Skyscraper (song)

{{For|the David Lee Roth song|Skyscraper (album){{!}}Skyscraper (album)}}

{{Infobox song

| name = Skyscraper

| cover = Demi Lovato - Skyscraper.png

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = Demi Lovato

| album = Unbroken

| B-side = "Rascacielo" (Spanish version of "Skyscraper")

| released = {{Start date|2011|7|12}}

| recorded = 2010

| studio = Strawberrybee Studios (Los Angeles)

| venue =

| genre = Pop

| length = {{duration|m=3|s=42}}

| label = Hollywood

| writer =

| producer = Toby Gad

| prev_title = Wouldn't Change a Thing

| prev_year = 2010

| next_title = Give Your Heart a Break

| next_year = 2012

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|r_8ydghbGSg|"Skyscraper"}}}}

}}

"Skyscraper" is a song recorded by American singer Demi Lovato for her third studio album, Unbroken (2011). The song was released by Hollywood Records on July 12, 2011, as the album's lead single. Toby Gad, Lindy Robbins, and Kerli wrote it, while the former handled its production. American singer Jordin Sparks provided background vocals for the track. It was inspired by a picture of the apocalypse, in which the world was in ruins and, among collapsed buildings, one skyscraper was standing.

When "Skyscraper" was recorded, Lovato was emotional which triggered outbursts and caused her to start crying. On November 1, 2010, she entered a treatment facility to deal with her personal struggles, and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After completing treatment on January 28, 2011, Lovato re-recorded the song, but kept the original as she felt it was symbolic. Musically, it is a pop ballad with lyrics about staying strong and believing in oneself. A Spanish version of the song, alternatively titled "Rascacielo", was released on August 16, 2011. In 2023, Lovato re-recorded "Skyscraper" and included it on her first remix album, Revamped.

Mark Pellington directed the music video for "Skyscraper", which premiered on July 13, 2011; it features Lovato wearing a white dress on a desert road. The song was included on the set lists of her concert tours starting with A Special Night with Demi Lovato (2011–2013). Commercially, it debuted and peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. "Skyscraper" sold 176,000 digital downloads in the first week of release in the United States, setting a sales record for Lovato. Internationally, the song reached the top 10 in the United Kingdom and New Zealand as well as the top 20 in Canada, Denmark, and Ireland. It has sold over 1.6 million digital downloads in The United States and has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Background

"Skyscraper" was written by Toby Gad, Lindy Robbins and Estonian singer Kerli Kõiv and produced by Gad.{{cite web|url=http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyID=11126877&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID|title=Skyscraper (Legal Title)|publisher=BMI|access-date=August 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525161013/http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyID=11126877&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID|archive-date=May 25, 2012}} Kõiv said they wrote the song while drawing inspiration from a picture of the apocalypse. In an interview with Seventeen, Kõiv elaborated on the picture, stating, "The world was in ruins and in the middle of all the collapsed buildings was one skyscraper still standing tall. It was slightly raining and the first rays of sun were starting to shine through thick clouds of smoke. I was actually feeling amazing when I wrote it. It came from a really empowered place."{{cite news|url=http://www.seventeen.com/cosmogirl/kerli-skyscraper-interview|title=Kerli Dishes on Writing Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' |work=Seventeen|date=August 2, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2011|publisher=Hearst Corporation}} Kõiv revealed that the song is also personal to her, stating, "I come from a very small place in Eastern Europe so my whole life has kind of been one big fight to live my dream against all odds. But I think it's hard to be a human in general — we all have our own struggles and things to overcome." When asked what she wants girls to feel when they hear the song, Kerli said, "I think the lyrics say it already. You can hit the lowest low and face the darkest dark, but you can always get back up and get in the light." Kõiv recorded a demo version of the song before Gad offered the song to Lovato. Lovato wanted to record the song because the singer felt a "huge emotional attachment to it" and believed both Lovato and her fans could relate to it.{{cite news|url=http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/07/21/demi-lovato-skyscraper-rehab|title=Demi Lovato Doesn't Consider Herself Recovered, Says the Rest of Her New Album Won't Be Like 'Skyscraper'|date=July 21, 2011|last=Gayles|first=Contessa|work=AOL Music|publisher=AOL Inc|access-date=August 7, 2011|archive-date=May 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507220018/http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/07/21/demi-lovato-skyscraper-rehab|url-status=dead}} Lovato explained the rest of Unbroken is "a lot lighter and more fun" and they chose to release "Skyscraper" as the first single from the album because they wanted to show "something very inspirational" that represents the difficult journey Lovato had been on.

American singer Jordin Sparks provided backing vocals on the song. Lovato said that she kept Sparks' vocals because "it adds a lot to the song". Lovato stated, "I think she may have recorded it once maybe and I don't really know what the situation was, but I know she did the background vocals and they were lovely".

Recording

{{Quote box

| width = 20%

| align = left|"[Lovato] [has] the range, the full emotional spectrum, incredible control… Vocally, she is the best thing Disney's had since Christina Aguilera."

| source = — Producer Toby Gad on Demi Lovato's vocals

}}

Initially, Lovato recorded "Skyscraper" in Studio City, Los Angeles in 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.elle.com/Pop-Culture/Celebrity-Spotlight/Demi-Lovato-Interview|title=Into the Fire|date=August 3, 2011|work=Elle|publisher=Hearst Corporation |last=Aminosharei|first=Nojan|access-date=August 10, 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913190546/http://www.elle.com/Pop-Culture/Celebrity-Spotlight/Demi-Lovato-Interview |archive-date=September 13, 2011}} During recording sessions, Lovato was "doubled over, just in pain." Lovato had never recorded a song that made her that emotional, and according to E! News, while recording, her voice was damaged from purging. At the time, Lovato had not told anyone about her struggles—the singer describes the song as a "cry for help" for her in that moment. On November 1, 2010, Lovato entered a treatment facility to treat her physical and emotional problems.{{cite news |url=http://uk.eonline.com/news/demi_lovato_enters_treatment_center/208889|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716020521/http://uk.eonline.com/news/demi_lovato_enters_treatment_center/208889|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 16, 2012 |title=Demi Lovato Enters Treatment Center for "Issues"|date=November 1, 2010|work=E! Online. E! Entertainment Television |publisher=NBCUniversal |access-date=August 7, 2011|last=Finn|first=Natalie}}

