Steph McGovern's Musical Journey: A Candid Playlist Revealed
In a heartfelt and entertaining interview, journalist and presenter Steph McGovern opens up about the songs that have shaped her life, from childhood favourites to adult guilty pleasures. Her honest playlist offers a glimpse into the personal soundtrack behind her public persona.
Early Musical Influences and Karaoke Choices
Growing up in a music-filled household, McGovern recalls falling in love with Kylie Minogue's I Should Be So Lucky after watching her on Neighbours. She praises Kylie's ability to connect without delving into private life, noting a recent concert that left her amazed. Her first album purchase was Hangin' Tough by New Kids on the Block, bought on cassette from Woolworths in Middlesbrough alongside pick'n'mix sweets. McGovern admits to favouring the underdog, with Donnie Wahlberg as her preferred member.
When it comes to karaoke, McGovern avoids singing but loves to dance, opting for C'est la Vie by B*Witched to showcase Irish dancing moves, despite wobbly ankles. She also reveals an unexpected talent: knowing every lyric to Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio, thanks to a rap-off during a BBC night shift with colleague Katie Prescott, who surprised her with her posh background and lyrical knowledge.
Party Anthems and Unforgettable Memories
For the best party song, McGovern champions I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston, emphasising its cross-generational appeal that gets everyone on the dance floor. However, not all songs bring joy; she can no longer listen to High by the Lighthouse Family, as it reminds her of a childhood friend's mum playing it on repeat to mask bedroom noises.
As a parent, McGovern confesses to a secret enjoyment of The Floor Is Lava by Baby Shark, a kids' earworm she believes adults shouldn't like but finds irresistible when watching her five-year-old jump around. On a more emotional note, Everyday Is Like Sunday by Morrissey changed her life, playing during driving lessons with her dad and later blasting in her car as a symbol of independence, now serving as a poignant reminder of him.
Heartbreak, Tears, and Funeral Plans
McGovern shares that All Bets Are Off by Nerina Pallot makes her cry, as it's a heartbreak anthem she plays after being dumped, evoking memories of past sorrows. For her funeral, she chooses For Good from Wicked the Musical, a song about fleeting but meaningful relationships that brings her to tears just thinking about it.
In related news, McGovern's debut thriller, Deadline, is currently available in hardback and will be released in paperback from 9 April.
