Poppy has skillfully transformed ?Taste,? the sultry viral sensation by Sabrina Carpenter, into a captivating and edgy rendition. This unique reinterpretation was showcased on Like A Version, the renowned cover series produced by Australian radio station triple j. Poppy?s version strips down the original while infusing it with her distinct artistic flair, making it a noteworthy entry in the world of music covers. With her powerful vocal delivery and innovative style, she breathes new life into a song that has already resonated with many fans, demonstrating her ability to merge different genres seamlessly and engage a diverse audience.
The electrifying performance captured during Poppy’s recent Australian tour with Bad Omens showcased her inventive artistry. It incorporated a surprising nod to The Divinyls? iconic song ?I Touch Myself,? which was seamlessly integrated into the chorus of her cover. Poppy expressed admiration for Carpenter, stating, ?I love her voice, and I think she?s very pretty,? which highlights her appreciation for fellow artists. The song?s playful nature was a significant factor in her choice to cover it, demonstrating her desire to connect with the audience through both the music and her personality. This blend of admiration and creativity is what sets her performances apart in the contemporary music scene.
Poppy?s striking performance was accentuated by her sleek all-black ensemble, which contributed to the darker and moodier tone she brought to ?Taste.? By stripping away the glossy pop production, she reimagined the track with a more industrial sound, showcasing her ability to adapt and innovate within different musical genres. This approach not only highlights her versatility as an artist but also provides a fresh interpretation that resonates with listeners who appreciate depth and originality in music. Poppy?s artistic choices continue to captivate audiences as she ventures further into her unique stylistic territory.
Adding an intriguing layer to the performance was the masked figure of Jordan Fish, known for his work with Bring Me The Horizon, who took on the production responsibilities for this cover. His involvement brought a distinct edge to the arrangement, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the performance. The interpolation of ?I Touch Myself??a celebrated Australian classic originally released in 1990?further enriched the cover, making it not just a performance but a thoughtful homage to the influences that have shaped contemporary music. This creative collaboration highlights the importance of cross-genre innovation in today?s music landscape, captivating fans of both artists.
This remarkable cover arrives at a time when both Poppy and Carpenter are celebrating significant achievements in their respective careers. Poppy, known for her genre-defying sound, recently received a nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 2025 Grammys for her impactful track ?Suffocate,? a collaboration with Knocked Loose that impressively climbed to number 50 on Billboard?s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Meanwhile, Carpenter is basking in the glow of her first two Grammy Awards, triumphing in the categories of Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album. These milestones mark a new chapter in their careers, illuminating their growth and influence in the music industry.
?Taste? has emerged as a defining moment in Carpenter?s career, achieving a remarkable peak at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Featured on her album Short n? Sweet, the track dominated the Billboard 200, securing the No. 1 position for four consecutive weeks. This success underscores Carpenter?s remarkable talent and the widespread appeal of her music. As she continues to evolve as an artist, songs like ?Taste? solidify her place in the pop music landscape, captivating listeners with their infectious melodies and relatable lyrics.
On the other hand, Poppy is consistently breaking genre boundaries and redefining the music scene. Transitioning from her early YouTube days, she has emerged as an avant-garde force within the metal and alternative genres. Her innovative sound and striking visuals challenge the norms, captivating a diverse audience eager for fresh and boundary-pushing artistry. Poppy?s evolution as an artist is marked by her willingness to explore and experiment, positioning her as a leader in the contemporary music movement and inspiring countless fans and fellow musicians alike.
The Like A Version session featuring Poppy adds to the rich legacy of memorable covers showcased on the program, which has previously included influential artists like Billie Eilish, Arctic Monkeys, and Childish Gambino, all reinterpreting unexpected tracks in their unique styles. While it remains to be seen if this performance will pave the way for a future collaboration between Poppy and Carpenter, one thing is certain: Poppy has left her mark on one of the year?s most significant pop hits, further cementing her status as a versatile and innovative artist within the music industry.
Don?t miss the opportunity to experience Poppy?s captivating cover of ?Taste? on the Like A Version series. Watch the performance below and immerse yourself in the creative reinterpretation that showcases her artistic prowess and transformation of a contemporary classic.