Lil Nas X was a guest on the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge show yesterday. Guests on the UK radio show typically perform live versions of their hits and a cover version.
Surprising many, Lil Nax X’s choice of cover was the classic Dolly Parton hit, ‘Jolene’.
The gay singer and rapper performed a fairly stripped-down version of the track, accompanied by guitarists and drummer. You can watch it below.
Lil Nas X told the show, “This song is kind of like beautifully sad, you know? I like the little twang, like the country twang in it. So I was like, ‘Lemme try this out’.”
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Fans were quick to praise the performance.
Related: Lil Nas X’s new video features locker room sex scene and Brokeback Mountain homage
“Lil Nas X has genuinely come so far in such a short amount of time,” said YouTuber Trusted Texan. “Montero is by far my favorite album this year – and that says a lot. Very proud of what he has accomplished and even what he has done behind the scenes. Can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Another, Kelzu, said, “I love everything about this. His voice. His fit. The mic with flowers. The band. EVERYTHING.”
Others said they hoped to one day see a Lil Nas X/Dolly Parton collaboration.
Other songs he performed for the show included ‘Dead Right Now’, ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’ and ‘That’s What I Want’.
DEAD RIGHT NOW
pic.twitter.com/IupvAxngZ1— MONTERO 🦋 (@LilNasX) September 22, 2021
Lil Nas X’s debut album, Montero, was released last Friday. It’s currently in pole position on the midweek album charts in the UK, but is currently only a few sales ahead of the competition before the week’s official number one is announced this Friday. It is also on track to debut toward the top of the Billboard 200 album chart, which will be announced Sunday.
Chrisk
Umm. No. Lol Dolly still does it the best by far.
Kangol2
A nice tribute to Dolly Parton and by singing it he queers the song, which is nice too. I love “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” but I also like the up-tempo “That’s What I Want,” one of the best songs on the new album. He can definitely write catchy tunes and is cute as all get out. Continue the glo-up, Lil Nas X!
Mark Allen
I love Dolly Parton, and I love this version of her song! I’m sure Dolly is smiling when she hears Lil Nas X sing it. I’m old enough to know how absolutely incredible it is to have a black gay rapper sing a Dolly song (and do it so well!) keep doing you, Montero. You are amazing.
Jim
Next thing you know there will be a black diva singing a Dolly song! I will always love Dolly.
Kangol2
@Jim, not sure if you’re joshing or referring to the fact that Whitney Houston covered Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” in The Bodyguard, and it became an international sensation. And what did Dolly Parton then do? She not only praised Houston’s version, but invested a good portion of the money she made from the success of that cover in Nashville’s Black community, to help the residents. She is beyond amazing and a gift to the US and world.
humble charlie
Showbzzare! But I like it; he has a nice voice.
Fahd
Not Dolly Parton good, but very good. And the gay angle works for me.
Major
Yep… and same.
Dolly is the most openminded celebrity on the planet without even trying to be!
The Universe blessed us with her in our lifetime.
Jim
Dolly is one of those few people who look to the Nazarene to direct her behavior.
Openminded
Well….. I’m glad I’m so openminded because I have never cared for Lil NX’s work, BUT this rendition of Jolene was great, IMHO. I truly appreciate how respectful he treated the song and he made it fit his voice perfectly. I love Dolly’s original version but I’ll definitely listen to this again. As many have said before, he is crazy smart and makes smart moves. He definitely made a move here that brought me much closer to being a fan. I’d imagine Dolly is very pleased with his performance of one of her signature songs.
storm45701
I can’t help but like this guy. He’s the freshest talent to arrive in a long time. He’s hitting all the right notes and doing all the right things. I’m glad the industry has embraced him.
Jim
A nice cover, but yeah, give me Dolly!
Mister P
Nailed it!!!!
gregg2010
Let me start by saying I love Lil Nas X, but here his voice is nice, but average. I prefer Dolly’s version. Besides, no one cares what I think.
phillycap
Parton does a stand up job of that song, but lyric-wise, it has hardly stood the test of time. Basically, Jolene is a bitch who uses her beauty, which is beyond compare, to steal Parton’s husband because she can . And Parton is begging this bitch not to take her man. Fast forward to 2021 character. The woman has dragged the bitch around a stage on Jerry Springer and packed the bags of the cheating husband. My happiness depends on you and whatever you decide to do? Er, no heffer. Have him. I’ll go find someone who appreciates me. Just a thought. Parton is an icon, and the song is one of her famous ones. But listen to the lyrics and blech……. Nas or Parton, it’s hardly a song for the ages.