The Climb (song) - Cover Versions

Cover Versions

"The Climb" has been covered by several amateurs and established acts. Mirror Image Records' indie rock group HelenaMaria covered the song and released it as a digital single in March 2009. Pop rock singer Kelly Clarkson with her backing singers Jill Pickering and Kate Rapier covered the song in a YouTube video published in September 2009. The three singers harmonized together in an intimate performance while Jill strummed an acoustic guitar. At auditions for the ninth season of the television singing competition American Idol, "The Climb" was the most popular choice of song amongst contestants. Mandi Bierly, writing for Entertainment Weekly, commented, "it sounds like we could get an Idol whose voice actually suits the inspirational tune that he or she will be forced to record as a first single. (Though the odds of that song being anywhere as good as 'The Climb'...)". While informing Cyrus of its popularity on American Idol, the series' host Ryan Seacrest commented that the contestants "believe a song that will make an impression and will get them into that next level". Cyrus replied,

"Honestly, not to get all deep or anything, but that does, like, excite me so much because that's what that show is all about: following your dreams and not giving up even though, like, that's what you're getting into, just to be judged, and pretty much to, like, be torn down, so just to build character, and I think that's so cool. That song could not be more appropriate for a better show It's so cool, because that's, like, their one chance to make an impression and they chose my song, that's amazing."

Kidz Bop Kids recorded a cover of the song for Kidz Bop 16. Heather Phares of Allmusic commented, "The Kidz Bop Kids' version of Miley Cyrus' 'The Climb' sounds like an especially good elementary school choir performance". Thia Megia, aged 14, performed a cover version of "The Climb" while competing in the semi-final of America's Got Talent. Her performance was well received by the judges, with praise from Sharon Osbourne for her age-appropriate choice. Australian singer Stan Walker performed the song as a contestant on the seventh season of Australian Idol. After winning the competition, he recorded the song for his debut album, Introducing... Stan Walker. Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic said the cover turned out "well in large part because of Walker's vocal talents". American Idol finalist Haeley Vaughn performed the song during the top twenty rounds of the ninth season. The following season, contestant Lauren Alaina performed the song during Idol Goes to the Movies week. The very next season Top 4 finalist Hollie Cavanagh performed the song to acclaim, earning herself her first standing ovation from the judges. The song was covered by Lea Michele, portraying Rachel Berry, in the 2010 Glee episode "Laryngitis". Filipino singer Charice has also done a live cover of this song. Filipino acoustic singer Davey Langit also covered the song. The YouTube-founded R&B group, Ahmir also created a cover for the Climb, this cover is considered to be one of the best. The song was covered by Star Academy Middle East contestant Christine Saadé from Lebanon during the 10th week evaluation. Christine stated that the song was dedicated to her grandfather who died during the competition, but cried during her performance, which resulted to her being nominated for the Bottom 3. She was saved by the other candidate's votes with 7/11 of the voting process. Australian born singer Luke Cheung recorded a cover of the song for the 2010 album Life in Auto-Tune.

In 2012, it was performed and recorded by Vajèn van den Bosch for the first season of Dutch talent show The Voice Kids, a junior version of The Voice of Holland.

The song has also been covered by the pop-rock band Amely. It was recorded for the album of Punk Goes Pop 3, but wasn't actually included on the compilation album of Fearless Records. Instead, another song of theirs was chosen for the bonus CD.