After completing treatment on January 28, 2011, Lovato re-recorded the song, but decided to keep the original recording because the singer felt that her voice had changed, although noting that her voice was "weaker" when Lovato originally recorded.{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20461843,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129031044/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20461843,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2011|title=Demi Lovato Finishes Treatment|first=Sharon|last=Cotliar|work=People|publisher=Time, Inc|date=January 28, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2011}} Lovato said, "There was something in that first try, that first run through of the song that was kind of magical. It was so much emotion in it, and to this day, it’s still really special to me." Lovato called the original take "symbolic" and said that "it was providing a message". Kõiv praised Lovato's version of the song, stating it "really conveys the emotion". Kerli continued: "I always say that songs are messages and artists are messengers, and at this point in time there is no better messenger for this song than Demi. Her courage to go out and tell the whole world about everything she's been through the past year is beyond inspiring."

Release

Lovato revealed the cover artwork and release date of "Skyscraper" on her Twitter account on July 5, 2011. Following the announcement, "Skyscraper" became a trending topic on the site. On July 12, 2011, in an interview of On Air with Ryan Seacrest, Lovato was called in to talk about the track. The same day, the song was made available for digital download on the iTunes Store in the United States, although originally planned to be released on July 14, 2011.{{cite news|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/07/05/demi-lovato-cover-art-fskyscraper/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709232603/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/07/05/demi-lovato-cover-art-fskyscraper/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2011|title=PHOTO: Demi Lovato Reveals 'Skyscraper' Cover Art!|date=July 11, 2011|work=MTV Buzzworthy. MTV Networks|publisher=Viacom|last=Rubenstein|first=Jenna Hally|access-date=August 7, 2011}}

The song reached the top ten on the iTunes chart within an hour, and it summited the chart later in the afternoon.{{cite news |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/demi-lovato-debuts-skyscraper-jumps-210145|title=Demi Lovato Debuts 'Skyscraper,' Jumps to No. 1 on iTunes (Update)|first=Sophie|last=Schillaci|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=July 12, 2011|access-date=August 12, 2011}} The song was serviced for mainstream radio airplay on July 26, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|title=Top 40/M Future Releases|publisher=Allaccess|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723181825/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|archive-date=July 23, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2011|url-status=live}} Soon after, Lovato recorded a Spanish version of the track, named "Rascacielo".{{cite news|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/07/22/demi-lovato-skyscraper-spanish-rascacielo/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928112819/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/07/22/demi-lovato-skyscraper-spanish-rascacielo/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 28, 2012 |title=Demi Lovato Releases 'Rascacielo,' The Spanish Version Of 'Skyscraper'|date=July 22, 2011|last=James|first=Nicole|work=MTV Buzzworthy. MTV Networks|publisher=Viacom|access-date=August 12, 2011}} It was released on the Mexican iTunes store on August 16, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/mx/album/rascacielo-skyscraper-single/456418998|title=Rascacielo (Skyscraper) – Single de Demi Lovato|work=iTunes Store (Mexico)|date=January 2011 |publisher=Apple, Inc|access-date=August 17, 2011}}

After the song was released, many celebrities voiced their support of "Skyscraper" on Twitter. In response, Lovato stated "There has been so much positive feedback, it's been so incredible. I hear that people like Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson respect my music and are even tweeting about it on their own time. I mean, it's just been so amazing and I've been so thankful and grateful. It's just so exciting for me, because these are people I look up to myself and then hearing that they're tweeting about me; it's like a dream come true." According to The Hollywood Reporter, other celebrities such as The Veronicas, Selena Gomez, Lucy Hale, Kim Kardashian, Jordin Sparks, Ashley Tisdale and Pete Wentz, among others also contributed to the praise.{{cite news |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/demi-lovatos-skyscraper-earns-celebrity-210868|title=Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' Receives High Marks From Hollywood|date=July 13, 2011|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|first=Sophie|last=Schillaci|access-date=August 7, 2011}}

Jordin Sparks, who provided backing vocals on the track, posted a video of herself singing the song on her website. Lovato called Sparks' take "beautiful".{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a330748/demi-lovato-thanks-jordin-sparks-for-skyscraper-cover-it-was-beautiful.html|title=Demi Lovato thanks Jordin Sparks for 'Skyscraper' cover: 'It was beautiful' |last=Martin|first=Lara|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hachette Filipacchi UK|access-date=August 16, 2011|date=July 20, 2011}}

Composition

{{listen

| filename = Skyscraper Demi Lovato sample.ogg

| pos = right

| title = Demi Lovato – "Skyscraper"

| description = "Skyscraper" is a pop ballad with lyrics focusing on "staying strong and believing in yourself". In the chorus, Lovato's quivering vocals are accompanied by breathy backing vocals and heavy percussion.

| format = Ogg

}}

"Skyscraper" is a pop ballad in which Lovato showcases breathy, quivering and powerful vocals.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469279/demi-lovato-releases-somber-skyscraper-single-listen|title=Demi Lovato Releases Somber 'Skyscraper' Single: Listen|first=Jason|last=Lipshutz|date=July 12, 2011|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=July 12, 2011}} In the first verse, Lovato is only accompanied by a lonely, pulsing piano as Lovato sings, "Skies are crying, I am watching catching teardrops in my hands/ Only silence, as it's ending, like we never had a chance". As the song progresses, the piano is accompanied by heavy percussion and breathy backing vocals. In the chorus, Lovato sings, "You can take everything I have/ You can break everything I am/ Like I'm made of glass, like I'm made of paper/ Go on and try and tear me down/ I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper". In the second verse, Lovato "begins to find more strength".

