Kelty Greye Reflects on Wild Reaction to Her ‘Supergirl’ Cover of Jimmy Eat World’s ‘The Middle’

Kelty Greye, the artist behind the cover of Jimmy Eat World’s iconic song “The Middle” featured in Supergirl, shared her thoughts on the overwhelming response to her rendition. This unexpected opportunity arose just two months before the movie's release on June 26, as Greye was still navigating her budding music career.

Unexpected Opportunity for Kelty Greye

Greye's journey began three years prior when she recorded her cover in her bedroom while studying at Middle Tennessee State University. With the help of Think Music, a sync licensing agency, Greye got the chance to work with producer KidMotel and create a version of a song she cherished growing up. “The Middle” was a natural choice for her, leading to her unique interpretation.

“I recorded that in my bedroom between classes in a little booth I built out of packing blankets and PVC pipe,” Greye explained to The Hollywood Reporter. Her rendition features a slowed-down tempo and violin strings, showcasing her artistic evolution.

Social Media Reaction and Public Debate

Upon the film's release, Greye encountered a wave of discussion on social media, primarily focusing on the emotional impact of her cover during a climactic scene. Although the movie itself faced scrutiny regarding its box office performance, Greye's song sparked a varied emotional response from viewers.

“As an artist, all you want to do is make people feel something,” Greye said. The reactions caught her off-guard at first, but she quickly embraced the attention, stating, “If you walked out feeling something, that’s just cool.”

Future Aspirations and Continued Work

Despite the surge in attention, Greye continues her day job in customer support in Nashville. The experience of being part of Supergirl revitalized her aspirations as a folk-pop singer-songwriter. Currently, she is promoting her debut EP, Haunt Me, which includes original songs and a cover of Nina Simone.

Greye expressed her desire to connect with producer James Gunn to discuss what made her performance resonate. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “It just takes some time, you’re in the middle of the ride — you’ll get there.”