30 Smash Hit Songs REJECTED by Other Artists

Top 30 Smash Hit Songs REJECTED by Other Artists

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were counting down our picks for some of the most legendary songs by famous artists that were almost sung by someone else.

#30: Can't Get You Out of My Head (2001)

Kylie Minogue, Offered to S Club & Sophie Ellis-Bextor

This chart-topping hit from the aughts has been permanently lodged in our brains ever since it was released. All it takes is the catchy hook to kick in, and were transported in time. It is Kylies magnetic performance that gives the song its timeless appeal, but she almost didnt get her hands on it. Cathy Dennis and Rob Davis, who wrote and produced the track, initially had the Brit-pop group S Club in mind for it. That collaboration didnt work out. So, the duo pitched it to singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, but failed to bring her on board. As fate would have it, it ended up with Minogues reps, and she wasted no time getting in the studio, creating a massive success out of it.

#29: Same Old Love (2015)

Selena Gomez, Offered to Rihanna

Written by Charli XCX, Benny Blanco, StarGate, and Ross Golan, this song was first offered to Rihanna. She even posted a lyric from the track on her Twitter account back in 2014. However, due to a change in her creative vision, RiRi let Same Old Love go. Thats when Selena picked it up and imbued it with new meaning. Through the lyrics, she expressed her feelings about her equation with her dad as well as other unhealthy relationships. Her sweet and raspy voice gave the song a sensual but defiant tone, which resonated with fans. While Rihanna would have brought her own bold magic to the record, we cant imagine anyone but Selena on it.

#28: I Can Dream About You (1984)

Dan Hartman, Offered to Hall & Oates

Getting a hit in the eighties was no cakewalk. So, when Dan Hartman realized that a track he wrote had the potential to go big, he left no stone unturned in making sure that it did. He wrote I Can Dream About You for Hall & Oates, who declined the offer. They had received it right before releasing a brand new album. So, their calendars did not align. Then, the song was used in the film Streets of Fire, where it was sung by Winston Ford for a band in the movie called The Sorels. However, by the time the films OST album came out, the song was controversially but successfully being promoted with Hartmans vocals. One way or another, he got his breakthrough.

#27: I Want You Back (1969)

The Jackson 5, Offered to Gladys Knight & the Pips, & Diana Ross

We don't want to imagine a world where one of the greatest songs of all time almost didn't see the light of day. I Want You Back was passed around at Motown Records before it reached its rightful destination. First, it went to Gladys Knight & the Pips, and then to Diana Ross. When the Jackson 5 found it, everything fell into place. With lead vocals by a very young Michael Jackson, the song achieved massive commercial and critical success. To this day, it is celebrated as one of the finest outputs of the band.

#26: We Found Love (2011)

Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris, Offered to Leona Lewis & Nicole Scherzinger

The ultimate anthem of young love that feels fated, this Grammy-winning song dominated airwaves at the time of its release. It was a turning point in Calvins career that shot him to the pop stratosphere. Rihanna, who was already an icon in her own right, maintained her winning streak. However, the buzz around the song brought forward several claims. Leona Lewis revealed she was allegedly the first choice for the song but rejected it, and insisted her version was better. Then, Nicole Scherzinger said she passed on it because she wasnt interested in a dance track. Either way, the stars aligned for RiRi and spelled success for her.

#25: See You Again (2015)

Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth, Offered to Various Artists

It is virtually impossible to listen to this song and not bawl. Honoring Paul Walker after his untimely passing, See You Again is a touching ballad that holds a special place in the hearts of Fast & Furious fans. Wiz Khalifas hard-hitting rap verses, paired with Charlie Puths emotional vocals, make it unforgettable. Before this winning combination was finalized, rappers like 50 Cent, Eminem, and Tyga were considered. Remarkable vocalists like Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, Sam Smith, and even Adele were also interested. After much consideration, Atlantic decided to go with Puth and Wiz Khalifa, and they did not disappoint.

#24: Irreplaceable (2006)

Beyoncé, Offered to Chrisette Michele

This song was written by Ne-Yo and ended up being one of Queen Beys most memorable songs. However, it wasnt always intended for her. The Stay singer was flirting with country music at the time, and had icons like Faith Hill and Shania Twain in mind for Irreplaceable. After switching things up a bit, he took the R&B route. The production team originally proceeded with a male vocalist before realizing the power a woman could hold with the track. It was presented to Chrisette Michele, who rejected it, and finally, it landed on Beyoncés lap. Were so glad it did.