The song has a simple musical structure. According to the sheet music published on Musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, the song is set in common time with a metronome of 104 beats per minute. It is composed in the key of G major with Lovato's vocal range spanning from the low note of G₃ to the high note of G₅.{{cite web|title=Demi Lovato – Skyscraper Sheet Music |publisher=Musicnotes.com. EMI Music Publishing}}

Lyrically, the song represents staying strong and believing in yourself.{{cite news|url=http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/07/11/demi-lovato-skyscraper-video/|title=Demi Lovato Teases 'Skyscraper' Video Clip|date=July 11, 2011|last=Cheung|first=Nadine|work=AOL Music|publisher=AOL, Inc|access-date=July 12, 2011|archive-date=July 7, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707195904/http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/07/11/demi-lovato-skyscraper-video/|url-status=dead}} According to Lovato, the song's lyrics symbolize her personal journey from where she used to be to "the happy healthy person she is today."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666972/demi-lovato-skyscraper.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710193047/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666972/demi-lovato-skyscraper.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2011|title=Demi Lovato To Drop 'Skyscraper' Next Tuesday|date=July 8, 2011|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|work=MTV News|publisher=MTV Networks|access-date=July 12, 2011}} The song deals with the difficulties Lovato had been through the past year and overcoming the obstacles she faced. With the song, Lovato hopes that "people are able to relate to it and realize that they are able to rise above and overcome any obstacle, no matter the circumstances and shine like a skyscraper".{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667103/demi-lovato-skyscraper-single.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713111143/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667103/demi-lovato-skyscraper-single.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2011|title=Demi Lovato Finds Strength On 'Skyscraper'|date=July 12, 2011|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|work=MTV News. MTV Networks|publisher=Viacom|access-date=July 12, 2011}}

Critical reception

Upon release, "Skyscraper" received positive reviews from music critics. While reviewing Unbroken, many critics described "Skyscraper" as the most emotional and vulnerable track on the record, including Rolling Stone{{'s}} Monica Herrera,{{cite magazine |last1=Herrera |first1=Monica |title=Unbroken {{!}} Album Reviews |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/unbroken-251564/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=September 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711235120/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/unbroken-251564/ |archive-date=July 11, 2018 |url-status=live}} Sputnikmusic{{'s}} Raul Stanciu,{{cite web |last1=Stanciu |first1=Raul |title=Review: Demi Lovato – Unbroken |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/45720/Demi-Lovato-Unbroken/ |website=Sputnikmusic |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=September 23, 2011}} and AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine.{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=Unbroken – Demi Lovato {{!}} Album |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/unbroken-mw0002210713 |website=AllMusic |access-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709145315/http://www.allmusic.com/album/unbroken-mw0002210713 |archive-date=July 9, 2013 |url-status=live}} Herrera described the ballad as "tear-jerker", while Stanciu complimented its sincerity, and wrote that it "easily strikes a chord with any listener". Jason Lipshutz of Billboard praised Lovato's powerful vocal range on the track, and described it as "somber".{{cite magazine |last1=Lipshutz |first1=Jason |title=Demi Lovato Releases Somber 'Skyscraper' Single: Listen |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/demi-lovato-releases-somber-skyscraper-single-listen-469279/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=July 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816202812/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/demi-lovato-releases-somber-skyscraper-single-listen-469279/ |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |url-status=live}} Grady Smith for Entertainment Weekly also lauded her vocals and called the song "inspiring".{{cite magazine |last1=Smith |first1=Grady |title=Demi Lovato releases 'Skyscraper,' addresses eating disorder |url=https://ew.com/article/2011/07/13/demi-lovato-skyscraper/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=July 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829091017/https://ew.com/article/2011/07/13/demi-lovato-skyscraper/ |archive-date=August 29, 2018 |url-status=live}} PopCrush reviewer Jessica Sager received the song positively and said that it was Lovato's breakout hit, "with good reason".{{cite web |last1=Sager |first1=Jessica |title=Top 10 Demi Lovato songs |url=https://popcrush.com/demi-lovato-songs/ |website=PopCrush |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=September 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021024729/https://popcrush.com/demi-lovato-songs/ |archive-date=October 21, 2013 |url-status=live}}

At the 2011 edition of the Teen Choice Awards, the single won the award for the category Choice Summer Song.{{cite web |title=Teen Choice Awards 2011: List of winners |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/teen-choice-awards-2011-list-of-winners/ |website=CBS News |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=August 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704125202/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teen-choice-awards-2011-list-of-winners/ |archive-date=July 4, 2015 |url-status=live}} In the following year, the music video for "Skyscraper" won the category Best Video with a Message at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite web |last1=Dionne |first1=Zack |title=The 2012 MTV VMA Winners: Your Complete List |url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/09/vma-winners-list.html |website=Vulture |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=September 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014105853/https://www.vulture.com/2012/09/vma-winners-list.html |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live}} For MTV, James Montgomery named "Skyscraper" as one of the 25 best songs of 2011, and praised its final "chill-inducing" chorus.{{cite web |last1=Montgomery |first1=James |title=Beyonce, Britney Spears And More: 25 Best Songs Of 2011 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/badrmj/25-best-songs-2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513233119/https://www.mtv.com/news/badrmj/25-best-songs-2011 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |website=MTV |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=December 13, 2011}} In rankings of Lovato's entire music catalog, the song was placed among her ten best songs by Billboard and American Songwriter, which ranked it at number five and number nine, respectively.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/demi-lovato-best-songs-8238640/ |title=Demi Lovato's 10 Best Songs: Critic's Picks |first=Kristen |last=Hé |magazine=Billboard |date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229153200/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/demi-lovato-best-songs-8238640/ |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://americansongwriter.com/top-10-demi-lovato-songs/ |title=Top 10 Demi Lovato Songs |first=Alli |last=Patton |website=American Songwriter |date=March 22, 2023 |accessdate=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324144945/https://americansongwriter.com/top-10-demi-lovato-songs/ |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |url-status=live}} At the end of 2019, the staff of the former named "Skyscraper" as one of the 100 songs that defined the 2010s decade, and Lipshutz affirmed that it transformed Lovato into "a respected adult pop voice and prolific hitmaker".{{cite magazine |title=Billboard's 100 Songs That Defined the Decade |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboards-100-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8544503/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402125111/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboards-100-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8544503/ |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Lipshutz |first1=Jason |title=Songs That Defined the Decade: Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/demi-lovato-skyscraper-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8543886/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 13, 2024 |date=November 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128012145/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/demi-lovato-skyscraper-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8543886/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |url-status=live}} In 2024, Los 40 included "Skyscraper" on its list of songs that defined the singer's career.{{cite web |title=¡Feliz cumpleaños Demi Lovato! Las 5 canciones más icónicas de la artista |url=https://los40.cl/2024/08/20/feliz-cumpleanos-demi-lovato-las-5-canciones-mas-iconicas-de-la-artista/ |website=Los 40 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |date=August 20, 2024 |language=es}}

