Unexpected celebs who have given surprise performances at concerts

As it turns out, Stephen Curry’s talents don’t rest exclusively within the realm of his physical prowess–the 35-year-old also has one hell of a voice on him.

By Cayle Reid

Published: Aug 11, 2023

HAVE YOU EVER wondered if your favourite athlete could sing? Or whether an acting icon has the pipes to make it as musician? No? Well frankly, neither have we. Nevertheless, non-musicians keep making on—stage appearances—to varying degrees of success. The latest of which being NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who joined Paramore on stage for his own rendition of ‘Misery Business’ alongside Hayley Williams.

At the height of NBA offseason inactivity, Curry appears to have found enough time away from his notoriously gruelling workouts and his golfing side-project to visit San Francisco’s Chase Center, the home court of his Golden State Warriors, to see revered rock band Paramore live in concert.

If you’re thinking Curry was only at the concert because he’d gotten his days mixed up and arrived at his usual training centre surprised find a crowd of punk rockers—you’d be dead wrong. The star point guard is a huge fan of the band and did more than just a little swaying and mouthing of lyrics from the stands. Curry ventured onto the stage, took the mic and belted out a dazzling rendition of Paramore’s 2007 hit “Misery Business” that could rival Hayley Williams’ own performance.

While he may not be used to singing in front of such a large crowd, Curry has a habit of pulling off insane highlight reel plays in front of sold-out crowds–and he has the stage presence to show it. Curry held his own during the performance, while perhaps not outshining his duet partner Hayley Williams, we can’t fault the baller’s confidence. “Listen, from the moment Steph takes the mic, this is no longer a Paramore show, this is a Steph Curry show”, Williams joked with the crowd.

A natural entertainer, it wouldn’t be surprising if Curry starts fielding calls from other musical acts visiting San Francisco who are in need of a crowd pleaser. But while most non-musician celebs can get an audience hyped, not all of them are blessed with musical talent. Here’s a few other celebrities who have ventured on stage during concerts.

Gaten Matarazzo

Paramore seems to be making a habit out of inviting celebrities on stage. A few years before Steph Curry provided his own version of the song, Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo also gave ‘Misery Business’ a shot. The key difference between the two performers being that Matarazzo actually has a musical background. The 20-year-old is a member of the aptly named part-time family rock band ‘Work in Progress’.

Back in 2017, Matarazzo and his band went viral for their cover of ‘Misery Business’. Soon after, Hayley Williams invited them to join in on the fun at a Paramore concert, and the group didn’t disappoint.

Lisa Kudrow

On ‘Friends’ Lisa Kudrow played the simple yet big hearted aspiring musician Phoebe Buffay. Phoebe’s musical career never did take off, and while her live acts were limited to coffee shop gigs, she did give us masterpieces such as ‘Smelly Cat’.

Taylor Swift brought out Kudrow as a surprise guest during her 2015 ‘1989’ tour in Los Angeles, introducing her as the “one and only Phoebe Buffay”. The pair delivered a spirited duet of Smelly Cat in all its off-pitch glory–much to the delight of those in attendance, and Friends fans everywhere. Unfortunately, we’re still waiting for a follow up single to Smelly Cat, and it’s doubtful that Kudrow’s musical career will ever expand beyond regular shows at ‘Central Perk’ and a single Taylor Swift concert.

Cate Blanchett

Who could forget Cate Blanchett’s surprise appearance at last years Glastonbury festival? The two-time Oscar winner was the highlight of American duo ‘Sparks’’ set. The 54-year-old actress previously appeared in the duo’s music video for their song ‘The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte’ and after being introduced as a “Super special treat”, erratically twisted, krumped and bopped her way across the stage in a performance to be remembered. Seriously, has anyone shown the academy this? Blanchett could be up for another Oscar.

Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell has cemented himself as one the greatest comedic actors of our generation, and has even lent his voice to multiple musicals, including ‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’ and ‘Spirited’. But the 56-year-old actor has no formal background in the musical arts.

Ferrell’s lack of experience didn’t stop him from joining Green Day during the band’s performance of ‘East Jesus Nowhere’ on a 2009 episode of Saturday Night Live. Ferrell’s role was limited to banging a drumstick on a cowbell (a frustrating task he seemed to struggle with at times), but that didn’t stop him from attempting to steal the spotlight.

LeBron James

LeBron James might just be the worlds best hype man. The basketball legend’s appearance at a Drake concert alongside Travis Scott in Los Angeles back in 2018 is the kind of story where, if it wasn’t recorded, no one would believe it. And, in the same vein as Blanchett’s enigmatic dancing, proves that sometimes the best way a non-musician can up the energy at a concert is with their moves, rather than their voice.

LeBron’s appearance with Drake and Travis came shortly after his move to the LA Lakers, and at the height of ‘Sicko Mode’ hysteria. It’s no surprise then that the trio’s combined efforts had the power to send the crowd into euphoria.