24 Celebrities Helped Us Create the Ultimate Live Your Best Life Playlist
While we love finding out the latest projects celebrities are working on, we're always curious to hear what they're reading or the songs they're currently listening to on their playlists.
OprahMag.com recently caught up with 24 of the biggest and hottest names in Hollywood, including Taraji P. Henson, Issa Rae, Serena Williams, Winston Duke, and Chrissy Teigen, to get the deets on the songs that inspire and motivate them to live their best life.
From Aretha Franklin's powerful anthem, "Respect," to the funky, disco sounds of Diana Ross, to their own work (former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams select a record from her own catalog), read on to see what music makes these stars do their best happy dance. Oh, and while you're at it, follow our playlist on Spotify.
Serena Williams: "One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston
"I love 'One Moment in Time,' especially with me being an athlete," says Williams. "She [Houston] made it for the Olympics. She's basically saying, 'this is your moment, just go for it.'"
In the 1988 motivational song, the late singer croons, "You’re a winner for a lifetime, if you seize that one moment in time." The accompanying video features various athletes at different Olympic Games over the years.
Chrissy Teigen: "Emotion" by Destiny's Child
"Destiny’s Child's 'Emotion' takes me back to moments where I would listen to that song and force myself to cry in the mirror because I had to move or something, and I was just like, everything is so dramatic," the Cravings: Hungry for More cookbook author shares.
"Emotion" was originally recorded by the Bee Gees in 1978, and Destiny's Child covered the song in 2001 for their third studio album, Survivor. But the mother of two doesn't stop there with her unadulterated love for the girl group and its former lead singer, Beyoncé.
"I love 'Halo,'" says Teigen. "I love it whenever she [Beyoncé] just does pure vocals-I start crying. It's an experience to see her shows or just listen to her music.
Regina Hall: "Silver Shadow" by Atlantic Starr
The Girls Trip actress went for an oldie but goodie for her inspirational pick. The 1985 R&B song is from the group's album, As the Band Turns.
Issa Rae: "Someday We'll All Be Free" by Donny Hathaway
The Insecure creator and Little co-star admitted that she "loves" this 1973 influential song from Donny Hathaway's Extension of a Man album.
Songwriter Edward Howard said that he wrote the powerful lyrics to give Hathaway, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, some encouragement.
"Donny was a very troubled person," Howard, reportedly, wrote in the liner notes for Hathaway's last album. "I hoped that at some point he would be released from all that he was going through. There was nothing I could do but write something that might be encouraging for him."
Looks like the standout ballad gives hope to Rae as well.
Marsai Martin: Flower Boy by Tyler the Creator
"I really respond to Tyler showing his different emotions on this album," says the Little star and executive producer.
As the young Black-ish actress notes, the album does explore a softer, more emotional side from the rapper, singer, and producer.
Winston Duke: "Toast" by Koffee
"You know who I really like right now is this artist called Koffee," the Us star tells OprahMag.com. "She has a song called 'Toast,' and it's about being thankful for all the good things in your life."
The 19-year old Jamaican artist, born as Mikayla Simpson, shot to virility after track star Usain Bolt reposted an Instagram clip of Koffee singing a song called "Legend" that she wrote as a tribute to Bolt.
Eva Mendes: "Conga" by Miami Sound Machine
"That song brings back the craziest memories of me and my family just living in a tiny apartment," Mendes explains to OprahMag.com. "Me, my sisters, and my mom-we used to blast that in our tiny apartment when we had nothing. But we had Miami Sound Machine."
The Gloria Estefan-fronted band recorded the line dance song for their second English language album, Primitive Love.
Rita Wilson: "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan
Although the recent Hollywood Walk of Fame recipient just released a new country album called Halfway to Home in March 2019, it's Bob Dylan's 1997 classic rock ballad that inspires her the most. And when she's not singing along to Dylan, the 62-year-old actress and wife of Tom Hanks reveals to OprahMag.com that she's "obsessed with Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Carlile, and Bruno Mars."
Wilson is in familiar company when it comes to Dylan's wistful track. It's also a favorite for English singer-songwriter Adele, who covered it for her album, 19.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta: "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen
"I think about motivating music when I exercise, and the song that’s been on my playlist since college is 'Born to Run' by Bruce Springsteen," says the Chasing Life star and neurosurgeon. "Usually when I’m at the end of my run, and I feel like I can’t go anymore, that’s the song I’ll flip to on my phone. There’s no way I can stop running as long as that song is playing."
Having just finished a race around world to unlock the secret to happiness in the CNN series, we're sure Springsteen's 1975 hit-which is also the name of the legendary musician's memoir-helped Dr. Gupta stay reenergized.
Phylicia Rashad: "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood
Everyone's favorite TV mom Phylicia Rashad cited Richard Smallwood's 1996 gospel anthem as the track that gets her going. And with lyrics like "you are the source of my strength, you are the strength of my life," we understand why.
The upcoming David Makes Man star recently opened to OprahMag.com about her recent guest appearance on season 3 of This Is Us and how she's "humbled" to be an inspiration for the Black community.
Constance Wu: "Don't Worry Baby" by The Beach Boys
"I just love 'Don't Worry Baby,'" the Crazy Rich Asians star tells OprahMag.com. "It makes me feel good and calm every time I listen to it. In that sense, it has had a good effect on my life and it continues to."
"Don't Worry Baby" was released in 1964, and selected as part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list.
Iyanla Vanzant: "Never Would've Made It" by Marvin Sapp
"I relate to the song because if I didn't get clear about who I was and didn't repair my relationship with God, I never would've made it," says the Fix My Life host and best-selling author of Get Over It! "I had to learn to trust myself more than I trust other people. This song made me realize that I have a right to my joy, pain, peace, and problems."