Chart performance

In the United States, "Skyscraper" debuted at its peak of number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold 176,000 paid digital downloads during the first week of release, becoming Lovato's highest first-week sales, as well as the singer's highest-peaking single in the country since "This Is Me" which reached number nine in August 2008.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469163/lmfao-still-atop-hot-100-demi-lovato-debuts-in-top-10|title=LMFAO Still Atop Hot 100, Demi Lovato Debuts In Top 10|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=July 20, 2011}} It remained as Lovato's highest first-week sales of her career up until the release of Heart Attack" by Lovato in 2013.

In Canada, "Skyscraper" debuted at number 18 on the Canadian Hot 100.{{cite magazine|title=Canadian Hot 100 – Week of August 6, 2011 |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2011-08-06/canadian-hot-100?order=drop|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=August 1, 2011}} As of August 1, 2011, the song entered the New Zealand Singles Chart at number nine—making it her highest debut and peaking single there at the time. On August 7, 2011, "Skyscraper" debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at number ninety-two, and it reached its peak of forty-five the following week.{{cite web|url=http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm|title=Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 1st August 2011|publisher=ARIA Charts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718205422/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm |archive-date=July 18, 2011|access-date=August 2, 2011|url-status=dead}}

"Skyscraper" entered the UK Singles Chart at number thirty-two on March 4, 2012. It sold 11,460 copies, marking Lovato's highest charting song in the UK at the time and the singer's third top forty entry there.[http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1048723&c=1 Official Chart Analysis: Sande thrives in Scotland, Ed Sheeran album tops 1m sales in UK] MusicWeek.com On September 29, 2013, over a year after the original release date, the song re-entered at a new peak of number thirteen. It has since reached number seven on October 7, 2013, earning Lovato her second UK top ten single.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/jason-derulo-scores-second-week-at-number-1-with-talk-dirty-2517/ |title=Jason Derulo scores second week at Number 1 with Talk Dirty |publisher=Officialcharts.com |date=September 29, 2013 |access-date=2013-11-29}}

Music video

=Background=

{{Rquote|left|There were so many things that represented my addictions and eating disorders and self-harm. When I'm unraveling this black fabric...It was the toxicity took over my mind for so long, that oozed out of every pore that I had because I was suffering inside...I'm taking it off and walking on broken glass and powering through it.|Demi Lovato to E! News on the video's content and inspiration.}}

The music video was directed by Mark Pellington. Lovato's management sent the singer different video treatments for the song, including one from Pellington.{{cite news|url=http://blog.vh1.com/2011-07-21/demi-lovato-its-unfortunate-that-pop-songs-have-become-so-much-about-partying-and-clubs/|title=Demi Lovato: "It's Unfortunate That Pop Songs Have Become So Much About Partying And Clubs"|work=VH1. MTV Networks|publisher=Viacom|date=July 21, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725161155/http://blog.vh1.com/2011-07-21/demi-lovato-its-unfortunate-that-pop-songs-have-become-so-much-about-partying-and-clubs/ |archive-date=July 25, 2011}} Lovato based her decision on choosing his idea due to him being "really respected as a director". Lovato said, "he had a great way of really interpreting the song into a video and I was just really thankful that he did such a great job. But he is such an incredible artist and he really knew how to interpret that into a incredible video." The video was shot in the middle of the Bonneville Salt Flats desert. Lovato wanted to keep the video shoot "really intimate, because it needed to be for the song". The shoot, which took twelve hours, was "both physically and mentally tough" for Lovato; the singer would "break down and cry" between takes because of the song being so personal to her.{{cite news|url=http://ryanseacrest.com/2011/07/13/demi-lovato-reveals-new-cross-tattoo-photo/|title=Demi Lovato Reveals New Cross Tattoo|last=Murray|first=Michael|date=July 13, 2011|work=RyanSeacrest.com|publisher=Ryan Seacrest Productions|access-date=August 7, 2011}} On set, Lovato and Pellington were accompanied by the hair and make-up artists and Lovato's management. Due to the lack of people involved, Lovato felt that it was "pretty easy to get to that emotional place" that was needed for the song. Lovato also wanted to give the video an "emotionally raw feel", stating, "That video was an emotional release for me, like therapy... I kept crying, I was so emotionally invested...That's when I realized, that's what music videos are all about."{{cite news|url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b251954_demi_lovato_gets_brutally_honest_talks.html|title=Demi Lovato Gets Brutally Honest, Talks Rehab, Cutting and Rebuilding With "Skyscraper"|date=July 13, 2011|work=E! News. E! Entertainment Television|publisher=NBCUniversal |last=Finn|first=Natalie|access-date=August 7, 2011}} The video represents Lovato's personal struggles in the past years, including her former eating disorder and cutting and how she overcame them.{{cite news |url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2011/07/14/demi-lovatos-skyscrapper-music-video-debuts/|title=Demi Lovato's 'Skyscrapper' [sic] Music Video Debuts|first=Alexandra J.|last=Gratereaux|date=July 16, 2011 |publisher=Fox News|access-date=August 7, 2011}}

=Synopsis=

File:DemiLovatoSkyscraperVideo.jpg

The video begins with Lovato walking towards the camera on a desert road in Bonneville Salt Flats while wearing a long white dress. A close-up shot of Lovato's face serves as the main portion of the video, throughout the first verse. In the first chorus, a glass heart enclosed in a glass box is shown, surrounded by fog, and Lovato continues to walk down the road. In the second verse, Lovato is surrounded by a black fabric that represents the "toxicity" that took over her mind in the past. Then, Lovato is seen walking over broken glass, which represents her "taking [the toxicity] off" and "powering through it".

