Jessie J “Stay With Me” cover: The “Bang Bang” singer takes on Sam Smith’s hit song (VIDEO).

Jessie J Covers Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” Shows She Can Sing With the Best of Them

Jessie J Covers Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” Shows She Can Sing With the Best of Them

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Slate's Culture Blog
Oct. 9 2014 6:18 PM

Jessie J Covers Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” Shows She Can Sing With the Best of Them

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Photo by Didier Baverel/Getty Images for Peace One Day

Jessie J has mostly kept a low profile in the U.S. since her 2011 album Who You Are, but she’s back on the Billboard charts this year with “Bang Bang,” her “Lady Marmalade”-esque diva-off with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. And now for Global’s Make Some Noise radio charity she’s covered Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.” (Sam Smith has also done his version of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” for the same charity.)

And while her version is not nearly as unique as FKA Twigs’ outside-the-box take on the song—this version mostly sticks to the original arrangement but strips it down to acoustic guitar and some light percussion—Jessie J puts her famous vocal runs and expressive range to good use as yet another reminder that she’s one of the strongest vocalists in the business. It’s enough to suggest that, perhaps, she and Smith should hop in the studio together.

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Dee Lockett is a writer for Vulture and a former Slate editorial assistant.