The 2007 gospel song is revered for its hopeful and uplifting lyrics, like this encouraging lyric: I'm stronger, I'm wiser. I'm better, much better.
Alison Brie: Everything Is Love by The Carters
"I’ve been loving the new Beyoncé and Jay-Z album," the Glow actress shares. "If anyone will inspire you, it’s Beyoncé. I've been grooving out to the songs. I love the two of them doing an album together. I’ve collaborated with my husband [actor Dave Franco] a couple of times, and it’s so gratifying."
Music's royal couple dropped their joint album in June 2018, following their On the Run Tour II concert in London. With songs like "Summer," "LoveHappy," and "Boss," the project gives fans a glimpse into their relationship-and offers lessons in life and love, and how to bounce back from pain.
Taraji P. Henson: "Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige
"I love all music, but I’m a moody person," Henson reveals. "My go-to song is Mary J. Blige's 'Just Fine.' It makes me just want to dance all day and all night."
Blige's 2007 feel-good hit is about letting go of negative vibes and resisting the urge to mope around on bad days.
Blige once told MTV News that the song was inspired by a good day she experienced: "I can have as many bad days as anyone. But I choose to say, 'I'm just fine.' So instead of coming with something ungrateful to the universe, how about I come with something first that says, 'You know what? It's OK. Enjoy this day if you're having a great day.'"
Leah Remini: "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
"I love the idea of the song," says the Second Act actress. "It’s something I want my daughter [Sofia Pagan] to subscribe to. When Lee Ann Womack sings, you have the choice to sit it out or dance, that means so much to me. It’s not just about the dance. It could mean taking a chance on yourself, making the first move, or putting yourself out there. It could be as simple as letting someone know how you really feel or being humble when you look at the ocean. I always tell Sofia to get up and dance and don't care about what people have to say."
The inspiring pop-country song was released in 2000, and spent five weeks at the top of Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
Michelle Williams: "Say Yes" by Michelle Williams featuring Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland
Ahead of the premiere of the OWN reality TV series, Chad Loves Michelle, the singer didn't hesitate naming a few Destiny's Child favorites. Of course, her own 2014 single, "Say Yes," topped the list. But she also named Kelly Rowland's "You Changed" and these two upbeat tunes by fellow member, Beyoncé: "Love on Top" and "Get Me Bodied."
"Say Yes" was released in 2014 and offers a positive message about believing in yourself and beating the odds. The song not only brought the musical trio together in the studio, but fans were also treated to a lively performance at BET's Stellar Awards in 2015.
Kofi Siriboe: "I Gotta Find Peace of Mind" by Lauryn Hill
Queen Sugar actor Kofi Siriboe says Lauryn Hill's "I Gotta Find Peace of Mind" from her live MTV Unplugged performance special in 2002 is his all-time fave.
The title of the nine-minute song explains what it's about-but the song also champions finding your inner bliss and calm, as well as embracing your insecurities.
Vanessa Hudgens: "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
The former High School Musical star stresses her love for music, which is a given considering her storied background in musical theater.
"A song that always motivates me is 'Respect'," Hudgens says. "It’s such an anthem for me, my girlfriends, and for women all around the world."
One of Aretha Franklin's most covered and celebrated songs, the empowering anthem is all about women knowing their worth and refusing to settle for less. No wonder the 1967 classic still resonates today with Hudgens.
Emily Meade: "Elastic Heart" by Sia
"I tend to get obsessed with one song and listen to it over and over again," shares The Deuce actress. "The most recent song I’ve been doing that with is Sia's 'Elastic Heart.' I’m really inspired by it."
Though the 2013 song was shrouded in controversy because of its accompanying video featuring Shia LaBeouf and Maddie Ziegler, it still peaked at number 10 on the UK singles chart.
Shay Mitchell: "I Was Here" by Beyoncé
Perhaps the You star's envy-inducing travels inspired her song selection. Mitchell tells OprahMag.com that Beyoncé's "I Was Here" is the song that best motivates her.
With the following lyrics, we can understand why: The hearts I have touched will be the proof that I leave. That I made a difference and this world will see...I was here, I lived, I loved.
Looking at Mitchell's rise to stardom and her jet-setting adventures on Instagram, she's well on her way to leaving her mark.
Merle Dandridge: Hamilton Soundtrack
Though the Greenleaf actress references spiritual songs like Anthony Brown's "Trust In You," her song preference should come as no surprise given her extensive Broadway background.
"Hamilton is still moving me," she says. "I love that soundtrack. Every once in a while when I feel like I can’t pull it together, I put it on and it gets me ready."
Jessica Williams: "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes
"I just created this playlist on Spotify, and it’s called 'Unstuck,'" says Williams, one half of HBO's 2 Dope Queens, along with co-star Phoebe Robinson. "It’s just full of songs that feel really beautiful to me, like 'Be My Baby' by The Ronettes."
The Ronettes were one of the most popular girl groups from the 1960s, but the 1964 classic, "Be My Baby," is one of their most well-known tunes.
Phoebe Robinson: "Love Hangover" by Diana Ross
"I’ve been in a huge Diana Ross mood, so I'm listening to 'Love Hangover,' the comedian and Ibiza: Love Drunk actress tells OprahMag.com.
"Love Hangover" is the title song from Ross's 1976 eponymous album, and it's all about love in its most addictive and purest form.
Mashonda Tifrefre: "I Say a Little Prayer" by Aretha Franklin
"I’ve been having a moment with Aretha Franklin's 'I Say a Little Prayer,'" says the Blended author. "It’s such a beautiful song."
Despite the late singer receiving credit for her soul-stirring cover of the 1968 track, Dionne Warwick actually recorded and released the original in 1967.
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