Mikky Ekko
The Nashville songwriter who co-wrote and sang on Rihanna's global hit "Stay".
Mikky Ekko is an American singer, songwriter and record producer from Nashville who co-wrote and was featured on Rihanna's 2013 single "Stay". The song charted in multiple countries, becoming his first-charting material. It gave Ekko his first entry on the UK Singles Chart, charting at number four, and on the US Billboard Hot 100 at three. The song charted in the top five of 19 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and Switzerland. It has sold an approximate 10 million copies globally, making it his best selling single.
- Artist Name
- Mikky Ekko
- Featured Song
- Stay
- Album Association
- Unapologetic
- Release Year
- 2012
- Chart Peak
- Top Five Billboard Hot 100
- Role
- Featured Vocalist and Co-Writer
Lore & Background
In November 2012, Ekko was featured on Rihanna's seventh studio album Unapologetic on the track "Stay", which became a single in 2013. The song was originally written by Ekko and English songwriter Justin Parker. Ekko performed "Stay" together with Rihanna for the first time at the 2013 Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013. Mikael Wood of Los Angeles Times positively reviewed the performance and wrote that it was the most memorable moment of the night. The song charted in the top five of 19 countries and has sold approximately 10 million copies globally.
In Their Own Story
In November 2012, Ekko was featured on Rihanna's seventh studio album Unapologetic on the track "Stay", which became a single in 2013. The song, originally written by Ekko and English songwriter Justin Parker, charted in multiple countries, becoming Ekko's first-charting material. It gave Ekko his first entry on the UK Singles Chart, charting at number four, and on the US Billboard Hot 100 at three. The song charted in the top five of 19 countries, including in Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and Switzerland. It has sold an approximate 10 million copies globally, making it his best selling single. Ekko performed "Stay" together with Rihanna for the first time at the 2013 Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013.
Reader's Guide
The collaboration emerged when Ekko co-wrote "Stay" with English songwriter Justin Parker. Rihanna included the track on her seventh studio album Unapologetic, released in November 2012, and it became a single in 2013. The song charted in the top five of 19 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and Switzerland. It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song has sold approximately 10 million copies globally. Ekko performed the song live with Rihanna for the first time at the 2013 Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013, a performance that Los Angeles Times critic Mikael Wood called the most memorable moment of the night.
Did You Know?
- Ekko co-wrote "Stay" with English songwriter Justin Parker before Rihanna recorded it for her seventh studio album Unapologetic.
- "Stay" charted in the top five of 19 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and Switzerland.
- The song has sold approximately 10 million copies globally, making it Ekko's best selling single.
- Ekko performed "Stay" with Rihanna for the first time at the 2013 Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013.
- Los Angeles Times critic Mikael Wood called the Grammy performance the most memorable moment of the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mikky Ekko?
Mikky Ekko is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his indie-folk style and haunting vocals. He gained widespread recognition in the pop world through his collaboration with Rihanna on her 2012 album, Unapologetic.
What song did Mikky Ekko feature on?
He is best known for his featured role on the track 'Stay,' which became one of Rihanna's most critically acclaimed songs. This duet stands out as a fragile and emotionally intimate moment in her discography.
Did Mikky Ekko write any of the lyrics?
Yes, Ekko served not only as a vocalist but also as a co-writer for 'Stay.' His involvement helped craft the raw emotional intimacy that defines the song's narrative.
How successful was their collaboration commercially?
The partnership resulted in massive success, with 'Stay' peaking within the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track remains a defining hit from the Unapologetic era.
Why is Mikky Ekko important to Rihanna's career?
His contribution marked a significant shift from high-energy dance tracks to raw, vulnerable storytelling in her music. This collaboration demonstrated her ability to blend R&B power with indie-folk sensibilities for critical acclaim.
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