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“Umbrella” – Rihanna
It’s hard to imagine anyone but Rihanna singing “Umbrella,” but in a twist of fate, this monster hit was first offered to Britney Spears. Her team, busy with other projects, passed on it. When Rihanna picked it up, the world changed. Upon its 2007 release, “Umbrella” exploded—spending 10 consecutive weeks atop the UK Singles Chart and dominating airwaves globally. It wasn’t just a chart hit; it was an unmissable pop culture moment. Rihanna’s career went stratospheric, and the track won a Grammy. The chorus became an anthem, echoing everywhere from high school dances to international stadiums. Imagine if Britney had said yes—would Rihanna’s rise have looked the same?
“Toxic” – Britney Spears
Sometimes, the universe delivers a song to the right artist at the perfect moment. “Toxic” was actually offered to Kylie Minogue, who later admitted, “It just wasn’t right for me.” Britney Spears took it on, and the result was pure pop magic. Released in 2003, “Toxic” became one of Britney’s most acclaimed songs, winning her a Grammy for Best Dance Recording and reaching top 10 charts worldwide. The song’s slinky strings and infectious chorus made it an instant club classic. It’s impossible to picture anyone else owning those futuristic, adrenaline-soaked vocals. Kylie’s loss, Britney’s legacy.
“Halo” – Beyoncé
Leona Lewis’s team thought “Halo” sounded too much like her previous hits, so they let it go. Beyoncé saw its potential and turned it into one of her signature ballads, released in 2008. The song’s soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics highlighted Beyoncé’s powerful voice, earning her critical praise and a spot on countless “best of” lists. “Halo” has been streamed over a billion times on Spotify, a testament to its enduring appeal. Fans and critics alike view it as a career-defining moment. Leona’s decision to pass is often cited as one of pop’s biggest what-ifs.
“How Will I Know” – Whitney Houston
Janet Jackson was the first to receive “How Will I Know,” but her management thought it wasn’t the right fit. Enter Whitney Houston, who transformed the song into a joyous, infectious pop anthem in 1985. It shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, helping launch Whitney’s legendary career. The song’s youthful energy and Houston’s sparkling vocals made it an instant favorite. “How Will I Know” became a staple at school dances and wedding receptions for decades. Janet’s pass gave Whitney her first taste of superstardom—a decision that shaped music history.
“Don’t Cha” – The Pussycat Dolls
Believe it or not, Paris Hilton was offered “Don’t Cha” before The Pussycat Dolls ever touched it. Paris passed, perhaps not foreseeing the song’s sizzling potential. When The Pussycat Dolls released it in 2005, it became their breakthrough hit and a global sensation, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s provocative lyrics and addictive beat made it a party anthem. Nicole Scherzinger’s sassy vocals brought the playful taunt to life. In hindsight, Paris’s decision seems shocking, but the Dolls sealed their place in pop with this unforgettable track.
“Happy” – Pharrell Williams
CeeLo Green actually recorded “Happy” first, but his label thought it didn’t fit his image and shelved the track. Pharrell Williams decided to release it himself, and the rest is history. “Happy” became the best-selling song of 2014 in the US, topping charts in over 20 countries. Its infectious positivity and clapping beat made it a mainstay at weddings, commercials, and movie soundtracks. The song also earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. CeeLo’s pass might be one of the most bittersweet stories in recent pop history, especially once “Happy” became a cultural phenomenon.
“We Found Love” – Rihanna
“We Found Love” had a rocky path before landing with Rihanna. Leona Lewis actually recorded a version but never released it, and Nicole Scherzinger was also offered the track but declined. Rihanna’s rendition, produced by Calvin Harris, became a worldwide hit in 2011, spending 10 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. Its euphoric EDM sound and raw lyrics resonated with listeners everywhere. Rihanna’s performance gave the song an edge that many believe no one else could have matched. Both Leona and Nicole admitted later that passing on the song was one of their biggest regrets.
“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
“Since U Been Gone” almost didn’t belong to Kelly Clarkson. Producers Max Martin and Dr. Luke first shopped it to Pink and Hilary Duff, both of whom turned it down. Kelly’s powerful delivery and emotional punch turned the song into a 2004 classic. It became a chart-topping hit, earning her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s driving guitars and sing-along chorus made it an anthem for post-breakup empowerment. Pink later said she wished she’d recorded it. Sometimes, a song just finds its perfect match.
“Rock Your Body” – Justin Timberlake
Written by Pharrell and intended for Michael Jackson’s “Invincible” album, “Rock Your Body” was rejected by the King of Pop. Justin Timberlake then made it his own, and the funky single became a key part of his 2002 solo debut, “Justified.” The song’s disco groove and JT’s smooth vocals helped him shed his boy band image almost overnight. “Rock Your Body” hit number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a dance floor staple. Michael Jackson’s pass allowed Timberlake to step confidently into solo superstardom.
