The most iconic music collaborations are the ones we never expected, when artists from wildly different worlds team up and create pure magic. Whether it’s genre-blending, generational crossover, or just total surprise factor, these duets and team-ups broke boundaries and made serious waves in pop culture. Here’s a look at 10 music collaborations that stunned us all.
10. Billie Eilish & Justin Bieber, “Bad Guy” (Remix)
For Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber was once a childhood idol. So when the two teamed up for a remix of her viral hit “Bad Guy,” it felt surreal. While the remix didn’t drastically change the track, the collaboration turned into a dream-come-true moment that fans won’t forget.
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9. David Bowie & Queen, “Under Pressure”
A spontaneous jam session turned into one of the greatest songs ever recorded. David Bowie and Queen’s “Under Pressure” remains iconic for its emotive lyrics and the dynamic energy between two rock legends. It’s a timeless anthem born from an unlikely partnership.
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8. BTS & Halsey, “Boy With Luv”
When K-pop sensation BTS teamed up with Halsey, the world got a sweet, upbeat pop anthem with global appeal. “Boy With Luv” broke streaming records and further cemented BTS’s status as international superstars. Halsey’s voice fit seamlessly, making it one of the most commercially successful and iconic music collaborations in recent pop history.
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7. Elton John & Eminem, Grammy Performance (2001)
The live Grammy performance between Elton John and Eminem came at a time of massive controversy. It was unexpected, bold, and created one of the most powerful and iconic music collaborations in live TV history.
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6. Run-D.M.C. & Aerosmith, “Walk This Way”
This 1986 collab brought hip-hop to MTV and mainstream radio in a big way. Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” didn’t just blend rock and rap, but it broke cultural barriers and introduced new audiences to both genres.
5. Dolly Parton & Miley Cyrus, “Jolene” (Live Performances)
This one is more of a recurring collaboration than a one-off track, but anytime Dolly and her goddaughter Miley take the stage together to sing “Jolene,” it’s unforgettable. The blending of generations, combined with their powerhouse voices, makes their duets some of the most iconic music collaborations in country-pop history.
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4. Paul McCartney, Rihanna & Kanye West, “FourFiveSeconds”
This stripped-down acoustic track felt like a fever dream: Sir Paul McCartney on guitar, Kanye West’s introspection, and Rihanna’s soulful vocals. “FourFiveSeconds” was minimalistic yet emotionally rich, and it became one of the most iconic music collaborations of the 2010s.
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3. Beyoncé & Jack White, “Don’t Hurt Yourself”
Beyoncé’s Lemonade was full of surprises, but few expected a rock-soul fusion with Jack White. “Don’t Hurt Yourself” was emotional and unlike anything either artist had released before. This unexpected pairing proved that when two fierce creatives collide, the result can be genre-defying.
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2. Linkin Park & Jay-Z, “Numb/Encore”
At a time when rock and rap rarely mixed successfully, Linkin Park and Jay-Z flipped the script with “Numb/Encore.” It became a chart-dominating anthem, showcasing how two different genres could collide and elevate each other, and remains one of the most talked-about iconic music collaborations of the 2000s.
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1. Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett – “Cheek to Cheek”
When pop icon Lady Gaga and jazz legend Tony Bennett announced a full album of duets, fans were intrigued, and a bit confused. But Cheek to Cheek blends Gaga’s vocals with Bennett’s classic smoothness. Their genuine friendship and artistic chemistry shone through, winning a Grammy and redefining both artists’ careers in the process.
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