Regency Romance
‘Bridgerton’s 16 Best Musical Moments, Ranked
Let’s get one thing straight: No one does modern pop bangers in a corseted ballroom like Bridgerton. Whether it’s Taylor Swift turned string quartet or Ariana Grande warbling through a dramatic reveal, the Bridgerton franchise has redefined how we experience period romance.
These musical moments don’t just soundtrack the drama—they deepen it, dramatize it, and in many cases, devastate us in the best possible way. From the OG fake-dating waltzes to Season 3’s Polin pining, these are the 16 best Bridgerton music moments—ranked by just how much they made us feel like swooning, crying, or texting our ex. It’s safe to say, Shondaland knows how to hurt us.
16. “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish (Cover by Vitamin String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 1 Episode 3, “Art of the Swoon”
Okay, our fake dating trope is well underway, and we are lapping it up like cats with a bowl of milk. Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon (Regé-Jean Page) have settled into a familiar banter, as they both aim to display their budding showmance while also keeping an eye out for prospects. Simon interrupts Daphne’s dance with another suitor in a not-so-fake display, and the pair twirls across the floor to Vitamin String Quartet’s cover of “Bad Guy.” Do you get it? He’s the bad guy!
15. “Material Girl” by Madonna (Cover by Kris Bowers)
Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 1, “Capital R Rake”
Not all Bridgerton music moments involve someone naked and writhing against Jonathan Bailey—only the best ones. This one, however, is more refined: The introduction of the Sharma family to the ton at the season’s first ball. We’re channeling ’80s power Madonna as the sisters are mesmerized by the spectacle, and everyone’s gaze is firmly on them. It’s an ode to a pop icon and the very concept of girlhood. It captures the frivolity of society as well as the intoxicating glamour. Bravo!
14. “If I Ain’t Got You” By Alicia Keys (Cover by Vitamin String Quartet)
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Season 1 Episode 3, “Even Days”
As much as we loved the hate sex, we prefer Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and George (Corey Mylchreest) simping for each other even more. This scene is powerful for so many reasons. Firstly, the King and Queen attend Lady Danbury’s ball, showing support for the Great Experiment and equality among nobles. Secondly, they’re there as a team. The choice of “If I Ain’t Got You” is poignant—it’s about being able to rely on your partner, just like our newlyweds are learning to do. An excellent choice for this Bridgerton spinoff series.
13. “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish (Cover by Vitamin String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 3, “Forces of Nature”
This gut-wrenching song somehow hits even harder—as if that was possible—when paired with this Polin love triangle. Colin (Luke Newton) is overcome with jealousy at the sight of Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) with Lord Debling (Sam Phillips). He knows he might only bring her grief, that she might be happier with Debling, but he can’t help himself. The song’s climax is already powerful, but made all the more so by this emotionally charged cover.
12. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift (Cover by Duomo)
Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 7, “Joining Of Hands”
There’s only one song that can accompany a friends-to-lovers season of Bridgerton, and obviously, it’s by our Lord and Savior, Taylor Alison Swift. Misogynistic undertones aside, this song is the ultimate anthem of friends secretly pining for each other—like Penelope and Colin. Placing this Duomo cover as their first dance as husband and wife is a celebration of their entire journey. Everyone joins in, even awkward John Stirling (Victor Alli) and Francesca (Hannah Dodd)! Unusual to dance at a wedding breakfast, but everything about Polin has been delightfully unconventional, so why not?
11. “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes (Cover by Vitamin String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 1 Episode 2, “Shock and Delight”
The ruse is in place, the fake couple is ready to deceive everyone… especially themselves. This is a passionate song when warbled by Mendes himself, so when it’s reduced to a hauntingly beautiful string arrangement? Chilling. Something is clearly brewing in the air, and this cover captures it perfectly, punctuated by Simon and Daphne’s clipped, flirty dialogue. Little do they know, this is just the beginning.
10. “Sign Of The Times” By Harry Styles (Cover by Steve Horner)
Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 6, “The Choice”
Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) is at the altar watching the woman he loves walk down the aisle, but Kate’s (Simone Ashley) not dressed in white…The forbidden lovers cannot tear their gaze away from each other, and there’s this underlying current of “what if.” What if Kate was the bride? What if Anthony was looking at the woman he would spend the rest of his life with? This Harry Styles song is all about avoiding emotion and reality during difficult moments, exactly like Anthony is doing right now.
9. “Snow on the Beach” ft. Lana del Rey by Taylor Swift (Cover by Atwood Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 4, “Old Friends”
Colin interrupts a dance between Penelope and Debling, and an argument ensues—naturally underscored by Swift. “Snow on the Beach” isn’t the most obvious choice, but it fits perfectly. The chorus’s wistful, dreamlike lyrics match the pair’s unspoken tension: “You wanting me tonight feels impossible.” Their connection has always felt improbable, like snow on the beach. Beautiful, surreal, and utterly unexpected.
