Crown The Empire & Remington Leith, Superstar

In the 18^th edition of Dazzling Duets (2025), Crown The Empire and Remington Leith collaborate on “Superstar.”

Sometimes, two is better than one! That is the case when it comes to Dazzling Duets! On Dazzling Duets, we highlight ear-catching songs performed by two artists collaborating. These duets can be from any musical style, making Dazzling Duets a flexible, versatile column on The Musical Hype. In the 18^th edition of Dazzling Duets (2025), Crown The Empire and Remington Leith collaborate on “Superstar.” Let the dazzle begin!

“Imma grow up and be famous / Quit my job, change my name / Imma go buy some fake friends / Get addicted to cocaine / Imma be a superstar.” Oh, my, the ambition! Metalcore and post-hardcore band Crown The Empire joined the superstar fray in 2023. “Superstar” is the sixth track from the band’s 2023 album, DOGMA. Andy Leo (Andrew Rockhold) isn’t the only vocalist lending his pipes on “Superstar,” however! Crown The Empire enlisted the services of Remington Leith of Palaye Royale. Zach Jones produced the colorful highlight.

Fitting for a superstar, “Superstar” begins with an enigmatic, striking intro, set in a minor key. The melodies are beautiful, starting with the tuneful first verse (excerpted above). Andy Leo gives a compelling vocal performance. He continues to wow in the refrain and pre-chorus. I love his powerful, whiny vocals in the chorus. Expectedly, the chorus is memorable, yielding more tuneful melodies.

“I just want the diamonds

I just want the fame

Probably die alone but I can’t complain

Imma be a star, star

I can be your monster

I can be your slave

Probably burn in hell

But I’ll swing from the chains

Imma be a star

I’ll show you.”

Remington Leith enters the picture in the second verse.  Once more, the listener is blessed with beautiful vocals. Upping the ante are dramatic, striking lyrics. The lyrics are more dark and damning than blessed: “Wake up with bloodshot eyes / Didn’t know heaven would be this bright / Worth more dead than I am alive / Ain’t no angel but I stay this high, high.” Word. Leith also delivers his own pre-chorus, with some morbid, suicidal references. The 27 club, baby 😳! Despite the dark, hellish vibes, “Superstar” in the hands of Crown The Empire and Remington Leith is, dare I say, pretty sweet!