“Call Me” – Blondie
“Call Me” was first offered to Stevie Nicks, but she wasn’t interested in recording it. Blondie’s Debbie Harry jumped at the chance, and the song turned into a chart-topping hit in 1980. It spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the defining track of the year. The song’s pulsing energy and Harry’s raw vocals made it an instant classic. Blondie’s edgy image was a perfect match for the driving new wave sound. Stevie’s loss turned into Blondie’s career-defining moment.
“Let’s Get Loud” – Jennifer Lopez
Gloria Estefan co-wrote “Let’s Get Loud” and initially intended to record it herself. However, she decided it was better suited to Jennifer Lopez’s style and handed it over. J.Lo’s performance brought a fiery energy to the song, turning it into a Latin dance anthem in 1999. The song became a staple at parties and sporting events, showing off Lopez’s charisma and vocal power. “Let’s Get Loud” helped cement J.Lo’s place as a powerhouse performer. Gloria’s generosity gave J.Lo a career-defining hit.
“Telephone” – Lady Gaga (feat. Beyoncé)
“Telephone” began life as a song for Britney Spears, who recorded a demo but didn’t release it. Lady Gaga decided to keep it for herself and invited Beyoncé to join her. Released in 2010, the song became a platinum-selling single and sparked a wild, cinematic music video. The song’s infectious hook and dynamic duo created one of the most memorable pop collaborations of the decade. Fans still rave about the video’s energy and style. Britney’s pass paved the way for one of Gaga’s biggest hits.
“Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia
“Torn” was written by Ednaswap and cycled through several artists before Natalie Imbruglia made it her own. Other singers tried it, but none found the right chemistry. Natalie’s 1997 version topped charts in multiple countries and became a pop classic, with over a million radio plays in the US alone. Her raw, vulnerable delivery struck a chord with listeners everywhere. The song still gets covered and referenced today. Sometimes, a song just needs the right person to shine.
“Royals” – Lorde
Before Lorde released “Royals,” multiple record labels tried to place it with other artists, believing a 16-year-old newcomer couldn’t make it work. Lorde insisted on keeping the song for herself, and the gamble paid off. “Royals” went to number one in more than 10 countries and earned two Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year in 2014. Its minimalist production and anti-bling lyrics resonated with a generation. No one else could have brought the same unique voice and perspective to the song.
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith
This power ballad by Diane Warren was offered to U2 and several other artists, but all declined. Aerosmith took a chance, recording it for the 1998 film “Armageddon.” The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, their only chart-topper in a decades-long career. Its sweeping melody and Steven Tyler’s emotional delivery made it a wedding and movie staple. The track earned an Oscar nomination and remains a go-to for epic love scenes. U2’s pass became Aerosmith’s unforgettable triumph.
“Pretty Hurts” – Beyoncé
Sia wrote “Pretty Hurts” and offered it first to Katy Perry, then to Rihanna. Both passed, leaving the song available when Beyoncé came calling. Queen Bey transformed it into a powerful statement about beauty and self-worth for her 2013 self-titled album. The song’s moving lyrics and Beyoncé’s stirring vocals sparked conversations worldwide about body image and self-acceptance. “Pretty Hurts” won multiple awards and is seen as one of Beyoncé’s most important works. Katy and Rihanna might have missed their chance to make such a bold statement.
“S.O.S.” – Rihanna
Christina Milian was the first to receive “S.O.S.,” but she decided to pass. Rihanna, only 17 at the time, jumped on the opportunity. The song became her first number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006, launching her chart-topping streak. The catchy sample of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and Rihanna’s cool delivery made it irresistible. “S.O.S.” helped define the sound of mid-2000s pop and established Rihanna as a force to be reckoned with. Christina later admitted she regretted saying no.
“Whataya Want From Me” – Adam Lambert
Pink co-wrote “Whataya Want From Me” with Max Martin and recorded a demo, but didn’t feel it fit her style at the time. Adam Lambert, fresh off American Idol, recorded it for his debut album. The song became a radio hit in 2009, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lambert’s passionate, theatrical delivery gave the track its emotional power. The song earned him a Grammy nomination and helped him establish a loyal fanbase. Pink later performed the song live, but Lambert made it his own.
“Milkshake” – Kelis
Pharrell Williams originally offered “Milkshake” to Britney Spears, but her team turned it down. Kelis accepted the song, and it became a defining moment in early-2000s pop. The track’s catchy, offbeat chorus and bold attitude made it an instant classic, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2003. “Milkshake” became a cultural meme and is still quoted today. Kelis’s unique style and delivery made the song unforgettable. Britney’s pass became Kelis’s calling card.
“Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran wrote “Shape of You” with Rihanna in mind, but after she declined, he decided to keep it for himself. Released in 2017, the song became one of the best-selling singles ever, topping charts in more than 30 countries. Its dancehall-inspired beat and catchy melody made it a worldwide phenomenon. “Shape of You” has over 3 billion streams on Spotify and broke records for consecutive weeks at number one in the UK. Sheeran’s decision turned a potential castoff into a global smash.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
