José Feliciano may be most famous for his joyful holiday anthem “Feliz Navidad,” but the legendary Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has never shied away from reimagining popular hits with his own Latin flair. And in 2017, he did just that—on one of music’s biggest international stages.
Taking the spotlight at the prestigious Polar Music Prize ceremony in Stockholm, Feliciano delivered a version of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” unlike anything the world—or Sting—had ever heard. And yes, Sting himself was in the front row, watching every second unfold.
Backed by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and joined by Serbian powerhouse vocalist Jelena Krstić, José stripped down the iconic track and rebuilt it with acoustic textures and his signature soulful style. He opened with a delicate, almost banjo-like acoustic riff that transformed the brooding tone of the original into something more folksy and whimsical. Then came the vocals—adventurous, offbeat, and far from the familiar melody we’ve known since 1983.
Some fans called it genius. Others, well… not so much.
Throughout the performance, the camera kept cutting to Sting’s face—a masterclass in emotional restraint. Was he intrigued? Confused? Mildly horrified? Maybe all three. He barely cracked a smile as Feliciano missed a few notes early on, but perked up a little during a passionate guitar solo where José briefly sang in Spanish, adding heartfelt authenticity.
Then came Jelena’s big entrance during the bridge, her voice soaring with gospel-disco drama. It was a moment of vocal power, though the energy shift felt more Vegas than vintage Police. As the performance reached its finale, the room sat still—less in awe, more in bewildered silence.
Whether you see it as an ambitious tribute or a glorious trainwreck, there’s no denying that Feliciano’s version left an impression. It may not have topped the charts, but it gave us a performance people are still talking (and laughing) about years later.
Sometimes, reinvention means taking risks. And José? He went for it—every breath of the way.
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