Conan Gray gives ADÉLA's 'Ain't In LA' a string-backed turn

The Like A Version session pairs his cover with a live performance of his own song, 'Moths'.

Channel:

triple j Story of October 16, 2026Trari Newsroom

No. 36 on the song chart

Why this story? The video opened at a pace of 181,172 views a day, 44 times a normal first day on this channel (4,111).

Conan Gray covers ADÉLA's 'Ain't In LA' for Like A Version

Conan Gray starts softly, with strings alongside his voice, before the full band opens up the chorus. His version of ADÉLA's 'Ain't In LA' makes room for both that gentle opening and a much more percussive groove, with Gray moving to the beat as the rhythm shifts.

The triple j performance drew about 73,000 views in seven hours, far beyond the channel's usual opening pace for uploads of this length. The comment section was unusually busy, too: hundreds of responses arrived where a typical first day brings only a handful.

For listeners who know Gray through the intimate storytelling of 'Heather', this session offers a different setting: drums, bass, two guitars and keys, plus Emily Elkin on cello and Grace Rogers on violin. The arrangement repeatedly pulls back to leave space for his voice, then builds into the chorus again. A sustained high note closes the performance.

Among the comments are requests to put the cover on Spotify and observations about the whole band playing together. Some listeners also point to specific moments in the shifting arrangement rather than just the song choice.

Gray's visit comes with another performance, "Conan Gray - 'Moths' (live for Like A Version)", which is also drawing a faster-than-usual start for triple j's regular videos. On that song, he takes up guitar as well as lead vocals, putting his own writing beside his choice of cover.

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What viewers say

i love how the whole band is there and you can tell everyone’s just having fun
@idletownSee it on YouTube
unskippable title, need this on spotify RIGHT NOW
@addictedshipperSee it on YouTube
i had a feeling Conan was gonna love this song, now i have both the og baddie version and a new nostalgic version to blast, THANK YOU CONAN
@villdiloSee it on YouTube

5 more comments

OH he absolutely ate that up
@YouTubeSee it on YouTube
THIS IS THE BEST COVER WE COULDVE GOTTEN😭😭😭😭
@LizConans1aySee it on YouTube
His voice is so perfect omg
@chcherryhair1See it on YouTube
OMG MY TWO FAVORITE ARTISTS???
@OKLALIA_4everSee it on YouTube
BRO MY FAVORITE SINGER AND MY FAVORITE SONG?! I have Found Heaven 🥹✌️
@BrynleeHalseySee it on YouTube