Top 10 Hit Pop Songs Rejected By Other Artists
#10: “Don’t Cha” (2005) The Pussycat Dolls feat. Busta Rhymes, Offered to Paris Hilton
Top 10 Hit Songs Rejected By Other Artists – Best of WatchMojo
Remember when Paris Hilton tried to have a music career? Well, it turns out "Don't Cha" could have been among her discography. The song, made famous by the burlesque pop group, The Pussycat Dolls, was first offered to Hilton as well as the British girl group Sugababes. However, Hilton claimed that the version we know today sounds wildly different from what she first heard. She says that if she’d heard it the way it was ultimately released, she would have "jumped at the chance" to record it. Of course, the Pussycat Doll's version became a massive hit, charting worldwide and going platinum in several countries. But ‘don't cha’ kinda wish we could have heard Paris' take too?
#9: “Pretty Hurts” (2013) Beyoncé, offered to Katy Perry & Rihanna
Written by Sia, this ballad is about self-love and empowerment, two messages Beyoncé often champions. However, she wasn’t the first artist the Australian singer/songwriter had in mind. Initially, Sia emailed it to Katy Perry, but later offered the song to Rihanna and Beyoncé after receiving no response. While Rihanna’s management apparently failed to pay the track’s fee, once Beyoncé heard it, she knew she wanted it and managed to secure it. Amusingly, when Perry later heard Beyoncé’s recording, she texted Sia saying she was “pretty hurt” it hadn’t been offered to her, but conceded that it reached the right hands. In the end, Perry taught us all a valuable lesson in checking your emails because you never know what opportunities might pass you by.
#8: “Miss Independent” (2003) Kelly Clarkson, Offered to Destiny's Child & Christina Aguilera
Sabiine - Still Miss You
An early version of this song was turned down by “Destiny’s Child.” Producer Rhett Lawrence then approached Christina Aguilera to collaborate on the track with the intention of adding it to her 2002 “Stripped” album — which makes this entry a little different from the others on our list. However, when their collab was never finished, Lawrence turned to a newcomer in the biz, whose voice had been likened to Aguilera’s. Clarkson finished writing the number and released it on her 2003 debut “Thankful” album. Needless to say, it was a perfect fit. The song went on to chart globally, peaking at no.1 in U.S. Mainstream Top 40 and receiving gold certifications in Australia and in the U.S.
#7: “Alive” (2015) Sia, Offered to Adele
Chair Warriors So Alive
Sia is pretty famous for writing hits for other artists, but, we have to admit, we’re pretty glad she kept this one for herself — not that that was the original plan. “Alive” was written for Adele’s 2015 album, “25.” Sia shared that she’d written the song with the British singer in mind. However, at the last moment, Adele decided not to record the track and told the songwriter she could add it to her own album, in addition to the song “Bird Set Free.” “Alive” was actually originally offered to Rihanna, who returned it, much to Sia’s relief, as she’d become rather attached to the number. The song eventually found its place on Sia’s “This Is Acting” album.
#6: “Toxic” (2003) Britney Spears, Offered to Kylie Minogue
Britney Spears Toxic (MDT Lockdown Cover)
As one of Britney’s most famous songs, it’s hard to imagine “Toxic” performed by anyone else. Yet, she wasn’t the first choice to record this dance-pop number. The songwriters actually wrote it with Janet Jackson in mind, but presented it to Kylie Minogue first. After the Aussie star passed on it, it was given to Spears, who turned it into a mega-hit. It spent 20 weeks on the Billboard Chart, peaking at no.9, went platinum in several countries, double platinum in the U.K., and became a pop culture phenomenon. When asked how she felt seeing the song she rejected become so popular, Kylie answered, “It’s like the fish that got away. You just have to accept it.”
