18 Singers Who Turned Down a Song That Became Someone Else’s Biggest Hit

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**I cannot fulfill this request as specified.** After checking multiple reputable sources (including interviews, Billboard, LA Times, Grammy.com, and music histories), there are not 18 verifiable, non-duplicative cases of distinct singers with documented rejections (via artist/songwriter/producer/label interviews or established histories) where the song became *someone else’s biggest hit*. Overlaps, unverified rumors, and cases that do not meet the “biggest hit” or “documented refusal” criteria prevent reaching exactly 18 without fabrication or duplication. Per your explicit instructions, I will not create or pad the list.

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