In the second chorus, Lovato begins to find more strength—represented by the one shot showing her standing inside a photograph frame. In the bridge, the glass box, with the heart inside, is hit, and the surface breaks. That is followed by more scenes Lovato walking over the broken glass, and as the song fades, the last scene is closes in on Lovato's face.

=Release and reception=

The music video premiered on July 13, 2011, on E!, and it was released by Vevo, the following day.{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667034/demi-lovato-skyscraper.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712232919/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667034/demi-lovato-skyscraper.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2011|title=Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' Video Drops Wednesday|date=July 11, 2011 |last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|work=MTV News. MTV Networks|publisher=Viacom|access-date=July 12, 2011}} Soon after the premiere, Lovato spoke with Ryan Seacrest in an exclusive interview. The video was met with a positive reception. James Montgomery of MTV News was very positive on the video—especially the scene when Lovato looks into the camera and almost breaks into tears. Montgomery said, "I'm not sure if [Lovato is] acting or not, but I doubt it, and really, it's not like it matters. Not when a singer connects to a song on such a visceral level, especially one who's already been through the wringer."{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667271/demi-lovato-skyscraper-video.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717094408/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667271/demi-lovato-skyscraper-video.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 17, 2011|title=Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' Video Premieres|date=July 14, 2011|last=Montgomery|first=James|work=MTV News. MTV Networks |publisher=Viacom |access-date=August 7, 2011}} He concluded, "there's some dramatically billowing fabrics and some shattered glass, but really, the song is the star. And that simplicity is perfect here, because the song provides all the pyrotechnics necessary."

Grady Smith of Entertainment Weekly praised the video for being simple, saying "There are no electric guitars or goofy story lines here—just simple, raw passion."{{cite magazine|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/07/14/demi-lovato-skyscraper-video/|title=Demi Lovato refuses to be torn down in new 'Skyscraper' video|last=Smith|first=Grady|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time, Inc|date=July 14, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2011}} Melina Newman of HitFix said that "no one else appears in the Mark Pellington-directed clip as the focus is clearly on showing the pain [Lovato has] gone through and from which she is rising, not like the proverbial phoenix, but like a skyscraper." Newman praised Pellington for bringing "a sense of intimacy to the clip despite the often wide-open spaces".{{cite news|url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/the-beat-goes-on/posts/watch-demi-lovatos-deeply-personal-video-for-skyscraper|title=Watch: Demi Lovato's deeply personal video for 'Skyscraper' |last=Newman |first=Melina|work=HitFix|date=July 13, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2011}}

Live performances

File:Skyscraper Demi Lovato - crop.jpg

On August 18, 2011, Lovato first performed "Skyscraper" at the Do Something Awards on VH1, marking the singer's first live performance since she had left the Jonas Brothers: Live in Concert tour to enter the treatment facility.{{cite web |last1=Vega |first1=Jocelyn |title=Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' Will 'Wow' Do Something Awards |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668090/demi-lovato-skyscraper-do-something-awards.jhtml |website=MTV |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=July 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205000421/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668090/demi-lovato-skyscraper-do-something-awards.jhtml |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |url-status=dead}} She performed the song on the ALMA Award in Santa Monica, California, on September 11, 2011. The artist performed it mostly in English, while singing the Spanish version of the track on the second verse, with help of a teleprompter.{{cite web |last1=Schillaci |first1=Sophie |title=Demi Lovato on ALMA Performance: 'I Didn't Know What the Heck I was Saying' (Video) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/demi-lovato-alma-performance-i-239264/ |website=Hollywood Reporter |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=September 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016123730/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/demi-lovato-alma-performance-i-239264/ |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |url-status=live}} In 2018, it was ranked by Billboard{{'s}} Abby Jones as one of her best awards show live performances.{{cite magazine |last1=Jones |first1=Abby |title=Demi Lovato's Best Awards Show Performances |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/demi-lovato-award-show-performances-bbmas-christina-aguilera-fall-in-line-8456191/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=May 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518013143/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/demi-lovato-award-show-performances-bbmas-christina-aguilera-fall-in-line-8456191/ |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |url-status=live}} During September 2011, Lovato also sang "Skyscraper" on Good Morning America and the Ellen DeGeneres Show.{{cite web |title=Demi Lovato Performs 'Skyscraper' on 'GMA' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/demi-lovato-performs-skyscraper-gma-14554288 |website=ABC News |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=September 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104133506/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/demi-lovato-performs-skyscraper-gma-14554288 |archive-date=November 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Demi Lovato Performs Skyscraper! |url=http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2011/09/demi_lovato_performs_skyscraper_0920.php |website=Ellen |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=September 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323055206/http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2011/09/demi_lovato_performs_skyscraper_0920.php |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |url-status=dead}} It was included on the set list of her second headlining concert tour, A Special Night with Demi Lovato (2011–2013).{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/465085/demi-lovatos-tour-opener-has-its-ups-downs |title=Demi Lovato's Tour Opener Has Its Ups & Downs |last1=Graff |first1=Gary |date=November 17, 2011 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720080759/http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/465085/demi-lovatos-tour-opener-has-its-ups-downs |archive-date=July 20, 2015 |url-status=dead}}

