Bridgerton is a new Netflix original series that tells the story of the Bridgerton family, which includes eight children, set during Regency-era England. The main cast features Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page and Nicola Coughlan, all relatively unknown before their appearances on the show. The series is based on an 11-part book series written by Julia Quinn and was produced by the award-winning writer Shonda Rhimes and her production company Shondaland, responsible for hit shows like the long-running medical series Grey’s Anatomy and its spinoff Station 19. Bridgerton is the first collaboration between Netflix and Shonda, and it did not disappoint.
While the series is set in the regency era, and much of the music is classical to suit the time period, Bridgerton’s soundtrack is unique. Many of the songs used during some of the most memorable moments of the show are classical covers of modern pop songs. The creators of the show have even gone so far as to release two official soundtracks, one featuring original classical music and the other featuring exclusive covers made for the show. With its popularity soaring, season two of Bridgerton has been confirmed and expected to premiere in March of this year. Many are wondering what is to come, including what modern songs will be covered. In the meantime, these are the best classical covers of modern songs in Bridgerton season one.
6 Maroon 5 — “Girls Like You”
Played in the very first episode of the show the morning after Daphne’s first ball. As the song plays, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) awaits the arrival of any interested suitors, but the audience is given the privileged information that all the eligible bachelors have gone to visit Miss Marina Thompson. A suitable choice for the situation, “Girls Like You” adds to the sadness we feel for Daphne as all she wants is to be loved and cared for. Seeing Daphne waiting patiently for the men who never come as opposed to Marina whose house is littered with men interested in a courtship is a tough pill to swallow and the presence of Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” only makes it more emotional.
5 Ariana Grande — “Thank You, Next”
Ariana Grande is one of the most popular artists right now—how could a Grande tune be left out. “Thank You, Next” is played during the very first ball in the very first episode. As Daphne wanders the room with Anthony, looking for potential suitors, Anthony manages to keep them away, dissolving any interest they may have in her. “Thank You, Next” brings out the reality of the situation in which she is getting admired by one man after another before Anthony shoos them away until someone more suitable for Daphne comes along. Just like the lyrics of the original version of the song suggest, she thanks the men for their interest but must move on to find someone better for herself.
4 Billie Eilish — “Bad Guy”
In the third episode of season one, Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” can be heard in the background when Simon pretends to freak out when a real potential suitor asks Daphne to dance with him. This is done during the time when Simon (Regé-Jean Page) and Daphne are pretending to be involved as a ruse so that Daphne will gain the interest of other men. With Eilish dominating most radios, it makes sense to add a song of hers, but the choice to cover “Bad Guy” reminisces with what is occurring on screen and how good of a job Simon is doing at feigning jealousy. It’s at this point that the audience recognizes that it's possible that carrying out this charade is going to hurt Daphne more than benefit her in the end.
3 Shawn Mendes — “In My Blood”
When Simon and Daphne dance together at the end of the second episode, Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood” is played in the background. This kick-starts the charade between Simon and Daphne in the hopes that Daphne will gain some real suitors at the sight of her being with someone else. However, the song combined with the intimate dance that the two share shows the audience that perhaps the ruse is more than an act. As the parties look at each other longingly, it leaves the audience wondering if it is just a very good act or if they are beginning to fall for one another.
2 Taylor Swift — “Wildest Dreams”
If there’s one thing Bridgerton is known for, it's the romance and sexual tension. After Daphne and Simon marry, the couple retreats into their bubble of love for their honeymoon and what’s a good honeymoon without oodles of sex. Their honeymoon and the passion they express for one another is displayed through a montage of sex scenes, which also displays their honeymoon as whole. The song that’s played over this montage is Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams”. The slow build up of the song represents their relationship which began as an act, but soon became reality as they marry and finally express their love. The song’s slow pace matches the montage of love that satisfies the audience’s wish to see the couple happy.
1 Celeste feat. Hilary Smith — “Strange”
The consummation of Simon and Daphne’s marriage is shown on their wedding night after a long wait and much build up between the couple, the long-awaited consummation is shown on-screen. “Strange” by Celeste featuring Hilary Smith is a very slow sensual song which expresses Daphne’s fears that the relationship will not work out, but Simon expresses his love for her and reassures her. While the couple expresses their passion for each other, the questions of their future and whether this relationship will succeed go out the window. The newly-weds focus on each other, making certain that their feelings are known and expressed. As “Strange” plays in the background, the audience’s worry about Daphne and Simon is turned off momentarily as the couple express themselves physically for the first time.