In 2006 Mika released his debut single Relax, Take It Easy. In 2012, the Lebanese singer recounted BBC Radio 1 that he really wanted a contract, because he wanted to be able to make a living from his music. But the musical future of the 23-year-old artist is uncertain.

As she was knocking on record company doors, she was “not indie enough” but also “not pop enough”. The label insisted that Mika adjust his voice. In terms of appearance and voice, they wanted the singer to be closer to Craig David, who was very popular in Great Britain at the time.

Grace Kelly

Disappointed, angry, and inspired, Mika returns home, where he expresses his frustration at Grace Kelly. “I wrote that song and said, I can be any color you want. What do you want me to be?” According to the singer, the label didn’t know exactly what they wanted from her. “You don’t know what you want, so I can be any color of the rainbow.” And with that in mind, he chose Grace Kelly; Mika can pretend to be anyone, including world famous actresses and princesses. The American Grace is not only used by Mika’s name, her voice is also heard in the song. The audio clip is from his appearance in the film Country girl from 1954.

Mika’s bold move turns out to be a golden move. With Grace Kelly, the singer-songwriter became a number 1 hit at home and abroad. In December 2007, the singer told Monthly Music Observer that scoring such a big hit felt “so real”. “It’s just a song I wrote in my room.” But then ‘just a song’ ironically earned him that coveted contract.

Familiar face

The Grace Kelly music video was directed by Sophie Muller. He previously collaborated with Gwen Stefani and Beyoncé, among others. In the clip, Mika sings the song for the director’s young niece, who handled Grace Kelly’s lyrics. You might not recognize her right away, but the girl at the piano is Holly Mae Muller. And you can tell by her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Great Britain in Liverpool.