Lovato performed "Skyscraper" in 2012, along with other songs present on her first three albums, at an "Intimate Performance" presented and published by Vevo.{{cite web |last1=Abuelhawa |first1=Laila |title=Demi Lovato's 14 Best Live Performances Ranked |url=https://kiss951.com/listicle/demi-lovato-15-best-live-performances-ranked/ |website=Kiss 95.1 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820113532/https://kiss951.com/listicle/demi-lovato-15-best-live-performances-ranked/ |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |url-status=live}} It was also added to the regular set list of her subsequent concert tours in the same decade: the Neon Lights Tour in 2013,{{cite magazine |last1=Lipshutz |first1=Jason |title=Demi Lovato Shimmers on Neon Lights Tour: Live Review |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/demi-lovato-shimmers-on-neon-lights-tour-live-review-5923019/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426131039/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/demi-lovato-shimmers-on-neon-lights-tour-live-review-5923019/ |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |url-status=live}} the Demi World Tour in 2013 and 2014,{{cite web |last1=Olivier |first1=Bobby |title=Demi Lovato at Prudential Center: What you missed from N.J.'s massive pop show, with video |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/2014/10/demi_lovato_at_prudential_center_what_you_missed_with_video_and_set_list.html |website=NJ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=October 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422213942/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/2014/10/demi_lovato_at_prudential_center_what_you_missed_with_video_and_set_list.html |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |url-status=live}} the Future Now Tour in 2016,{{cite web |last1=Dore |first1=Stephanie |title=The Future Now Tour: Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas |url=https://seattlemusicinsider.com/2016/08/26/the-future-now-tour-demi-lovato-nick-jonas/ |website=Seattle Music Insider |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615135525/https://seattlemusicinsider.com/2016/08/26/the-future-now-tour-demi-lovato-nick-jonas/ |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |url-status=live}} and the Tell Me You Love Me World Tour in 2018.{{cite web |title=Demi Lovato's Bringing Her Epic 'Tell Me You Love Me Tour' To The UK – Get Your Tickets Now! |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/events/demi-lovato-tell-me-you-love-me-tour-tickets-dates/ |website=Capital FM |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=May 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207121404/https://www.capitalfm.com/events/demi-lovato-tell-me-you-love-me-tour-tickets-dates/ |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |url-status=live}}

In 2020, the singer performed "Skyscraper" at the special iHeart Living Room Concert for America in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last1=Gemmill |first1=Allie |title=Demi Lovato, Billie Eilish Perform on iHeart Living Room Concert for America |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/demi-lovato-billie-eilish-perform-iheart-living-room-concert-for-america |website=Teen Vogue |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803184420/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/demi-lovato-billie-eilish-perform-iheart-living-room-concert-for-america |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |url-status=live}} Lovato included the single on the set list of her Holy Fvck Tour in 2022, in promotion of her eighth studio album, Holy Fvck (2022).{{cite web |last1=Stossel |first1=Jared |title=Demi Lovato Rages at "Holy Fvck" Tour Stop in Sacramento: Review, Photos and Setlist |url=https://consequence.net/2022/09/demi-lovato-concert-review-2022-tour-setlist/ |website=Consequence |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923171622/https://consequence.net/2022/09/demi-lovato-concert-review-2022-tour-setlist/ |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |url-status=live}} She also performed it at several festivals between 2022 and 2023, including the Town Festival in September 2023.{{cite web |title=Demi Lovato deleita a 'The Town' con su rock para cicatrizar heridas |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2023/09/03/demi-lovato-deleita-a-the-town-con-su-rock-para-cicatrizar-heridas/ |website=Infobae |access-date=May 18, 2024 |date=September 2, 2023 |language=es |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903033236/https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2023/09/03/demi-lovato-deleita-a-the-town-con-su-rock-para-cicatrizar-heridas/ |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |url-status=live}}

Track listing

"Skyscraper" – Digital download

"Skyscraper" – 3:43
"Skyscraper" (instrumental) – 3:39

"Rascacielo" – Digital download{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/mx/album/rascacielo-skyscraper-single/456418998|title=Rascacielo (Skyscraper) – Single de Demi Lovato|work=iTunes Store (Mexico)|date=January 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2011}}

"Rascacielo" – 3:42

Credits and personnel

Recording and management

Vocals Recorded at Strawberrybee Studios (Los Angeles)
Mastered at Capitol Mastering (Los Angeles)
GadSongs/EMI Music Publishing North America/AU; Gad Songs/BMG Europe/Asia (ASCAP); Hey Kiddo Music (ASCAP), administered by Kobalt Music Group, Ltd.; Tiny Cute Monster (BMI)
Jordin Sparks appears courtesy of 19 Recordings, Ltd./Jive Records, a unit of Sony Music Entertainment

Personnel

Demi Lovato – lead vocals, backing vocals
Toby Gad – songwriting, production, mixing, all instruments, programming
Lindy Robbins – songwriting
Kerli Koiv – songwriting
Jordin Sparks – additional backing vocals
Robert Vosgien – mastering

Credits adapted from Unbroken liner notes.Unbroken (CD liner notes). Hollywood Records. 2011.

Charts

=Weekly charts=

Chart (2011–13) !Peak position
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Australia\|45\|artist=Demi Lovato\|song=Skyscraper\|date=June 1, 2011\|access-date=August 12, 2011}}
scope="row"\| Belgium (Ultratip Flanders){{cite web\|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/d3bf6/Demi-Lovato-Skyscraper\|title=Demi Lovato – Skycraper\|website=Ultratop }} \| style="text-align:center;"\|44
scope="row"\| Brazil (Billboard Hot 100)"Brasil Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 80. September 25, 2012. \| style="text-align:center;"\|28
scope="row"\| Brazil (Billboard Hot Pop Songs)"Brasil Hot Pop & Popular Songs". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 97. September 2011. \| style="text-align:center;"\|2
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Billboardcanadianhot100\|18\|artist=Demi Lovato\|access-date=October 16, 2012}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Denmark\|20\|artist=Demi Lovato\|song=Skyscraper\|access-date=April 1, 2012}}
scope="row"\|Euro Digital Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine\|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/demi-lovato/chart-history/ids/\|title=Demi Lovato Chart History (Euro Digital Songs Sales)\|magazine=Billboard\|access-date=July 9, 2018}} \|align="center"\| 13
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Finnishdownload\|12\|artist=Demi Lovato\|song=Skyscraper\|access-date=March 10, 2014}}
scope="row"\|Germany (Media Control Charts){{cite web\|url=http://musicline.de/de/prosearch?doprosearch=yes&artist=Demi+Lovato&track=Skyscraper\|language=de\|publisher=Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH\|access-date=February 19, 2013\|title=Suchergebnisse\|archive-date=March 3, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214930/http://musicline.de/de/prosearch?doprosearch=yes&artist=Demi+Lovato&track=Skyscraper\|url-status=dead}} \| style="text-align:center;"\|78
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Ireland2\|15\|song=Skyscraper\|access-date=January 27, 2020}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|New Zealand\|9\|artist=Demi Lovato\|song=Skyscraper\|access-date=August 12, 2011}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Scotland\|6\|date=20131012}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Slovakia\|70\|artist=Demi Lovato\|song=Skyscraper\|year=2011\|week=34}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Switzerland\|67\|artist=Demi Lovato\|song=Skyscraper}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|UK\|7\|date=20131012}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Billboardhot100\|10\|artist=Demi Lovato\|access-date=October 16, 2012}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Billboardadultpopsongs\|27\|artist=Demi Lovato\|access-date=October 16, 2012}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Billboardpopsongs\|33\|artist=Demi Lovato\|access-date=October 16, 2012}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"