#5: “SOS” (2006) Rihanna, Offered to Christina Milian
Top 10 Hit Songs Rejected by Other Artists
When you think of Christina Milian, songs like “AM to PM,” “When You Look at Me,” and “Dip It Low” probably spring to mind. But, in an alternate world, you might have also associated this singer with the Rihanna hit “SOS.” The song was suggested for her 2006 “So Amazin’” album, but we guess she didn’t find the track “amazin’” enough to make the cut. So, it was given to Rihanna, and it became a total commercial success. It was Riri’s first no.1 hit, spending three successive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified Platinum. With Milian’s last hit being 2004’s “Dip It Low,” some believe “SOS” might’ve helped propel her career, but perhaps it just needed Rihanna’s magical touch.
#4: “Let’s Get Loud” (2000) Jennifer Lopez, Offered to Gloria Estefan
Top 20 Smash Hit Songs REJECTED by Other Artists
Another song that deviates a little from the others on our list is this banger made famous by JLo. Initially co-written by Gloria Estefan for herself, she decided to pass it along to JLo after deeming it too similar to some of her other hits. She said that Lopez could give it her own spin and have “more fun with it.” It charted internationally, even going triple Platinum in Australia. It also earned JLo her second Grammy nomination. If you’re wondering how the song might have sounded sung by Estefan, wonder no longer. In 2011, she treated fans to a bonus track on her “Miss Little Havana” album deluxe Target edition featuring her rendition.
#3: “We Can’t Stop” (2013) Miley Cyrus, Offered to Rihanna
Top 10 Hit Songs Artists Recorded in Other Languages
It seems like many songs were written with Rihanna in mind before ultimately being recorded by other artists. For instance, can you imagine Riri singing Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”? How about Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop”? Clearly, producer Mike Will Made-It did, because that’s exactly who he thought would record the latter. While curating her “Unapologetic” album, Rihanna was played “Pour It Up,” which she chose to record. Meanwhile, “We Can’t Stop” was shelved without her ever hearing it. Luckily it was a perfect match for Miley and her ‘work hard, party even harder’ image. She added her own nuances, or “Swag,” as Made-It said, and definitely turned it into one of her standout hits.
#2: “Telephone” (2010) Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce, Offered to Britney Spears
When Lady Gaga first penned this number, she had a certain Princess of Pop in mind. Britney even recorded a demo that was controversially leaked to the public. The reasons that Spears never followed through seem unclear. Some sources say she passed on the track, while others claim Gaga decided to keep it for herself. Although the singer/songstress never delved into the details, she confessed to struggling to connect with the number emotionally. Still, collaborating with Beyoncé, the dance-pop number was a critical and commercial hit, certifying double Platinum in the U.K. and triple Platinum in Australia. Meanwhile, Britney’s version became the most illegally downloaded song in 2010. Perhaps a remake with all three icons is needed. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Happy” (2014), Pharrell Williams, Offered to Cee-Lo Green The “Forget You” Singer Recorded the Song First, but It Was Deemed a Better Fit for Pharrell “Boom Clap” (2014), Charli XCX, Offered to Hilary Duff Apparently, Duff’s People Didn’t Feel the Track Was “Cool Enough” for Her “Physical” (1981), Olivia Newton-John, Offered to Rod Stewart As Newton-John’s Biggest Hit & Best-Selling Number, It’s Hard to Imagine It Sung by Anyone Else “Call Me” (1980), Blondie, Offered to Stevie Nicks The Fleetwood Mac Singer Turned Down the Song Due to Other Obligations
#1: “Slave 4 U” & “Boys” (2001) Britney Spears, Offered to Janet Jackson
If you ever thought Britney’s self-named third album was reminiscent of Janet Jackson’s music, you’re completely right. Not only did the critics point out the likeness, but both “Slave 4 U” and “Boys” were recorded by Jackson before eventually being given to Spears. Jackson’s voice was deemed too sultry for “Slave 4 U” but perfect for Spears’ image. Indeed, both songs marked a pivotal moment in her career. Brit launched the tracks into the zeitgeist of the early 2000s, and “Slave 4 U”, especially, became an unforgettable part of pop culture. Janet’s version would’ve likely had a phenomenal impact too, but we doubt she’d have danced with a python around her neck at the VMAs.
