Teddy Swims Delivers Heart-felt Cover of “Use Somebody” in Nova’s Red Room

When Teddy Swims took the stage in Nova’s Red Room to perform “Use Somebody,” something felt different. The American singer-songwriter, known for blending soul, R&B, rock and pop, stripped back the arena-size energy of the original by Kings of Leon and brought the song into an intimate, raw moment. The result? A powerful re-imagining that proved once again why Teddy isn’t just a vocalist, he’s a storyteller.

In the warm red glow of Nova’s Red Room, Teddy sat centre stage, mic in hand, backed by a sparse band setup. The setting: small audience, close quarters, acoustics hone in on every nuance of his voice. His rendition of “Use Somebody” took the soaring original and softened it, replacing stadium anthem with something closer, something you feel in your bones.
Audiences and listeners responded in kind: social posts from the session called it “jaw-dropping,” “one of the best Red Room sessions we’ve heard,” and praised Teddy’s ability to make the familiar feel new again. novafm.com.au+1

Originally released in 2008, “Use Somebody” became a major hit for Kings of Leon, an emotional plea with an epic production. Teddy’s version strips the theatricality down, leaning into vulnerability: elongated notes, quieter chorus, and a focus on his rich, soulful voice. It’s less about the lights and more about the feeling behind the lyrics: the longing, the search, the need.
The choice of this song felt strategic. Teddy takes a well-known hit and uses it to showcase his musical identity.

Teddy Swims is part of that rare breed of contemporary artists who pull from multiple genres yet sound authentic. Soulful voice? Check. Rock swagger? Check. Pop accessibility? Absolutely. In this cover, you hear his roots: from gospel-tinged inflection to a bluesy guitar undertone. Where the original soared, his version breathes. Where the original shouted, his version whispers.
By re-interpreting “Use Somebody” in his own style, Teddy affirms that he isn’t just covering songs, he’s owning them.

The performance wasn’t just a moment; it had ripple effects. Fans shared clips, labelled it a highlight of his live sessions, and many discovered Teddy anew via this stripped-down version. In markets like Australia (where the Nova session took place), he solidified his presence beyond US streaming numbers.
It also reinforced how live-sessions and cover performances remain powerful tools in 2020s music: offering glimpses of raw artistry in a world of slick productions.

What makes this version work is its emotional clarity. You feel the vocals, you feel the space between them, and you feel the story. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the song, someone discovering Teddy, or someone simply drawn to honest singing, the performance connects. Plus, covers like this bridge generations: folks who know the original sing along, new fans hear Teddy’s spin and go deeper into his catalogue. It’s one song doing twice the work.

The Bigger Picture

Teddy Swims’ “Use Somebody” in Nova’s Red Room is more than a cover; it’s a statement. In an era where digital polish sometimes overshadows raw talent, this performance reminds us of the power of voice, of space, of reinterpretation.
If you haven’t watched it, put on headphones, turn the volume up, then listen not just to words, but to feeling.