When I first saw a female artist standing in front of a camera with lengthy scenes staring her in the face as she cried I was extremely moved. And then I saw it again and thought, “that’s moving but strange how similar it is to that other video I saw”. And then, it happened again, and then I Just started seeking them out. Turns out even something as soulful as crying in a music video is not as original as I had anticipated it was. Here are a few examples of the music videos I am talking about. Below are music videos from Janelle Monae “Cold War”, Sugarland “Stay” and Sinead O’Connor “Nothing Compares 2U”. Some of the more popular music videos that are like these include “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus and “Stay” by Rihanna but these have been omitted due to some scandalous content, links will be provided if you want to check them out on your own.
Janelle Monet – Cold War
Sugarland – Stay
Sinead O’ Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
Rihanna – Stay
–Nikole Higgins, Communication Director, Nikole@utahliveband.com
It's pretty clear who's copying whom. Sinéad's video came out in 1990, and from what I understand, those tears weren't planned but resulted in lyrics that reminded her of her complex relationship with her mother. I can't say the same for the others' tears.