A 'SWABE' UPDATE ON FILIPINO HITS

Is the cover version poised to make a comeback? It is if we take into account the success of You'll be in my Heart by NIKI.

- BABY A. GIL

The Indonesian pop star released a cover of the song written by Phil Collins for the Disney animated feature film "Tarzan." It was sung by the foster mother chimp Kala to the baby Tarzan, and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Aside from the movie and stage versions, plus the Phil Collins original, You'll be in my Heart has also been covered by other artists like Michael Crawford and Usher. NIKI's is the latest, and to the surprise of many, that is because cover versions are not considered hip or saleable these days, it became a huge hit.

So are cover versions or new recordings of old songs on the way back? Remember, covers were huge about 20 years ago when every big star recorded their favorites and had big hits. The trend died with the rise of the singer/songwriter who popularized their new originals. But thanks to NIKI, the trend is expected to be back again.