Music videos often serve as a platform for artists to showcase their creative vision and storytelling prowess. But every now and then, they also feature surprise appearances from celebrities, adding an extra layer of excitement for viewers. Let’s take a look at some notable instances where famous faces stepped into the world of music videos.
“Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s star-studded music video for “Bad Blood” was essentially a mini-action movie with a lineup of celebrities. From Selena Gomez to Kendrick Lamar, the video was packed with familiar faces, each playing a character in Swift’s fierce narrative.
“This Is America” by Childish Gambino
Donald Glover, under his stage name Childish Gambino, delivered a powerful message with “This Is America,” and the video’s impact was heightened by the appearance of several recognizable figures, including SZA and comedian Hannibal Buress.
“Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s tribute to iconic teen movies wouldn’t have been complete without some famous cameos. The video featured appearances from stars like Kris Jenner, Jennifer Coolidge, and even the original Aaron Samuels from “Mean Girls,” Jonathan Bennett.
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s iconic dance anthem “Single Ladies” is unforgettable, and so is the appearance of two of her close friends, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, aka her Destiny’s Child bandmates, who joined her in the video’s energetic choreography.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Often regarded as one of the greatest music videos of all time, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson featured a cameo from horror legend Vincent Price. Price’s sinister voiceover added an eerie atmosphere to the already haunting visuals.
“Famous” by Kanye West
Kanye West’s controversial “Famous” video sparked discussion and debate, not least because of its lineup of naked celebrity look-alikes. From Taylor Swift to Donald Trump, the video pushed boundaries and grabbed headlines.
“California Gurls” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s candy-coated extravaganza “California Gurls” included a surprise appearance by Snoop Dogg, who added his laid-back charm to the summery vibe of the video.
“Freedom! ’90” by George Michael
George Michael’s star-studded video for “Freedom! ’90” featured appearances from some of the biggest supermodels of the era, including Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington.
“Happier” by Marshmello ft. Bastille
The heartwarming video for “Happier” by Marshmello and Bastille starred a furry celebrity: a talented dog named Nugget, who stole the show with his adorable antics.
“Make Me Like You” by Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani’s music video for “Make Me Like You” was a live broadcast during the Grammy Awards, and it featured an unexpected cameo from her then-boyfriend, country singer Blake Shelton, adding a touch of real-life romance to the performance.
These instances remind us that music videos are not only about the artists but also about the collaborative spirit of creativity, where celebrities from various realms come together to create memorable visual experiences for fans around the world