What’s Michael Phelps listening to?
Photo by Incase Designs
If you’ve been watching the coverage of the Beijing Olympics, you may already know what swimmer Michael Phelps is eating (12,000 carb-heavy calories a day!) to keep in top racing condition. You may be staying up late at night to find out if he has earned yet another gold medal. But what many people are really burning to know about Phelps is: What the heck is he listening to before each race?
We’ve all noticed that Phelps typically shows up at the Water Cube wearing a Speedo LZR Racer, maybe a tracksuit, and always his MP3 player earbuds. So what’s the musical mojo that gets him pumped up for his next gold-medal win?
The Answers community has been able to dig up a few clues through a little detective work, but nothing conclusive. It appears from the Q&A on his own website that he was listening to Young Jeezy at the World Championships. In Athens four years ago, it was “‘Till I Collapse” by Eminem. Clearly he favors rap or hip-hop, but what exactly is the magical mix that makes Michael move?
We may never know for sure, but whatever he listens to, it’s certainly doing wonders for him–that, and the countless hours of practice, dedication, and focus, of course.
Do you use music for inspiration and motivation? What songs or musical artists get you going?
Update: Hey, everyone – we lost some comments due to a corrupt file (we had to restore from an earlier backup). We apologize if your comment is missing – we had over 300! Thanks for your participation.
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led zeppelin, the beatles, u2 have made great music…
It’s no mystery, and you guys aren’t paying much attention..the second day of racing they said quite clearly, that he likes to listen to rap music on his ipod.
I listen to rap and hip-hop a lot when I’m running as it usually is motivational and keeps me moving. I would listen to Eminem’s “Till i collapse” and Salt n Pepper’s “Push it” and other songs that, one way or another, said Don’t Stop!!!
he probly be listening to snoop dogg
The best ‘answer’ I read in response to this (somewhere) was from someone who said they thought it would be great if he was listening to the song “Your The Best”……you know, the one from The Karate Kid? That would just be fantastic, and I’m totally inclined to agree this song choice would be great.
As for me, I’m completely typical and listen to ‘angry chick music’ when I’m working out or running. There’s nothing like being mad at the treadmill you’re running on to get some good cardio in! Ha!
I listen to music that gets my blood pumping when I need motivation. I don’t like rap or hip-hop, but I like hard guitar. And sometimes I use… “cheery” music with a good dancing beat.
he listened to lil wayne. I saw it on the news
DANCING QUEEN.
By ABBA. I have the one from the movie Mamma Mia! in my mp3.
I swear, I can do anything while listening to that song, it’s my high. I listen to that at least four times while working out.
Also Let Me Entertain You by Robbie Williams. Such a fun song.
Today I also was rocking out to Carry On Wayward Son while on a bicycle machine…good times.
And I love I Am the Walrus by the Beatles.
I go for old songs…can you tell?
Haha!, go Kay!
I hear U2, Coldplay, some Hip Hop, and relaxing songs like James Blunt. A mix of everything to stay motivated.
I just an article in USA Today that says he listens to Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne (aka Weezy) is even quoted in the article.
I don’t know what he’s listening to but whatever it is it must be good cause he’s a beast!!
I read somewhere that he’s listening to lil’ wayne ‘I am’ and apparently he hesitated before answering the question lol! in the last olympics he listened to eminem, so obviously he likes rap!! this makes me like him more!
Yeah, rap can pump you up. I listen to it before I have to do something I’m dreading or something difficult.
well ive been working SUPER hard to make the volleyball team and i just did this morning…i often listen to upbeat music when i exercise every morning=]
sometimes you can see him mouthing some of the songs he listens to. i think he’s great no matter what.
i like to listen to rap or hip hop as well when chillin out. but if i’m working out, a fast techno beat or some crazy style tool and pantera always get me pumped. when i’m cleaning the house, portishead is on so i can mellow out as i clean.
=)
Hanna Montana. Like what else?
He is listening to Belgian Gabbercore techno. O.o
Beatles, ACDC, Led Zeppelin, most classic rock <3
Who the heck cares!! He is sooooo fine!!! maybe he’s listening to T.I., Young Jeezy, Akon..or Riahnna?? lol j/k.. I dont care I just can’t take my eyes off of that body!
One of my friends suggested he listens to water before he swims.
I heard “Take me to the river”
Yea music tends to move us all. With out music some of us cant study or do other boring task. I listen to mostly everything. Rock and alt rock for sleeping or doing homework and RnB for driving and for paying attention in class. It works…the professors are so boring that i need something else to hear along side what they are saying.
he’s listening to the watergate tapes.
i know they pump me up before all my bullfights.
