The likely performance behind this headline is Scarlett Johansson singing the Pretenders’ “Brass in Pocket” in the karaoke scene in Lost in Translation (2003). It is a memorable moment from a film, not a one-time live concert—and the available reporting does not establish that fans are still stunned by it today. Johansson’s musical career also includes a 2008 album and a separate live appearance at Coachella.
The likely match: “Brass in Pocket” in Lost in Translation
Johansson’s karaoke rendition of the Pretenders song is the most plausible match for the headline. In a 2008 profile, the Las Vegas Sun called it her most famous vocal performance up to that point; The A.V. Club also discussed the scene as a recorded example of her singing. Those accounts show that the moment was already widely recognized in contemporary coverage, but they do not measure present-day fan opinion or establish a continuing reaction.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Lost in Translation [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51oc6iQ1SXS._SL160_.jpg)
|
Lost in Translation [Blu-ray] | $46.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Lost in Translation | $3.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Lost in Translation | $28.36 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Sofia Coppola, l'intégrale - Coffret 5 films : The Bling Ring + Somewhere + Marie-Antoinette + Lost in Translation + The Virgin Suicides [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PDivZf0DS._SL160_.jpg)
|
Sofia Coppola, l'intégrale - Coffret 5 films : The Bling Ring + Somewhere + Marie-Antoinette + Lost... | $158.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The setting matters: this is a performance within a scripted film scene. It should not be described as a singular live concert, and the headline’s phrase “one-time performance” cannot be confirmed as a precise identification without the clip it refers to.
Three distinct parts of Johansson’s musical history
| Appearance or release | Format and song or material | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Lost in Translation karaoke scene | Filmed performance of the Pretenders’ “Brass in Pocket” | Feature film released in 2003; covered in 2008 by the Las Vegas Sun and The A.V. Club |
| Coachella | Live backing vocals with the Jesus and Mary Chain | April 27, 2007, according to NME; separate from the film scene |
| Anywhere I Lay My Head | Studio album described as ten Tom Waits covers and one original song | Released in May 2008; its contents are summarized in a 2024 UNILAD retrospective |
Johansson’s voice beyond the film scene
Johansson’s recorded music career makes the karaoke moment part of a broader musical history. Her 2008 debut album, Anywhere I Lay My Head, was built largely around Tom Waits songs, with one original track, according to UNILAD’s 2024 retrospective. That article reported renewed social-media surprise at discovering the album; it does not show that the film performance itself is still stunning fans.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
In an interview about the album, Johansson described her childhood voice to Pitchfork: “I was this blonde-haired, pigtailed girl with a baritone singing voice.” The quote is about her childhood, not a description of the “Brass in Pocket” scene.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the headline needs a qualification
The sources support identifying the Lost in Translation karaoke scene as a likely subject and documenting its recognition in 2008. They do not identify the intended clip with certainty or substantiate a current, measurable wave of fan reaction. The Coachella appearance and the studio album are real but distinct events, and neither should be substituted for the film scene without further context.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Rank #2
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
