Why Clay From Sing 2 Sounds So Familiar
"Sing 2" is the long-awaited sequel to the original "Sing," which came out five years ago in December 2016. The original film tells the story of koala Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) when he decides to host a singing competition at his struggling theater. When an incorrect flier is scattered across city streets promising $100,000 to the winner, contestants come from all over to compete. The competition is bigger than Buster ever could have hoped for.
Many characters from "Sing" have returned for the sequel, as Buster and his pals try and land a residency in a Las Vegas-esque town. The singing group promises to recruit a former rockstar, Clay Calloway, into their ensemble, but it turns out to be no easy feat. Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, Tori Kelly, and Nick Kroll are reprising their roles from the first film as Ash, Rosita, Meena, and Gunter, respectively. Plenty of newcomers are along for the ride in "Sing 2," including Johnny (Taron Egerton), Chelsea Peretti (Suki), Mr. Crystal (Bobby Cannavale), Nick Offerman (Norman), and Halsey (Porsche). Additionally, the voice behind the mysterious Clay Calloway is one you might recognize. Here's why the white-maned lion sounds so familiar.
Clay Calloway is voiced by a rock legend
If you owned a radio in the 80s or 90s (or an iPhone in 2014), you have probably heard the voice behind Clay Calloway. That's because the lion is voiced by none other than U2's lead vocalist, Bono. The sunglass-sporting rock star has one of the most recognizable singing voices, which pushed U2 to the top of the Billboard charts. Bono and company have two #1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, with 32 other singles also earning spots in different positions.
Bono went to great lengths for "Sing 2," not just by lending his voice to Clay but also by contributing an original song to the film. "Your Song Saved My Life" is performed by Bono and is incredibly close to the heart of Clay, who has lost his wife. While Clay sings the song in the film, Bono noted in a "Sing 2" presser (per The Hollywood Reporter) that he thinks "it's the people who hear the songs who save the performer's life, really. You give us a special life, and we're so grateful."