8. “How Deep Is Your Love” By Calvin Harris & Disciples (Cover by Kiris Houston)
Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 7, “Harmony”
Something gets deep in this scene—and it isn’t just their love. This isn’t the first time Kate and Anthony have kissed, but it is the first time they’ve done so as two single people, and the first time they let it go all the way. They stop caring about what’s “right” and surrender completely to the moment. Kiris Houston’s intense, pulsing version reflects both their desperation and the danger of giving in. This song should always be accompanied by breathy moans and “do not stop,” just saying.
7. “pov” by Ariana Grande (Cover by Strings From Paris)
Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 5, “Tick Tock”
Time to discuss the mirror scene. Colin shows Penelope why he is so completely obsessed with her. Every anxious girlie knows the feeling of not understanding why someone is attracted to you—and this moment addresses that head-on. Colin is patient and tender as he strips away her self-doubt. Grande’s lyrics perfectly match the vulnerability of the scene: She hopes one day she’ll love herself the way her partner loves her. Sob.
6. “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn (Cover by Vitamin String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 4, “Victory”
Find us a person who didn’t have an unhealthy obsession with this song, even before Bridgerton. Genuinely, disassociating to “Dancing On My Own” is a rite of passage. That’s why it’s perfect for Anthony and Kate’s first dance—a moment brimming with desire and guilt. They’ve been circling each other all season, and this dance is the peak of that push-pull. For a moment, you think they just might give in…Edwina (Charithra Chandran) be damned.
5. “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift (Cover by Duomo)
Bridgerton Season 1 Episode 6, “Swish”
We can’t skip a Taylor Swift moment—it’s basically illegal. Especially when it’s accompanied by Regency sexy time. Daphne and Simon are enjoying the benefits of marriage, aka copulating in every corner of their home. They get caught in the rain outside and strip down—as you do. Duomo’s dreamy cover captures both their euphoria and the shadow of what’s to come, just like Swift softly warns, “Nothing lasts forever.”
4. “Yellow” by Coldplay (Cover by Vitamin String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 7, “Joining Of Hands”
Colin and Penelope are finally getting married after all this time! But oh no, he just found out that she is Lady Whistledown! Why now?!?! Colin is fuming, as he especially hates LW, and he hasn’t had time to process his feelings. The wedding is happening but he’s not happy about it…until he sees Pen walk down the aisle. It reminds us of why you should always spare a second for the groom as the bride saunters down the aisle, as their expression never disappoints. Colin is mesmerized by his friend, his lover, his soon-to-be wife, and just for a few moments, the rest disappears. They may as well be alone in that packed church. “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you”—Penelope is the star now and wallflower no longer. This song is particularly poignant as yellow is one of the main colors used in Penelope’s clothing until this season, and it almost shows an acceptance for who she was and still is underneath.
3. “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, & Nayer (Cover by Archer Marsh)
Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 4, “Old Friends”
Pitbull in Bridgerton? Of course—we’re talking about the carriage scene. Colin follows Penelope and finally confesses his feelings. One thing leads to another, and well… his hand is under her petticoats. The orchestral cover mirrors the sheer frenzy of their desire. In this moment, Penelope gives Colin “everything”—her vulnerability, her heart—and he gives her everything she’s ever wanted, including a marriage proposal. Help.
2. “Nobody Gets Me” by SZA (Cover by Caleb Chan & Brian Chan)
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Season 1 Episode 6, “Crown Jewels”
We’re going to try to get through this without crying, but no promises. So King George and Queen Charlotte have had quite the season together. They host a ball to celebrate their first child, George IV. The ball is their opportunity to show off their cute babe as well as demonstrate the strength of their love, and with it, the monarchy and Great Experiment. What song do you use to convey so much tension and trust? SZA‘s “Nobody Gets Me,” obviously. This rendition by Caleb and Brian Chan is heartfelt and vulnerable, conveying the faith that George and Charlotte have in each other, and the journey they’ve taken. Nobody gets GEORGE like Charlotte. Sorry, sobbing!!
1. “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus (Cover by Midnite String Quartet)
Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 8, “The Viscount Who Loved Me”
The culmination of Season 2 and the destruction of our emotional stability, aka “Wrecking Ball.” This is already a devastating ballad, but add a string quartet and Anthony and Kate’s eye contact? Unmatched. Anthony and Kate know they love each other, and they know that no other love could compare. It’s the final ball of the season, and for once, they’re not hiding this passion from the public gaze.The season ends not with restraint, but with full-on emotional surrender. The public watches, stunned, and maybe a little jealous. Ending a passionate love story with a sad song? Genius.
Did we miss your favorite Bridgerton music moment? Let us know in the comments! Now to wait and see what Season 4 of Bridgerton will bring…
