The Beatles’ music has been reimagined countless times, but some of the most striking reinventions have come from female artists who bring fresh perspectives to these classics. Whether through bold reworkings or intimate reinterpretations, their versions often highlight new emotions hidden within the familiar melodies.
From soulful gospel renditions to stripped-down acoustic takes, these covers aren’t just tributes—they’re transformations. Each artist infuses her own style, sometimes shifting the meaning entirely or uncovering layers that the originals only hinted at.
One unforgettable example is a gospel singer who turned “Let It Be” into a powerhouse anthem, elevating its message to new heights. And she’s not alone—many female musicians have taken The Beatles’ legendary catalog and reshaped it into something uniquely their own.
Katy Perry – “All You Need Is Love”
Katy Perry is best known for her bold, empowering anthems, but her cover of All You Need Is Love” takes a gentler approach. She ditches the original’s psychedelic flourishes in favor of a more stripped-down, acoustic style. The result is a version that feels warm, familiar, and deeply personal.
Rather than soaring theatrics, Perry delivers the song with an inviting sincerity, making it feel like she’s speaking directly to the listener. This more grounded take allows the song’s message to shine in a way that might surprise even devoted Beatles fans. It’s a reminder that sometimes, simplicity carries the most impact.
This cover also teases a different side of Perry’s musical range—one that leans into raw, organic instrumentation. If this is any indication of what she’s capable of beyond pop spectacle, maybe that long-rumored rock album isn’t just wishful thinking.
Aretha Franklin – “Let It Be”
Aretha Franklin didn’t just cover “Let It Be”—she transformed it. With her gospel roots and unmatched vocal power, she took what was already a deeply moving song and elevated it to something almost spiritual. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of uplift when she delivers each note.
Franklin wasn’t new to reinterpreting The Beatles. She also put her signature touch on “Eleanor Rigby”, “The Long and Winding Road”, and “The Fool on the Hill”. Each of these covers showcases her ability to reshape familiar melodies into something entirely her own.
But “Let It Be” stands apart. It’s more than just a performance—it’s an experience. With every soaring phrase and heartfelt inflection, Franklin doesn’t just sing the song; she lives in it, making it feel bigger, bolder, and more soul-stirring than ever before.
Fiona Apple – “Across the Universe”
The Beatles had a gift for uplifting anthems, but they also captured life’s melancholy moments. “Across the Universe” stands out as one of their most hauntingly introspective songs, with the refrain “Nothing’s gonna change my world” carrying a quiet sense of resignation.
Fiona Apple, known for her raw and emotional performances, was the perfect artist to take this song even deeper into its darkness. Recorded for the Pleasantville soundtrack, her version strips away any lingering optimism and leans fully into the song’s dreamlike despair.
With her smoky vocals and measured delivery, Apple transforms “Across the Universe” into something even more haunting. It’s not just a cover—it’s a descent into the song’s most fragile emotions, proving that reinterpretation can sometimes reveal even more than the original.
Nancy Sinatra – “Run for Your Life”
Nancy Sinatra took one of The Beatles’ most controversial songs and flipped the script. “Run for Your Life” has long been criticized for its unsettling lyrics, but Sinatra turned it into something entirely different. With her signature cool delivery, she reclaimed the song’s power and gave it a whole new meaning.
In a 2013 interview with Vice, she explained her love for reinterpreting songs, often believing she did them better than the originals. She pointed to “Bang Bang” as a prime example, proving that a fresh perspective can transform a song entirely. Her approach wasn’t about imitation—it was about reimagining.
Sinatra had a knack for taking songs written by men and reshaping them from a woman’s perspective. Whether it was “Day Tripper” or “Run for Your Life”, she didn’t just cover these tracks—she made them her own. And in doing so, she gave “Run for Your Life” a much-needed attitude adjustment.
Beyoncé – “Blackbird”
The Beatles may not have been a country band, but their music borrowed more from the genre than many realize. Beyoncé’s take on “Blackbird” proves just how seamlessly their songwriting can translate across styles. Her version, featured on Cowboy Carter, feels both fresh and timeless, carried by her effortlessly rich vocals.
Unlike much of Cowboy Carter, which tackles weighty themes, “Blackbird” offers a moment of warmth and comfort. Beyoncé strips it down to its essence, letting the song’s hopeful message shine through. It’s a reminder of how a great voice can breathe new life into an already iconic melody.
Decades after its release, “Blackbird” continues to uplift, and Beyoncé’s rendition only amplifies that magic. Paul McCartney might have written it, but after this cover, he may have some competition when it comes to performing it best.