I HEARD THAT HE LISTENS TO LIL WAYNE ON HIS IPOD BEFORE EACH RACE
He’s got some good taste as far as rap goes.
Most 80s music gets my head bopping, but I love classic rock like Led Zeppelin. “Black Dog” is a great tune to get the blood pumping. Then again, so do other modern songs. Also, Johnny Cash’s “Get a Rhythm”. I guess it depends what you’re in the mood for. But there are a plethora of songs that get me goin. I love music. On another note: GO MICHAEL PHELPS!
maybe he’s listening to “stronger” by Kanye West
I luv 2 listen 2 “one step at a time” when i excercise!!!!
He’s definitely listening to Joe Esposito’s Karate Kid hit.. “You’re the best aound…”
The way the boy is jammin’ Stevie Ray Vaughn “Texas Flood”
hes listening to the JONAS BROTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!
DUHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
say i if u looove the jonas brothers!!!!!!!!!
i pretty much listen to any type of music depends what kind of mood i am. i love listening to Lupe Fiasco !!!
hes not listening to the jonas brohters. they are the worst band ever.
Hot Fun in the Summertime- Sly and the Family Stone
I love ok go and their album oh no it has a great running rhythm and is quite energising when you’re getting tired
Listening to.. you got that loving feeling baby
ahhaa i’ve been wondering the exact same thing. probably something like eye of the tiger lol.
no, nvm, it’s the jonas brothers =]]
i!
its probably somthing calm and relaxing… thats what i do before my races and it helps. coldplay!!
It’s gotta be good!
I always listen to songs with a fast beat before a soccer game, Swim race, running etc.,
One that I always listen to is:
-Stronger -By: Kayne West
The lyrics are very motivating, and it has a fast beat.
how would we know????? probably some thing to pump him up
i think music inspires everybody to do something with their lives
it pumps up michael for his races
there are lots of songs that move me
come home by onerepublic
dare you to move by switchfoot
you raise me up by josh groban
good luck, michael!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s all about Mozart and Beethoven
He’s listening to classical music
da da da daaaa
I heard this year it was Lil’ Wayne…IDK, but that’s what I heard.
Wow nice choice. Actually yes, Dream On by Aerosmith always gets me off my dreams and wake up to do it.
I have been watching him in Olimpic games.He is just make me a fan of his.
I saw him that he always use ipod before he had begun a race.
——————
Rafiz
Michael Phelps listens to “Party Up” by DMX before each race.
I think it may be the story about the little engine that could. I noticed he always looks so serious when he is wearing the earbuds, so it may be inspirational stories or music, maybe the theme song to Flipper.
he listens to hip hop and rap music a lot of new stuff and Young Jeezy, he said it in an interview I read.
Idk who it is but he better get an endorsment from them before he anounces what he is listening too….cause they’re going to bank!!
love me sexy by jackie moon
He listens to Led Zeppelin. I went on some website the other day and it said that they interviewed him and asked him the question the whole world wanted to know. Not only does he listen to Zepp he also listens to all the other classic rock songs out there. But Zepp is his favorite.
I think he is listening rap or hip hop….because his only 23…good luck Michael Phelps on winning all the races remained in this year Olympic Games
Whatever it is, It works!
whatever it is it is most definetly working!
He’s been listening to Lil’ Wayne, and thats fact, he was asked that question by a reporter from one of my local news shows and he said that’s what he’s been listening to
Something very, very fast…and most certainly not the stupid Jonas Brothers.
lol..he says he listens to lil wayne “lollipop”
Hey, I know he’s listens to Lil Wayne and all other sorts of rap music to help him relax.
omg. 12000 calories! holy shizzle. That’s what I eat in a week o,0 lol I agree with Rokrad, it has to be Mozart XD
MIchael Phelps is a big fan of rap music so I’d imagine that’s what he’s listening to. Besides, he has crazy spinning rims on his Escalade
Gotta be airline survival tapes… HAHA
I’ve always been wondering that. Thanks for letting me know I’m not the only person who has. XD
lol this is funny, because nobody has a life if there wondering what some swimmer guy is listening too before a race…. stalkers muchh
I heard that he was listioning to christian music
who cares!
I know what he listens to I answered this question today like 5 times. Try this link and scroll midway down there is an article about what he listens to now. 100 points?
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal;_ylt=AhEItjIPCum37f.8tnU9NzWdaJh4
He listens to DMX
He listens to Eminem
I watched a interview about it
it’s rap music. they talked about it on NBC
He already stated in an interview with NBC that he has been listening to “Im Me” By weezy before every race and will continue to do so.
