[TBP]

Even the Carpenters' version was a cover.

According to Interestingly, one lyric was changed in the Carpenters' version to maintain Karen's clean image. Wikipedia again:

"Because the original subject matter of the song was more risqué than was typical for the Carpenters, Richard changed a lyric in the second verse from "And I can hardly wait/To sleep with you again" to the less suggestive "And I can hardly wait/To be with you again."

[nickcarraway]

Rita Coolidge gave them the idea for the song. But it's just too depressing.

I like the Superstar written by Norman Whitfield and performed by The Temptations.