Steph McGovern's Musical Journey: From Kylie to Karaoke and Guilty Pleasures
Steph McGovern, the acclaimed journalist, presenter, and author, has opened up about the songs that have defined her life, from childhood earworms to adult anthems. In a candid interview, she shares her personal playlist, revealing how music has woven through her experiences, from BBC night shifts to family memories.
The First Song I Fell in Love With
Growing up in a household where music was a constant backdrop, McGovern's early musical awakening came from television. "I watched Kylie on Neighbours, and so fell in love with I Should Be So Lucky," she recalls. "I love how you don't need to know about her private life, you can still just love her." Her admiration for Kylie Minogue has endured, as she recently attended a concert and was left amazed by the performance.
The First Album I Bought
McGovern's first musical purchase was a nostalgic trip to Woolworths in Middlesbrough. She bought Hangin' Tough by New Kids on the Block on cassette, accompanied by some pick'n'mix sweets. "I don't think you could ever go into Woolies and not come out with some pick'n'mix," she muses. Among the band members, she favored Donnie Wahlberg, drawn to his underdog persona.
The Song I Do at Karaoke
Despite hating singing, McGovern embraces karaoke with a dance-focused approach. She chooses C'est la Vie by B*Witched for its musical interlude, which allows her to showcase Irish dancing moves. "I can impress everyone with a few Irish dancing moves on the wobbly old ankles," she jokes, highlighting her playful side.
The Song I Inexplicably Know Every Lyric To
A memorable BBC night shift led to an unexpected rap battle. McGovern found herself in a Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio rap-off with a colleague named Katie Prescott. "I remember thinking: there's no way she's going to know the words, because she's dead posh, but she knew them all as well," she recounts, illustrating the universal appeal of the song.
The Best Song to Play at a Party
For McGovern, the ultimate party anthem is I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston. She praises its timeless quality, noting that "it travels every generation," making it a crowd-pleaser that bridges age gaps and gets everyone on the dance floor.
The Song I Can No Longer Listen To
A childhood memory has tainted a once-enjoyable tune. When McGovern was young, a friend's mother played High by the Lighthouse Family on repeat to mask noises from the bedroom. "I still can't listen to it," she admits, showing how personal associations can alter our musical preferences.
The Song I Secretly Like, but Tell Everyone I Hate
As a parent of a five-year-old, McGovern has a guilty pleasure: The Floor Is Lava by Baby Shark. "It isn't something you should enjoy as an adult," she confesses, but watching her child enthusiastically perform the actions makes it a secret joy. This highlights the bittersweet charm of kids' music for parents.
The Song That Changed My Life
Music has been intertwined with key life moments for McGovern. Her father, a fan of The Smiths and Morrissey, played Everyday Is Like Sunday during driving lessons. After passing her test and working for Black+Decker, she blasted it in her car, celebrating independence. Now, it serves as a poignant reminder of her dad.
The Song That Makes Me Cry
Heartbreak has a soundtrack for McGovern, with All Bets Are Off by Nerina Pallot being her go-to song after breakups. "It takes me back to a time of utter heartbreak and thinking I'll never get over it," she shares, revealing the emotional depth music can evoke.
The Song I'd Like Played at My Funeral
For her funeral, McGovern selects For Good from Wicked the Musical, a song about the impact of people who briefly enter our lives. "I well up thinking about it," she says, emphasizing the lyrical message of gratitude and connection.
Steph McGovern's debut thriller, Deadline, is currently available in hardback, with a paperback release scheduled for 9 April. Her musical reflections offer a heartfelt glimpse into the soundtrack of her life, blending nostalgia, humor, and emotion.