I saw him on a show , and he said he listened to “LIL Wayne” mostly his “I AM” song.
Paper Planes by M.I.A.
He is listening to me tell him how sexy he is. I pre-recorded it for him, and now he uses it to get him pumped up.
No Lie i asked my boyfriend this ysterday when we watched the Olympics…this is weird to wonder what he’s listening to..But WTF makes you get a gold metal EVERY time you swim…To tell the truth i think he listens to Hardcore Rock to get him pumped up for the race..IDk..just my guess….
he listens to rap
apparently he’s a fan of biggie smalls, 50 cent, and twista, young jeezy
Young Jeezy
Wow, that article was totally and completely unhelpful. Did not answer the question at all or provide any solid information. With the thousands of media people running around Beijing, not one of them has bothered to just ask Phelps a question that plagues the online fan community?
LOL that is amazing that anyone would find that out.
To get his head really in the game he should really listen to Stronger – Kanye West.
That song always gets me pumped to workout.
But you know he still rock with whatever he listening to.
well eminem is the best rapper to get you pumped up so no doubt about that. He’s built so strangely, but perfect for swimming! He has the torso of a man 6 ft 8 inches tall, and the legs of a man just 6 ft tall. But he is a 6 ft 4 giant. He’s incredible!
He’s listening to, “I’m a Barbie girl, in the Barbie worrrld”. But seriously, he’s an American youngster like me, so he’s probably listening to either rap or metal.
He is a Baltimore boy…..he is listening to hardcore rap/hip-hop like the rest of the city.
He even once said in an interview that he had to rip out the speakers in his car and install new ones and a subwoofer because the rap wasn’t sounding hard enough. He even has spinners on his Escalade, so yeah he is hardcore.
He has good taste in music likes the same stuff I do Lil Wayne, Jeezy, Hip Hop mostly
He lives to hear the sound of the water rushing past his ears when he’s simming, so he listens to a recording of that. Some believe he listens to rap because saying anything else would make him seem uncool. Eli Manning listens to the sound of his balls flying through the air.
i listen to miley cyrus to get pumped up
Hahahahaa. I was watching the olympics yesterday and someone asked the same thing. I’m guessing Jack Johnson. lmao
he’s always listening to something, but isn’t most athletes doing the same thing since its so boring probably to wait
i love watching him swim. i never thought about this though
hes probably listening to music to calm his nerves.
The one song that gets me pumped up is the new Disturbia by Rihanna. But seriously, how does rap get you pumped up? Maybe its the fast movement of the song or just Michael Phelp’s taste in music.
I have no idea what he is listening too, but my family and I always talk about it when he comes out with his headphones on. I always listen to Jordin Sparks for motivation.
poor guy, that sucks you’d think he would have good taste in music.
maybe he listens to wham! city or dan deacon since he’s from baltimore.
he is very talented he is a good swimmer . but to me i think he’s only thinking about getting the medals & nto just having fun& thinking about trying to get medals too.
I heard on the news, he’s listening to lil wayne for the olympics
50 cent and eminem…i did a paper on him….it gets him pumped uo
He listens to rap music.
The Cheeta Girls. lol
rap/hiphop are the sht!!!! GO T.I, LIL WAYNE,YOUNG JEEZY, KANYE WEST!!
In nearly every camera shot of Michael Phelps on dry land, he can be seen with iPod headphones dangling from his ears. The earbuds are a ubiquitous presence in the ready room and on the starting block; they’re just as much a part of Phelps’ ‘uniform’ as goggles and a swim cap. About two minutes prior to the start of a race, Phelps sheds the iPod along with his warm-ups. So, what is he listening to?
Podcasts of NPR’s This American Life and Dylan live at The Supper Club. No wait, that’s my iPod. Phelps listens to hip-hop music on his. He says it helps motivate him before a race.
While his pre-race tracklist varies, Phelps has said that “I’m Me” by Lil’ Wayne has been on his playlist in Beijing. The track, off Weezy’s mega-hit “Tha Carter III” features the line:
Yes I am the best/and no I ain’t positive I’m definite/I know the game like I’m reffing it
That’s about the only lyiric that’s printable on a family blog.
Other artists that populate Phelps’ iPod include: Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, Eminem and Outkast. (What, no ‘Pac?) Occasionally, he’ll throw some techno into the mix, but usually keeps things rap-centric. Phelps doesn’t speak much about the specific songs he’s listening to, but he did tell NBC in 2004 that Eminem’s “‘Til I Collapse” was on his most-played list at Athens. In 2005, he created a playlist for the website Rhapsody that included the songs “Roses” by Outkast, “Burn” by Usher, “Overnight Celebrity” by Twista and “Smile” by G-Unit.