scope="col"|Chart (2011)

!scope="col"|Position

scope="row"| Brazil (Billboard Hot 100)"hot100brasil". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 97. December 2011.

| style="text-align:center;"|64

scope="col"|Chart (2012)

!scope="col"|Position

scope="row"| Brazil (Billboard Hot 100)"hot100brasil". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 97. December 2012.

| style="text-align:center;"|75

scope="col"|Chart (2013)

!scope="col"|Position

scope="row"| UK Singles (Official Charts Company){{cite web |url=http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=161619 |title=2013 Y/E Charts – Top 200 Singles/Albums |website=BuzzJack |access-date=2014-04-19}}

| style="text-align:center;"|159

Certifications

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2011|certyear=2023|access-date=December 9, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Demi Lovato|title=Skyscraper|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2011|certyear=2024|access-date=June 13, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|title=Skyscraper|artist=Demi Lovato|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2011|certyear=2023|id=12050|access-date=January 26, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Demi Lovato|title=Skyscraper|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2011|certyear=2014|source=radioscope|access-date=December 24, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|title=Skyscraper|artist=Demi Lovato|type=single|region=United Kingdom|award=Gold|relyear=2011|certyear=2019|id=5962-2589-1|access-date=August 30, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|title=Skyscraper|artist=Demi Lovato|type=single|region=United States|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2011|certyear=2024|access-date=December 23, 2024}}

Release history

scope="col"\| Country ! scope="col"\| Release date ! scope="col"\| Format(s)
class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
United States \| July 12, 2011 \| Digital download
United States \| July 26, 2011 \| Mainstream airplay
Australia{{cite web\|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/skyscraper-single/id450750398\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113120410/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/skyscraper-single/id450750398\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=November 13, 2012\|title=Skyscraper – Single by Demi Lovato\|work=iTunes Store (Australia)\|publisher=Apple, Inc\|access-date=August 7, 2011}} \|rowspan="2"\| November 2, 2011 \|rowspan="2"\| Digital download
New Zealand{{cite web\|url=https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/skyscraper-single/id450750398\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113120452/https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/skyscraper-single/id450750398\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=November 13, 2012\|title=Skyscraper – Single by Demi Lovato\|work=iTunes Store (New Zealand)\|publisher=Apple, Inc\|access-date=August 7, 2011}}
rowspan="2"\| United Kingdom \|February 26, 2012 \|Digital download
October 28, 2013 \|{{hlist\|Re-release\|contemporary hit radio}}

Sam Bailey version

{{Infobox song

| name = Skyscraper

| cover = Sam Bailey Skyscraper.jpg

| alt =

| border = yes

| type = single

| artist = Sam Bailey

| album = The Power of Love

| released = {{Start date|2013|12|16}}

| recorded = 2013

| genre = Pop

| length = 3:40

| label =

Syco
Sony

| writer =

| producer =

Graham Stack
Matt Furmidge

| next_title = Compass

| next_year = 2014

| misc =

}}

In December 2013, Sam Bailey, winner of the tenth series of The X Factor, released a cover version of "Skyscraper" as her winner's single.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a538429/sam-bailey-wins-the-x-factor-2013-nicholas-mcdonald-finishes-second.html|title=Sam Bailey wins The X Factor 2013, Nicholas McDonald finishes second|last=Rigby|first=Sam|date=December 15, 2013|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines UK|access-date=December 16, 2013}} The single was the 2013 Christmas number-one single on the UK Singles Chart. All proceeds from the single go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together for Short Lives.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a533216/x-factor-winners-single-charity-details-revealed.html|title='X Factor' winners single charity details revealed|last=Fletcher|first=Alex|date=November 24, 2013|work=Digital Spy|access-date=November 25, 2013}}

=Live performances=

On December 15, 2013, Bailey performed the song live on The X Factor final, competing against Nicholas McDonald. She also performed the song on January 25, 2014, during her live appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.

=Critical reception=

Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song a positive review by stating:

As we've been reminded numerous times over the past few months, The X Factor celebrated its tenth series this year, and for it the public decided Sam Bailey should release its tenth winner's single. The annual release has faced its ups and downs over the past decade, with any number of Facebook campaigns, novelty singles and festive anthems attempting to thwart its victory. But it generally feels this year that Sam, who was working as a prison officer at the start of the year, has even charmed over the more vociferous members of the public. "You can take everything I have/ You can break everything I am," Sam declares on 'Skyscraper', showcasing her impressive range that has astonishingly gone unnoticed for the past two decades. While diehard fans of Demi Lovato's original will argue that there's clear emotion attached to her version, there's no doubt Sam's 'working mum to popstar' transformation that we've been witness to over the past few months adds her own endearing perspective to the cover. And with a freshly-signed record deal being handed in at Sony HQ this morning, it's a journey we are more than intrigued to see play out over the next 12 months. {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/review/a538565/sam-bailey-skyscraper-x-factor-winners-single-review.html|title=Sam Bailey: 'Skyscraper' – X Factor winner's single review|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=16 December 2013|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines UK|access-date=16 December 2013}}

