Cover Wars: “Praying” by Kesha

We’re pleased to announce the return of Cover Wars, our bi-weekly feature showcasing classic and recent hit songs by up and coming new artists. It was one of my favorite columns as a reader, and a writer, because I learned about so many new and underappreciated artists. Our premiere song for 2018 is Praying by Kesha, in honor of her dynamo performance at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Praying was Kesha’s first single in four years while she dealt with her lawsuit against then-producer Dr. Luke. In the song she channels the severe hopelessness and depression she experienced at the hands of Dr. Luke, allegeing he drugged, raped and abused her both physically and verbally. Dr. Luke denies the charges and countersued for breach of contract and defamation. Kesha had to wait four years until her contract with Sony Music expired in March of 2017 before she could release new music. Praying debuted in July of 2017 and was her first single from her album Rainbow, which was released in August 2017. The song sees Kesha moving away from the pain – “I’m proud of who I am/No more monsters/I can breathe again. The song is composed by Ryan Lewis and Ben Abraham.

Our five contenders for this week’s battle are:

Cimorelli

Corvyx

Drew Ryn

Chris Viola

First to Eleven

So readers, which version did you like best? Was it the acoustic version by First To Eleven? The versions by male singers Corvyx and Chris Viola?

Be sure to take our poll, and let us know why you chose the artist you did! If you have any suggestions for upcoming Cover Wars, please leave your ideas in the comments below.

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