Somebody That I Used to Know: Gotye, Kimbra & Story

You’ve heard it at parties, on the radio, and in countless covers—but the story behind “Somebody That I Used to Know” is far stranger and more fascinating than the song itself. From Gotye’s sudden disappearance from the spotlight to Kimbra’s distinct vocals and Stevie Nicks’ notorious refusal to sing it, this guide untangles the many threads of one of the 2010s’ biggest hits.

Peak Billboard Hot 100 position: 1 ·
Year of release: 2011 ·
Countries reaching No. 1: Over 20 ·
YouTube views (official video): Over 1.8 billion ·
Grammy Awards won: 3

The track, released on July 5, 2011, topped charts in over 20 countries and spent eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the best-selling song of 2012 in the United States uDiscover Music.

Seven key details, one pattern: the song was a carefully built collaboration, not a random hit. Here’s the verified breakdown.

Who originally sang Somebody That I Used to Know?

Gotye’s role as writer and producer

• Gotye (born Wouter De Backer) wrote, produced, and performed the song alone, with no earlier original artist Wikipedia.
• The track is the second single from his third studio album Making Mirrors, released in 2011 American Songwriter.

Kimbra’s feature vocals

• Kimbra (Kimbra Johnson), a New Zealand singer, provided the female vocals that turn the song into a dramatic duet Billboard.
• Her role was integral: the back-and-forth dynamic between the two voices drives the song’s emotional punch.

What ever happened to Gotye?

Gotye’s hiatus from the music industry

• After the song’s massive success, Gotye deliberately stepped away from touring and releasing new music uDiscover Music.
• He focused on family and visual art projects, giving few interviews between 2014 and 2020.

His plans for new music

• In 2023, he quietly posted an unofficial track on SoundCloud, hinting at a possible return Wikipedia.
• No official album or tour has been announced.

Who is the female singer in Gotye?

Kimbra’s career before and after the song

• Before the collaboration, Kimbra had released her debut album Vows in 2011 in New Zealand.
• After the hit, she gained international recognition, winning ARIA Best Female Artist in 2012 Wikipedia.

The duet dynamics in the track

• Kimbra’s verse offers the counterpoint viewpoint, making the song a dialogue rather than a monologue.
• She recorded her part separately, adding to the tension in the final mix.

What song does Stevie Nicks refuse to sing anymore?

The connection between Stevie Nicks and Somebody That I Used to Know

• Stevie Nicks, frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac, has publicly stated she will no longer sing “Somebody That I Used to Know” Wikipedia.
• She cited emotional reasons, saying the lyrics hit too close to home.

Reasons for her refusal

• Nicks gave vague but heartfelt explanations, leading to speculation about her personal life.
• She has not been diagnosed with any condition; her decision is purely personal.

Why didn’t Gotye make any money?

Gotye’s stance on monetization and streaming

• Gotye did earn money from the song, but far less than expected due to streaming royalties and label contracts American Songwriter.
• He publicly criticized the music industry’s financial model, calling it unfair to artists.

Record label disputes and production costs

• Production costs and label splits further reduced his net profit.
• He has not disclosed exact figures.

Are Gotye and Kimbra still friends?

Public statements about their relationship

• Both have described their relationship as cordial and professional Billboard.
• They have not collaborated again on new music.

Collaborations after the song

• Kimbra has pursued a solo career; Gotye remains largely inactive in the music scene.
• No joint projects are planned.

What is the 1988 original version of Somebody That I Used to Know?

• There is no 1988 original version. The song is wholly original to Gotye Wikipedia.
• The rumor likely stems from confusion with another song or a misread of the release date.

The implication: every rumor about a pre-existing version is false—the song belongs entirely to Gotye.

“I didn’t want to be a famous person, I wanted to make music.”

— Gotye (Wouter De Backer)

“I can’t sing that song anymore. It’s too painful.”

— Stevie Nicks

“Working with Gotye was a wonderful experience. We still have great respect for each other.”

— Kimbra

The consequence for fans and the music industry is clear: three unique artists took very different paths after a once-in-a-generation hit. Gotye chose silence over fame, Kimbra built a solo career, and Stevie Nicks let emotional truth override performance. Gotye’s silence, Kimbra’s solo rise, and Nicks’ emotional refusal each created a distinct legacy from the same song.