It can be the ultimate tribute: a singer penning a song that includes a reference to a well-known celebrity. But it can work the other way, too, with mention of a particular star voiced in an insulting or patronizing tone. Either way, perhaps, it's never really a bad thing when a famous musician waxes lyrical about a fellow entertainment luminary. But who best has given other bands, artists, and famous personalities a shout-out in their lyrics?
Backstreet Boy Nick Carter has dropped a heartbreaking new song dedicated to his younger brother, Aaron Carter, who passed away on November 5, 2022, at the age of 34. Entitled 'Hurts to Love You,' it delves into his grief over his brother's untimely death. Aaron, a musician and former child star, suffered from mental health issues and addiction prior to his passing and the brothers had a troubled relationship. In 2019, Nick even took out a restraining order against Aaron. He explains that the title of the song refers to that "someone in our lives that no matter what they do and how bad it hurts, you still love them." In the song, Nick addresses his dashed hopes that Aaron would get better, and that even though it hurt to love him, he still did unconditionally. “Miss you with all my heart, you know I always will/ I always prayed for peace my soul could feel,” he sings. “It’s hard to let go of the anger/ I know for me it took some time.”
Click through for a playlist of other songs that celebrate, name-drop, or even insult other celebrities.