A roundup of female singers who create wonderful cover songs
Among the singers active in the J-pop scene, some perform their own original songs, while others take on a wide range of cover songs.
There are also singers who usually focus on original music but include a cover as a bonus track or occasionally release an entire cover album.
In this article, we’ll spotlight female singers who create wonderful cover songs.
The main appeal of cover songs is that they let you experience a different flavor from the original.
Covers can also serve as a chance to learn about a singer’s background or discover new songs.
Be sure to listen to plenty of the cover tracks by the singers introduced below.
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Female singers who do wonderful cover songs (21–30)
cherryBando Tomiko
Formed in 1999 and known for releasing songs like “Hinotaru Sakamichi” and “Fukai Mori,” Tomiko Van debuted as the vocalist of the male–female duo Do As Infinity.
Her calm, husky, and powerful voice gives the impression of a cool, confident woman.
Although Do As Infinity disbanded in 2005 to much regret, they reunited in 2008 and resumed activities.
While Do As Infinity’s original songs are excellent, Tomiko Van’s cover tracks also draw you in with a distinctly different feel.
The Last Night TrainMISIA
With her expansive and powerful vocals, singer MISIA captivates countless listeners.
She made her major debut in 1998 with the single “Tsutsumikomu Yō ni…” and has released numerous hits such as “Everything” and “Aitakute Ima.” Beyond her music, she is actively involved in social contribution, including support for the LGBTQ community and for children in Africa and Kenya.
On a cover album released in 2011, she interpreted classics by Nat King Cole and Michael Jackson.
She also covered Kai Band’s “Saigo no Yogisha” on her own jazz album.
With a one-of-a-kind, exceptionally high level of vocal prowess, she is a singer whose gentle, enveloping voice reaches across the world.
Compilation of female singers who create wonderful cover songs (31–40)
powder snowBENI
Debuting in 2004 with “Harmony,” she was selected for numerous original songs used in commercials and as theme songs, including the ending theme “GOAL” for the anime Eyeshield 21 and the Kao Biore Body Deli commercial song “Kiss Kiss Kiss.” BENI, who comes from the 2002 National Beautiful Girl Contest, is also renowned for her stunning looks.
Beyond her remarkable singing voice, she has been active in many fields, collaborating with cosmetics as part of projects supporting women.
East and Westiri
One artist drawing attention for her distinctive husky voice and sense of groove is iri.
Her appeal lies in an urban sound rooted in R&B and hip-hop, and she built her career from solo performances at her local jazz bar.
She made her major debut in 2016, and is known for signature tracks like Watashi, which was featured in a Nike Women campaign, and the emotive Aitai wa.
In the 2014 audition that launched her career, she won the grand prize, and her album Groove it topped the charts.
If you enjoy sophisticated music, you’ll likely be drawn into her world.
Be sure to check out iri’s cool sound!
Sign of LoveMori Nana
Nana Mori is currently flourishing as an actress, and her singing voice is incredibly captivating as well.
She began her music career in 2020 with a film theme song, and her cover of “Smile,” produced as a beverage commercial song, has garnered over 35 million views on YouTube.
The expressive power that earned her the Best New Actress award at the Seiyu Awards for her role as a heroine in an animated film surely shines through in her singing, too.
If you listen to her album “Album,” featuring tracks provided by a variety of creators, you’re bound to discover a new side of her.
Be sure to check it out!
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyOnitsuka Chihiro
Chihiro Onitsuka is an artist who has built her own unique world with a soul-stirring voice.
Debuting in 2000, her song Gekkou, which became a massive hit as the theme for the TV drama TRICK, sold over 560,000 copies.
Her ability to captivate listeners with just piano and vocals is a truly unparalleled charm.
Her acclaimed album Insomnia became a million seller, and in December 2001 she won the Japan Record Awards’ Lyrics Award for Mezame.
If you want to immerse yourself in lyrics and vocals that cut deep into the heart, be sure to step into her world.
Falling in Love feat. Akiko KobayashiGILLE
Singer GILLE drew attention when a cover video she posted on YouTube in 2012 became a hit.
She had originally debuted in 2011 under the name TASHA gee, later changing her stage name to GILLE.
Making use of her language skills, she sings English covers of Japanese hit songs.
Her appeal lies in her expansive, soulful voice, and she can deliver songs across genres—from ballads and rock to dance-arranged tracks.
Her cover songs have been released as both singles and albums, and she has also produced many original tracks.
In 2016, she changed her stage name again and has been active as JILLE.
In conclusion
We’ve rounded up a selection of wonderful female singers who have created lots of cover songs. While many of them work on covers alongside their own original tracks, there are also singers who have boosted their popularity by covering beloved classics. If any of the artists introduced in this article caught your interest, be sure to take your time and listen to their cover songs.