American pop star Lady Gaga has chosen a song best known to Australians as the opening theme to the iconic comedy series Kath & Kim.
The song, originally written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1964 stage musical The Roar Of The Greasepaint – The Smell Of The Crowd, is performed by Gaga for her film Joker: Folie à Deux.
For most Australians, it’s the sassy, raucous version sung by Gina Riley, who also plays Kimberly Diane ‘Kim’ Craig (née Day) in the legendary comedy.
Before being immortalized in the fabric of Australian pop culture, thanks to Gina’s performance, the song had been covered by artists such as Shirley Bassey in 1968 and Sammy Davis Jr in 1965.
And now the Born This Way hitmaker has sampled the track, with markedly different results to the raucous feel of Kath & Kim’s version.
Gaga’s version, which also appears on her new album Harlequin, is much more minimalist and goes to a crescendo thanks to the rocking guitars.
Speaking to Today Extra about the song, Kath & Kim star Peter Rowsthorn joked that the American pop star was “constantly” after him regarding the song.
“She calls me constantly, so I know she’s a big fan,” said Pete, who plays Kim’s on-again, off-again husband, Brett, on the series.
American pop star Lady Gaga has chosen a song best known to Australians as the theme song to the iconic comedy series Kath & Kim for her film Joker: Folie à Deux.
“I told Gaga, ‘If you want to do it, it’s up to you. “I’m the fifth banana in this.”
Peter went on to mention that he had a favorite between the two versions.
“I think the Gina Riley version, or the “Kim” version, is the best version.”
The Today Show posted a short clip featuring Gaga’s take on Kath and Kim’s title sequence on Instagram, and viewers quickly expressed their surprise at the surprising cover version.
For most Australians, it’s the sassy, raucous version sung by Gina Riley (left), who also plays Kim Craig in the legendary sitcom. Also pictured is Jane Turner, who plays Kath (right).
While some were quick to point out Shirley Bassey’s famous version, one fan said the song would always belong to Kath and Kim.
“Who cares about Shirley, it’s iconic because it’s Kath and Kim’s theme song,” they wrote.
“I can’t take Gaga seriously with this song hahahaha.”
Another didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Poke Face singer with: ‘Totally sucks. Another flop of a Gaga album. It’ll probably ruin the Joker sequel too.
The Born This Way hitmaker has sampled the track and the results are markedly different to the raucous feel of Kath & Kim’s version.
Kath & Kim, written and performed by Gina Riley and Jane Turner, aired on ABC for three seasons from 2002 to 2005.
The acclaimed sitcom, also starring Magda Szubanski, Glenn Robbins and Peter Rowsthorn, became one of Australia’s best-loved comedies.
The hit comedy also featured a litany of high-profile guest stars including Kylie Minogue, Little Britain’s Matt Lucas, Eric Bana and cricket icon Shane Warne.
Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, plays Harley opposite Joaquin’s Joker in the psychological thriller musical.
However, the musical received mixed reviews from critics, while fans took to social media to claim that the singer is at risk of losing her acting career.
Speaking to Today Extra about the song, Kath & Kim star Peter Rowsthorn revealed the US pop star was “constantly chasing” and admitted he had a clear favourite.