In a daring homage to rock royalty, YUNGBLUD has reimagined Queen’s legendary anthem We Are the Champions, setting the internet ablaze with praise, controversy—and a surprising nod of approval from Queen guitarist Brian May himself.
The raw, emotionally charged performance—recorded live in BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge—ditched grandeur for grit. With just a stripped-back guitar and his signature rasp, YUNGBLUD turned the triumphant classic into something far more personal: an anthem for misfits, survivors, and modern-day underdogs. “He didn’t just sing it—he lived it,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Critics and fans alike were quick to weigh in. Some applauded the bold reinvention, calling it “the most honest cover of the song since Freddie Mercury’s own.” Others weren’t as convinced. “It’s emotional, sure—but you don’t mess with perfection,” one commenter argued. The divide sparked a wider conversation: can iconic anthems be reshaped for new generations, or should they remain untouched?
Adding fuel to the fire, Brian May himself joined the discussion with unexpected praise. Sharing the performance on his Instagram story, May wrote: “That was brave. Raw and real—Freddie would’ve appreciated the guts it took. Rock on, YUNGBLUD.” The brief but powerful endorsement sent fans into a frenzy, tipping the scales for many in favor of the young artist.
Music outlets have since drawn comparisons between YUNGBLUD’s version and other notable covers—from Jeff Scott Soto’s power ballad rendition to the theatrical stylings of Panic! at the Disco. Yet it’s YUNGBLUD’s unapologetic vulnerability that sets his apart. “He didn’t try to compete with Freddie—he gave the song his own scars,” one review noted.
Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying YUNGBLUD’s We Are the Champions cover has sparked fresh life into a rock classic—and maybe even reminded us that champions don’t always wear capes. Sometimes, they wear combat boots and eyeliner.
