Music has a special way of connecting with people, no matter who they are. Even the biggest celebrities in the world have that one song they keep coming back to.
From legendary musicians to athletes and world leaders, everyone has a track that speaks to their soul. Get ready to discover the all-time favorite songs of 16 famous faces that might just surprise you.
1. Johnny Carson: “Here Comes That Rainy Day” by Frank Sinatra
Johnny Carson, the beloved late-night TV host, had a soft spot for Frank Sinatra’s version of “Here Comes That Rainy Day.” Written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke, the song carried a wistful, nostalgic feeling that Carson adored.
He once said that Sinatra’s smooth delivery made the tune feel deeply personal. For Carson, it was more than background music — it was a mood, a memory, and a moment wrapped in melody.
2. Marilyn Monroe: “Who Cares” by Judy Garland
Marilyn Monroe may have been a symbol of glamour, but her taste in music was surprisingly heartfelt. Her all-time favorite song was “Who Cares,” a Gershwin classic performed by Judy Garland.
Monroe reportedly felt a deep connection to Garland’s emotional singing style. The song’s carefree message matched Monroe’s longing for a life beyond the spotlight.
It’s a beautiful reminder that even the most iconic figures crave something raw and real in the music they love.
3. Stephen Hawking: “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
Brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking surprised many when he revealed his favorite song was Rod Stewart’s warm ballad “Have I Told You Lately.” Known for exploring the mysteries of the universe, Hawking had an equally deep appreciation for love and human connection.
The tender lyrics resonated with him on a personal level. It shows that even one of the greatest scientific minds of all time found comfort and joy in a simple, heartfelt love song.
4. George Clooney: “Destination Moon” by Dinah Washington
George Clooney is known for his cool, timeless style, so it makes perfect sense that his favorite song is Dinah Washington’s “Destination Moon.” Washington’s rich, soulful voice gives the song an elegant quality that matches Clooney’s own laid-back sophistication.
The track blends jazz and pop in a way that feels both classic and fresh. Clooney’s choice tells you a lot about his character — someone who appreciates music with real depth and charm.
5. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs: “It’s Like That” by Run DMC
Sean “Diddy” Combs built an empire on music, so his all-time favorite says a lot. He points to “It’s Like That” by Run DMC as the track that moved him most.
That song helped put hip-hop on the map in the early 1980s with its sharp, no-nonsense lyrics.
For Diddy, it wasn’t just a song — it was a turning point in music history. Run DMC proved that rap could carry real weight and meaning.
6. Jools Holland: “For Once In My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Jools Holland, the legendary British musician and TV presenter, has always had incredible taste in music. His all-time favorite is Stevie Wonder’s joyful classic “For Once In My Life.” The song bursts with energy and optimism, making it nearly impossible not to smile when you hear it.
Holland has spoken about how Wonder’s musicianship is on another level entirely. The track’s upbeat spirit perfectly reflects Holland’s own lifelong love of soulful, feel-good music.
7. Ozzy Osbourne: “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum
Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne might shock fans with his favorite song choice. Rather than a hard rock anthem, Ozzy picks Procol Harum’s haunting “A Whiter Shade of Pale” as his all-time number one.
Released in 1967, the song blends classical organ riffs with dreamlike, poetic lyrics.
Ozzy has admitted the track gives him chills every single time he hears it. Behind the wild rock persona is a man who truly appreciates musical artistry at its finest.
8. Paul McCartney: “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
Coming from a Beatle, a music recommendation carries serious weight. Paul McCartney has called “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys the greatest song ever written — and it’s also his personal all-time favorite.
Brian Wilson’s songwriting genius shines through every note of the track.
McCartney has said the song moves him emotionally every time he hears it. High praise from one of rock history’s greatest composers, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with him.
9. Serena Williams: “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston
Tennis superstar Serena Williams has dominated courts around the world, and her favorite song matches that winning spirit perfectly. Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time” is an anthem built for champions, and Serena has said it fuels her drive to be the best.
Houston’s powerful vocals make the song feel like a battle cry. For Serena, it captures exactly what competing at the highest level feels like — every effort, every sacrifice, and every triumph all wrapped into one soaring melody.
10. Chrissy Teigen: “Halo” by Beyonce
Chrissy Teigen is famously outspoken, funny, and real — so her love for Beyonce’s “Halo” makes total sense. The song is a stunning ballad that shows off Beyonce’s incredible vocal range and emotional depth.
Teigen has gushed about how the track never gets old, no matter how many times she plays it.
“Halo” has a way of wrapping around you like a warm hug. It’s the kind of song that feels personal even when heard for the hundredth time.
11. Rita Wilson: “Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan
Actress and singer Rita Wilson chose Bob Dylan’s tender “Make You Feel My Love” as her all-time favorite song. Dylan wrote it in 1997, and its simple yet deeply moving lyrics have since been covered by dozens of artists.
Wilson connects with the song’s pure expression of unconditional love.
She has said it captures a feeling that words alone can’t express. It’s a track that reminds listeners love is about showing up, no matter what.
12. Simon Cowell: “Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin
Simon Cowell has spent decades judging musical talent, so his favorite song pick is worth taking seriously. He loves “Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin, a swinging, charismatic track that took the world by storm in 1959.
Darin’s cool confidence on the recording is almost unmatched in pop history.
Cowell is drawn to artists who own the room, and Darin did exactly that. The song still sounds effortlessly sharp and stylish more than six decades later.
13. Michelle Obama: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
Former First Lady Michelle Obama is known for her elegance, but her favorite song proves she also loves a good time. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars is pure, infectious energy from start to finish. Obama has said the track makes her want to get up and dance every single time.
Released in 2014, it became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Michelle Obama’s choice feels perfectly fitting — joyful, bold, and impossible to ignore.
14. Cristiano Ronaldo: “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most driven athletes in sports history, so his favorite song reflects that relentless mindset. “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly was released in 1996 and became an instant anthem of motivation and self-belief.
Ronaldo has said the song pushes him to dream bigger.
Its uplifting message aligns with his own life story of rising from humble beginnings to global superstardom. Sometimes a song becomes the soundtrack to your entire journey.
15. Bruce Springsteen: “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
Bruce Springsteen has written some of rock’s most iconic songs, yet he points to someone else’s work as his all-time favorite. Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” released in 1965, is Springsteen’s pick without hesitation.
He has described hearing it for the first time as a life-changing experience.
Dylan’s sharp, poetic lyrics blew open what rock music could say and mean. For Springsteen, it proved that a song could challenge, inspire, and completely reshape the way you see the world.
16. Queen Elizabeth II: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
Queen Elizabeth II was known for her dignified composure, which makes her favorite song a wonderfully delightful surprise. ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” released in 1976, was reportedly a track that genuinely made Her Majesty smile.
The song is pure joy — bouncy, bright, and completely irresistible.
It’s said that the Queen had a soft spot for ABBA’s music overall. Knowing that one of history’s most iconic monarchs loved a glittery Swedish pop anthem somehow makes “Dancing Queen” even more magical.