Mystery: solved.
He said he listens to hip hop and rap but he listens to country before meets cuz it helps him focuse.
hey iven been wondering the same thing too! i used to listen to REMEMBER THE NAME by FORT MINER. its a great insperational song that has an upbeat tune. I also liked STRONGER by KANYE WEST. They would always get me pumped for my soccer games and track meets!!!!!!!
he’s listening to me talk about how i can beat him at swimming.
you too can listen here
http://www.yournobody.com/2008/08/14/chad-johnson-what-a-douche/
He listens to “Goodbye Horses” and those aren’t spinners on his Escalade those are gold medals.
He is listening to inspirational messages from Pancho Barnes.
he was listening to IM ME – LIL WAYNE. looove it!
I know what it is. In Australia we have a TV channel called Seven which is covering the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and the commentators said that Michael Phelps listens to rap and hip-hop, because he wants to get his heart rate up by listening to it, just before a race. And let me just say that this works.
how much you wanna bet he’s listening to Kanye West’s ‘stronger’ every athlete listens to that song for some kind of inspiration and encouragment.
He likes Hip hop and rap, but only when the kids of Kidz Bop sing it.
I try to eat that much every day and I can hardly swim. If I knew what he listens to maybe it would help me become an olempic swimmer.–Bea
he should listen to “put on” by young jeezy
Stronger- Kanye West
pumps me for anything but eminem is good too.
The announcer said he was listening to rap. No offense to him, I mean he’s great, but he’s getting a little annoying. The way he hardly smiles when he gets a medal now, then just listens to music and then WINS. It just bothers me.
Did anyone see the segment on how he is freakishly shaped? And perfectly shaped to be a swimmer…
why is this such an important question?? everyone asks this!
Probably some form of the dreadful 3rd Wave Emotional Hardcore, Rap Music, or the Disney-esque audio waste that American society tries to shove down peoples throats.
Olympic athletes generally do not have very defined taste in music and are usually cultureless people outside of their profession.
Some say he’s a dolphin, and surely not human,- so he definitely listens to hard core rap… like all dolphins do…da, da, da, da…da.
sORRY ON THIS ONE ,aS i WENT DEAF 7YRS AGO
Wow! I would have never thought he likes crap– ugh, i mean rap.
he listens to rap.
my step sister found it on some website…
but it is rappp.
hes da best!
August Burns Red is a band that really get’s me pumped.
“I’m Me” by Lil’ Wayne,
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/The-mystery-of-Michael-Phelps-iPod-playlist?urn=oly,101129
idk.. slipknot is a good band to get you pumped up.. and i know lots of fans who don’t look like they listen to slipknot but they do… so maybe thats it..
HE iS SO HOOOOOOTTTTTT AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH but i hate rap but i LOOOOOOOOOOOVE HIM THEY BETTER NOT RE CALL THAT WIN TONIGHT BECAUSE HE WON THAT OK!?!?!?!
I think he’s listening to slow music to calm himself to prepare himself.
he likes rap such as lil wayne and that just like me!
Who says lil wayne is a rapper? lmao
Beat it – MJ
I heard he listening to Lil Wayne I’m Me
Stupid question.
Its already revealed….All rap
Eye of the Tiger
I can’t possibly imagine why this should be important?
he listens to Eminem. he said it himself when a reporter asked him.
everyone who is saying “who cares” and “you people are stalkers” are obviously not swimmers. music, for a lot of swimmers, is the best thing to get you pumped up before a race. people like me, who swim (however at a not-so-olympic level) are interested to see what such a great swimmer like himself listens to to get pumped up in order to get ideas for ourselves.
be a little open-minded and realize that not everyone sees him as just a celebrity like you do, but more an incredible athlete.
He’s not lisening to anything pacific, just something off of his playlist. What he does is keeps them in till he’s next up, then he takes one ear bud out, then when he hears him name, he takes off the jacet, and MP3 player, and get’s ready to go.
My source is Michal himself from an interview with a NBC reporter.
im me, weezy baby
music is the best motivation. i listen to feel good music when i cant be bothered doing my maths work.
Howdy Guru, I am glad I pressed harder enough until I found heart to heart talk on rhapsody, because this post on What’s Michael Phelps listening to? was extremely helpful. Just last Wednesday I was pondering on this quite a bit.
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I didn’t agree with you first, but last paragraph makes sense for me…