Bruno Mars Covers Katy Perry’s “California Gurls”

A little behind the trend but still on point, Bruno Mars delivered a velvety, soulful cover of Katy Perry’s 2010 ubiquitious chart-topper “California Gurls” for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge. We’re not exactly sure why Mars — who scored his own mega-hit with Perry’s ex Travie McCoy on “Billionaire” — picked this glossy-produced pop tune to cover as a lounge song. Wouldn’t “Teenage Dream” have been a bit less touristey-piano-bar a pick? At least it’s not another eye-roll-inducing parody version. Catch one Grammy nominee take on another below!