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St. Vincent Rocks "Young Americans" with Biden Twist on Colbert

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

St. Vincent, also known as Annie Clark, performed David Bowie's "Young Americans" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the "Under The Covers" segment.
This marked her second appearance on the show in 2025.
She previously covered the same song at the 2023 Love Rocks benefit.
During the appearance, she altered the lyrics to reference President Biden instead of Nixon, delivering a rock-forward, intense vocal performance.

History

Historical Context

David Bowie's "Young Americans," released on February 21, 1975, marked a significant shift from glam rock to R&B and soul, reflecting the complexities of American identity during a turbulent era. The song's lyrics allude to events like the Watergate scandal and McCarthyism, showcasing Bowie's observational style. Its enduring relevance is highlighted by contemporary artists like St. Vincent, who connect its themes to modern political discourse.

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Story summary

St. Vincent, also known as Annie Clark, performed David Bowie's "Young Americans" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the "Under The Covers" segment.
This marked her second appearance on the show in 2025.
She previously covered the same song at the 2023 Love Rocks benefit.
During the appearance, she altered the lyrics to reference President Biden instead of Nixon, delivering a rock-forward, intense vocal performance.

1 / 2