are no longer just another K-pop group; they’ve pioneered their own genre, marked by their distinctive style and self-producing nature. In an industry overflowing with talent, it’s no small feat to stand out. However, Stray Kids’ uniqueness, commitment to their sound, humility, and their consistent support of other groups during award shows (yes, Stray Kids, we see you!) have helped them shine.
Here, we highlight several remarkable covers of Stray Kids' songs that are worth mentioning. It's important to note that creating a successful cover of a Stray Kids song is no easy task, given the high level of difficulty in their performances.And once again, the order of appearance doesn't matter, as all these covers deserve equal praise.
NEXZ's Cover of “CHK CHK BOOM”
At Inkigayo Live in Tokyo, JYP Entertainment’s newest boy group, NEXZ, performed Stray Kids’ "CHK CHK BOOM." Composed of six Japanese members—Tomoya, Yu, Haru, Seita, Hyui, and Yuki—along with one Korean member, Sogeon, this rookie group showcased their admiration for Stray Kids. As the first boy group to debut under JYP since Stray Kids, their cover was more than just a performance; it was a tribute to their sunbaenims. NEXZ is already on the path to elevating K-pop internationally, just like their seniors.
NEXZ Chk Chk Boom Lines
— 𐙚 (@nex2yugeon) October 13, 2024
TOMOYA : Changbin
YU: Lee Know & I.N.
Haru : Hyunjin
Sogeon : Felix
Seita : Chan
Hyui : Han
Yuki: Seungminpic.twitter.com/jWFNsR0X0D
Kep1er’s Bold Take on “MANIAC”
Next, we have the all-girls group Kep1er, who paid tribute to Stray Kids with two incredible covers. Their first cover, “Back Door” at KCON LA 2024, was a fresh and exciting take on the original. But we’re here to focus on their unforgettable performance of “MANIAC” at the TMA this year. In our opinion, this was one of the most unique and impressive covers we’ve seen. Kep1er members brought an unexpectedly high level of energy to a song as challenging as "MANIAC," making it a must-watch for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet. Their performance showcased not only their versatility but also their ability to take on intense, performance-driven music.
JO1’s “LALALALA” Tribute
Although we’re focusing on K-pop, we can’t overlook JO1, a rising J-pop group who delivered a fantastic cover of Stray Kids’ “LALALALA.” As huge fans of Stray Kids, JO1’s performance was a testament to the global reach and influence of Stray Kids’ music. The J-pop group is poised for an even bigger year, and this cover was their way of showing respect to the group that has inspired them.
Xdinary Heroes’ Unique Spin on “Hellevator”
Among the many covers of Stray Kids’ songs, Xdinary Heroes’ rendition of “Hellevator” stands out as the most creative. As JYP Entertainment’s band-focused group, Xdinary Heroes brought a completely different vibe to the iconic track. Their interpretation was infused with a rock edge, giving it a fresh perspective that captivated audiences. The cover didn’t just pay tribute to Stray Kids, but also showcased Xdinary Heroes’ artistic flair and deep passion for music. By reimagining the song with their own style, they proved their versatility and creativity as musicians. This cover undoubtedly deserves recognition for pushing the boundaries and breathing new life into a fan-favorite Stray Kids track.
P1HARMONY’s Cover at Music Bank Madrid
Word on the street is that P1HARMONY recently performed a cover of “CHK CHK BOOM” at Music Bank in Madrid. While we’re still waiting for the official video, fans are buzzing with excitement. Given P1HARMONY’s reputation for delivering strong performances, we’re confident they’ve done justice to Stray Kids’ hit.
#P1Harmony covers “CHK CHK BOOM” by #StrayKids at Music Bank in Madrid
— Boygroups Media (@kbgmedia) October 13, 2024
pic.twitter.com/BoUGnBqnlo
The Ultimate Tribute: Stray Kids’ Cover of “BANG BANG BANG”
We can’t wrap this up without mentioning Stray Kids’ iconic cover of BIG BANG’s “BANG BANG BANG” at the 2022 Golden Disc Awards. In a full-circle moment, Stray Kids paid homage to their own sunbaenims, BIG BANG, with a powerful rendition of the classic K-pop anthem. The performance was so electrifying that even BTS members got up to dance. It’s hard to believe only two years have passed since then—Stray Kids have truly grown into industry giants.
Stray Kids have not only set a new standard in K-pop but have also inspired a wave of groups to follow their lead, creating a legacy that will surely continue to grow.
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