The legendary frontman of The Police, Sting, has gifted the world with timeless classics, but that doesn’t mean he enjoys every rendition of his work. Over the years, countless artists have covered his songs—some offering fresh interpretations, while others have missed the mark entirely. When these performances take an unexpected turn, Sting’s reactions often become just as memorable as the music itself.
One such moment unfolded at the 2017 Polar Music Prize ceremony, where Puerto Rican musician José Feliciano performed “Every Breath You Take.” Instead of a proud, celebratory expression, Sting was caught visibly squirming in his seat, his discomfort impossible to ignore. The tribute may have been well-intentioned, but the singer’s reaction became the highlight of the night.
This wasn’t the only time Sting found himself enduring a painful performance of his own music. From unconventional arrangements to complete misinterpretations, he’s had to sit through some truly awkward moments. Watch how Sting struggles and fails to hide his reaction to covers of his biggest hits.
When “Every Breath You Take” Took A Turn
In 2017, Sting was honored with the prestigious Polar Music Prize in Sweden. As part of the ceremony, Feliciano, known for his soulful voice and unique interpretations, took the stage to perform one of Sting’s most famous hits, “Every Breath You Take.”
However, the moment quickly became an internet sensation—not because of the performance itself, but because of Sting’s reaction. As Feliciano strummed his guitar and delivered his own slow, drawn-out rendition, the camera panned to Sting, who was seen squirming in his seat, forcing a smile, and appearing visibly uneasy.
While Feliciano’s version was well-received by some, others noted that his interpretation seemed to strip away the haunting intensity of the original, turning it into something almost unrecognizable. Sting’s pained expression said it all—this was not the version he had in mind.
Sting’s History of Awkward Covers
This wasn’t the first time Sting had to endure questionable renditions of his work. Over the years, various artists and tribute acts have taken creative liberties with his songs—sometimes to the point of making them nearly unrecognizable.
One such instance occurred when Diddy (formerly Puff Daddy) sampled “Every Breath You Take” in his 1997 hit “I’ll Be Missing You.” The song became a massive success, yet Sting reportedly never granted permission for the sample beforehand, leading to a legal battle that ultimately saw him earning 100% of the publishing royalties. While he later acknowledged its cultural impact, it’s safe to say he had mixed feelings about how his song was repurposed.
Another painful moment came when Sting attended an over-the-top orchestral cover of his song “Roxanne,” which stripped the song of its reggae-infused raw energy. While his polite demeanor never faltered, his body language suggested he would rather be anywhere else.
Why Sting’s Songs Are So Hard to Cover
Why does Sting seem to struggle with hearing others perform his songs? The answer likely lies in his meticulous approach to songwriting. His compositions are often rich in jazz-influenced chord progressions, intricate vocal phrasing, and subtle emotional shifts—elements that don’t always translate well when reinterpreted by other artists.
Moreover, “Every Breath You Take” is often misunderstood. Many see it as a romantic ballad, but it’s actually a dark song about obsession and surveillance. When covers fail to capture the eerie undertones of the original, it’s no wonder Sting has a hard time sitting through them.
At the end of the day, Sting remains an artist with a strong vision for his music. While he may not always love what others do with his songs, he continues to inspire musicians around the world—even if it means enduring a few uncomfortable moments in the audience.