Which ‘Stay’ and which artist
The question ‘Lisa who sings Stay’ can refer to more than one recording, but two versions dominate search results and playlists. The most globally prominent is ‘Stay’ by Barbadian superstar Rihanna featuring Scottish vocalist Mikky Ekko, released in 2013 as part of the Unapologetic album. A second well-known track is ‘Stay’ performed by English singer Calum Scott, who first gained attention as a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent before releasing his debut album in 2016. Below, we clarify artist credits, release years, commercial performance, and common points of confusion for listeners seeking the right version.
Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko — the definitive global hit “Stay”
Rihanna’s ‘Stay,’ co-written and performed with Mikky Ekko, was released as the fourth single from her seventh studio album, Unapologetic. The song was produced by Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Kuk Harrell, and it became one of the most streamed tracks of the 2010s. It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying its status as a defining pop ballad of the decade.
Key details for Rihanna’s Stay
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary artist | Rihanna (featuring Mikky Ekko) | Label/credits |
| Release year | 2013 | Singles chronology |
| Peak Billboard Hot 100 | 3 | Billboard archive |
| Peak UK Singles Chart | 1 | Official Charts Company |
| Certifications (US) | Multi-Platinum (RIAA) | RIAA database |
Calum Scott — the emotional rendition of “Stay”
English singer Calum Scott released his version of ‘Stay’ as a track from his debut studio album, Only Human. Originally a Studio BRNO live performance uploaded to YouTube, the cover gained massive traction before appearing on his official release. Scott’s interpretation is noted for its stripped-back arrangement and vulnerable delivery, resonating with audiences who discovered him through televised talent competitions.
Key details for Calum Scott’s Stay
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary artist | Calum Scott | Album credits |
| Release year | 2016 | Album release information |
| Peak UK Singles Chart | 36 | Official Charts Company |
| YouTube live performance origin | Studio BRNO cover | Platform data |
| Album | Only Human | Label release discography |
Common points of confusion and other artists named Lisa
Because the query includes ‘Lisa,’ listeners may be thinking of a specific performer named Lisa who sings a song called ‘Stay.’ In practice, well-known recordings of ‘Stay’ are not led by an artist named Lisa. If a listener is thinking of a lesser-known or regional version, providing the release year or additional lyrics will help identify it. In the meantime, the versions above are the ones most frequently referenced in search, streaming, and conversation.
Comparative snapshot of the two main “Stay” recordings
- Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko (2013) — global pop hit, peak No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100, multi-million streams, prominent in year-end playlists.
- Calum Scott (2016) — cover with strong YouTube and streaming performance, peak No. 36 on UK Singles Chart, known for emotional live-style production.
Listening context and how to distinguish the versions
To quickly differentiate the two main tracks, consider tempo and vocal style. Rihanna’s ‘Stay’ is a mid-tempo pop ballad with a prominent guitar line and vocal layering between the lead and featured artist. Calum Scott’s version is more subdued, with sparse instrumentation that highlights his lower-register voice and live-room feel. Checking the featured artists on the metadata of the streaming or broadcast source is the fastest way to confirm which recording you’re hearing.
Evergreen relevance and how these recordings endure
Both recordings remain staples on streaming platforms, radio rotations, and compilation playlists, which demonstrates durable listener interest beyond short-term trends. Rihanna’s version continues to appear in year-end retrospectives and pop histories, while Calum Scott’s cover maintains value for vocalists and fans seeking an intimate, unplugged-style interpretation. For ongoing searches and reference, the primary distinguishing factors remain release year, featured collaborators, and chart history.