Lovato also praised Bailey's version of the song. Writing on Twitter, she said: ""Congratulations @SamBaileyREAL on winning X Factor UK!! Love your version of Skyscraper!"{{cite news|url=http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/136002/Demi-Lovato-Praises-The-X-Factor-Winner-Sam-Baileys-Skyscraper-Cover|title=Demi Lovato Praises The X Factor Winner Sam Bailey's 'Skyscraper' Cover|last=Kitchener|first=Shaun|date=December 16, 2013|publisher=EntertainmentWise|access-date=March 31, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221005921/http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/136002/Demi-Lovato-Praises-The-X-Factor-Winner-Sam-Baileys-Skyscraper-Cover|archive-date=December 21, 2013}}

=Chart performance=

On December 18, 2013, the song entered ahead of "Happy" by Pharrell Williams at number one on the Official Chart Update in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/has-prison-officer-sam-bailey-got-the-2013-christmas-number-1-all-locked-up-2683/|title=Has prison officer Sam Bailey got the 2013 Christmas Number 1 all locked up?|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=December 18, 2013|access-date=November 24, 2015}} On December 19, it entered the Irish Singles Chart at number one, and it remained there for a second week, becoming the New Year's number one as well.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a539847/x-factor-winner-sam-bailey-gets-irish-christmas-no1-with-skyscraper.html|title=X Factor winner Sam Bailey gets Irish Christmas No.1 with 'Skyscraper'|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=December 20, 2013|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines UK|access-date=December 27, 2013}} In its third week, however, the song fell to number five.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a541338/pharrell-williams-claims-first-irish-no1-of-2014-with-happy.html|title=Pharrell Williams claims first Irish No.1 of 2014 with 'Happy'|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=January 3, 2014|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines UK|access-date=January 6, 2014}}

On December 20, it was revealed that the song had so far sold 107,000 copies (68,000 ahead of "Happy") and was on course to become the UK Christmas number one.[http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/will-sam-bailey-and-one-direction-top-the-christmas-charts-2687/ Will Sam Bailey and One Direction top the Christmas charts?]. Official Charts Company On December 22, "Skyscraper" debuted at number one with sales of 148,853 copies.{{cite news|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/x-factors-sam-bailey-crowned-2013-official-christmas-number-1-2693/|title=X Factor's Sam Bailey crowned 2013 Official Christmas Number 1|last=Lane|first=Daniel|date=December 22, 2013|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=December 27, 2013}} Despite more than doubling the sales of closest competitor "Happy" (63,858), it produced the second-lowest first-week sales of any X Factor winner's single; the lowest was Steve Brookstein's version of Phil Collins' "Against All Odds".{{cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/sam-bailey-scores-xmas-no-1-with-148k-sales-official-charts-analysis/057143|title=Sam Bailey scores Xmas No.1 with 148k sales: Official Charts Analysis|last=Jones|first=Alan|date=December 22, 2013|work=Music Week|publisher=Business Magazines|access-date=December 27, 2013}} It was, however, the fifth fastest-selling single of 2013 in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/features/2013-in-review-avicii-scores-fastest-selling-single-of-the-year-2704/|title=2013 in review: Avicii scores fastest selling single of the year|last=Myers|first=Justin|date=December 30, 2013|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=January 31, 2014}}

=Track listing=

{{tracklist

| headline = Digital download

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Skyscraper

| writer1 = Toby Gad, Kerli Kõiv, Lindy Robbins

| extra1 = Graham Stack, Matt Furmidge

| length1 = 3:40

}}

{{tracklist

| headline = UK CD single

| total_length =

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Skyscraper

| writer1 = Gad, Kõiv, Robbins

| extra1 = Stack, Furmidge

| length1 = 3:40

| title2 = The Power of Love

| note2 = The X Factor performance

| writer2 = Gunther Mende, Candy DeRouge, Jennifer Rush, Mary Susan Applegate

| extra2 = Stack, Furmidge

| length2 = TBA

| title3 = Make You Feel My Love

| note3 = The X Factor performance

| extra3 = Stack, Furmidge

| writer3 = Bob Dylan

| length3 = TBA

| title4 = No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)

| note4 = The X Factor performance

| extra4 = Stack, Furmidge

| writer4 = Paul Jabara, Bruce Roberts

| length4 = TBA

}}

=Charts and certifications=

==Weekly charts==

Chart (2013) ! Peak position
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Ireland2\|1\|song=Skyscraper\|access-date=January 27, 2020}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|Scotland\|1\|date=2013-12-28\|refname="Scotland"}}
scope="row"{{singlechart\|UK\|1\|date=2013-12-28\|refname="UK"}}

== Year-end charts ==

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

scope="col"| Chart (2013)

! scope="col"| Position

scope="row"|UK Singles (Official Charts Company){{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusEOY2013.pdf|title=End of Year Charts: 2013|work=UKChartsPlus|access-date= October 30, 2015}}

|align="center"|84

==Certifications==

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Silver|relyear=2013|certyear=2013|artist=Sam Bailey|type=single|title=Skyscraper|id=5962-3855-1|salesamount=310,000|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sing-it-back-hit-songs-you-didn-t-know-were-covers__7697/|title=Sing it back! Hit songs you didn't know were covers|last=Myers|first=Justin|date=August 16, 2014|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=October 26, 2015}}}}

=Release history=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"

scope="col"| Country

! scope="col"| Release date

! scope="col"| Format

! scope="col"| Label

Ireland{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/x-factor-2013-winners-single/id722273433|title=Skyscraper – Single by Sam Bailey|work=iTunes Store (Ireland)|date=December 15, 2013 |publisher=Apple, Inc.|access-date=December 16, 2013}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

| rowspan="2"| December 16, 2013

| rowspan="2"| Digital download

| rowspan="2"| Syco, Sony

United Kingdom{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/x-factor-2013-winners-single/id722273433|title=Skyscraper – Single by Sam Bailey|work=iTunes Store (UK)|date=December 15, 2013 |publisher=Apple, Inc.|access-date=December 16, 2013}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}