If you’ve ever handed me the aux cord, there’s a 99% chance I’ve made you listen to the song “Grace Kelly” by Mika. It’s one of those jams that instantly puts you in a good mood, with cheeky lyrics and a driving beat that’s impossible not to dance to. So, when the song resurfaced on TikTok recently, let’s just say I was more than ready. In the “My Story” TikTok trend, creators are using the delightful, vampy chorus of “Grace Kelly” to tell meaningful life stories, from falling in love to coming out — and the results are giving me life.
In case it’s not your most frequently listened-to song on Spotify yet, “Grace Kelly” is a 2007 hit by Lebanese-born British singer-songwriter Mika. The song is titled after the Academy Award-winning actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, and as the first track on Mika’s album, “Life in Cartoon Motion,” the tune topped the UK singles chart for weeks when it first came out. Even if you don’t recognize the song or artist, you’ve probably heard the song’s lyrics at some point on TikTok recently:
I could be brown, I could be blue, I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful, I could be purple, I could be anything you like
Gotta be green, gotta be mean, gotta be everything more
Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you like me? Why don’t you walk out the door!
Ringing a bell yet? Not only is “Grace Kelly” catchy, fun, and absolutely perfect for TikTok, but the harmonies are low-key fire. In fact, the “Grace Kelly Challenge” on TikTok has prompted creators and celebrities alike to record their own renditions of the song, including this absolutely brilliant version by Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell — AKA the musical duo we didn’t know we needed, but one we absolutely deserve. In all seriousness, though, who knew these two could sing so well? I’m here for it.
All over my FYP, the “My Story” TikTok trend is taking the “Grace Kelly challenge” a step further. Rather than actually singing the lyrics or breaking down harmonies musically, TikTokers are lip syncing to the chorus while overlaying their video with short paragraphs that tell a meaningful life story. Just like the harmonies gradually build in the “Grace Kelly Challenge,” each part of your story builds on the part before it. You align your text with the verse: “I could be brown, I could be blue, I could be violet sky/I could be hurtful, I could be purple, I could be anything you like” followed by your story. Everyone’s take on this trend is unique, but TikTokers’ videos usually depict a series of life events that have ultimately led to something wonderful.
For example, TikToker @dosabeauty shares how writing a secret note about her crush turned into them starting a long-term relationship and eventually, getting married. Melissa Connelly went from being kicked out of her house after coming out as gay to now being happily married and regularly sharing her story with Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) organizations. Her caption on TikTok reads: “It. Gets. Better.” Jessica shares her journey to growing her own food and building a self-sustaining farm, and Jensen talks about adopting and training her adorable German Shepherd, Rylie. In each video, TikTokers use this original audio from singer-songwriter Sarah Cothran, whose ethereal cover of “Grace Kelly” makes the perfect soundscape for this heartfelt trend.
To try the “My Story” TikTok trend for yourself, save the trending audio here and think of a meaningful story you want to share — whether it’s about friendship, family, your pet, or how a series of seemingly random events led you to find your life partner. Remember, the key to this trend is to build anticipation in your story and eventually share your fairytale ending in time with the music. Pro tip: because the lyrics repeat a total of six times, you may want to grab your “Notes” app and draft six parts of your story before hitting “record.”
Once again, TikTok is giving me a reason to dance around my room and enjoy the brilliance that is “Grace Kelly.” And despite Mercury Retrograde indirectly causing the great internet shutdown today, I’ve been reveling in people’s life stories on TikTok and enjoying every minute. Honestly, the trend is a sweet reminder that we all have a unique story, so why not share it with an adorable TikTok trend and make others smile in the process?