#23: Bye Bye Bye (2000)

NSYNC, Offered to Five

The release of the album No Strings Attached was one of the defining musical moments of the 2000s. The track Bye Bye Bye, in particular, became a global hit, propelling NSYNC to even greater fame than they were already enjoying. Its strange to discover that the song was made to bring this level of acclaim to a different group: the Simon Cowell-managed Five. Members of that British boy band were hardly pleased with the track, and the lead vocalist even called it, quote, ridiculous and crap. Their inability to recognize the songs worth probably turned into a lifelong regret as NSYNC took it up and solidified their place in the glorious annals of pop music.

#22: (Everything I Do) I Do It for You (1991)

Bryan Adams, Offered to Kate Bush, Annie Lennox & Lisa Stansfield

This song, which was played while the credits rolled for the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, left the audience spellbound at first listen. It has been covered by countless musicians since, but no one owns it like the Groover from Vancouver. For decades, his inimitable husky voice in this track has broken hearts and put them back together. That said, the song almost went to a female artist whod sing it from Maid Marians point of view for the 1991 movie. When big names like Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Lisa Stansfield refused to participate, Bryan stepped in and gave us a masterpiece.

#21: Shape of You (2017)

Ed Sheeran, Written for Little Mix, Rihanna & Rudimental

One of the most ubiquitous songs of all time nearly had a totally different vibe. Imagine Little Mixs effortless vocal runs, Rihanna bringing her empress energy to the table, or Rudimental taking it to a whole other level with drum and bass. Theres no doubt that these artists would make the song their own. In fact, that was the plan. Though Ed Sheeran co-wrote the track with other singers in mind, his label urged him to keep it. Figuring the Fenty Beauty founder wouldnt vibe with his lyrics, he decided to give it a shot himself. The rest, as they say, is history.

#20: Call Me (1980)

Blondie, Offered to Stevie Nicks

Legendary Italian producer Giorgio Moroder composed the music of Call Me as part of the soundtrack for the American Gigolo movie. Once done, Giorgio needed a leading artist to bring the song to life, and he turned to Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie Nicks. Sadly, Nicks turned down the offer, reportedly to avoid a contractual breach. The song then landed in the lap of Debbie Harry, whose band Blondie was experiencing one of the highest points of their career. The group released Call Me in 1980 and it became an unstoppable hit, topping the charts in the U.S., Canada and the UK.

#19: Thinkin Bout You (2012)

Frank Ocean, Offered to Bridget Kelly

Frank Oceans modern classic debut studio album Channel Orange established him as one of the most ingenious musicians of his generation. Its lead single Thinkin Bout You received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year. But its crazy to think that all of that may have never happened. The song was initially written by Ocean for Roc Nation signee Bridget Kelly. However, he ended up posting his own recording online before ultimately fine-tuning it and featuring it on his album. But if you want to hear the Kelly version, just check out her 2011 EP Every Girl, and play Thinking About Forever.

#18: Dont Cha (2005)

The Pussycat Dolls feat. Busta Rhymes, Offered to Paris Hilton

The song that weve all come to know as the Pussycat Dolls smash debut hit was actually first released by singer Tori Alamaze. That version failed to achieve much success and it was refurbished as the hit single for the Pussycat Dolls. But before it became the number two Billboard hit that launched the group into the celebrity stratosphere, Dont Cha was offered to Paris Hilton. Hilton turned down the song as she reportedly didnt care for it. But according to the billionaire heiress, she wouldnt have hesitated to take the song if shed heard the version we all jam along to now. Boy, dont cha think she wishes she could turn back time?

#17: Wrecking Ball (2013)

Miley Cyrus, Written for Beyoncé

What could we say about this song that you arent already aware of? Well, probably that it wasnt even intended to be performed by the one and only Miley Cyrus. Wrecking Ball, which appeared on her Bangerz album, was actually penned during a songwriting session for Beyoncé. But apparently, the writers could immediately tell it wasnt right for her. So it was promptly offered to Cyrus, who was in the process of transforming her public image from teen idol to a mature pop star, instead. Could we see Beyoncé on a wrecking ball and licking a sledgehammer? Eh, not quite, so we guess some songs eventually end up with the artists they were destined for.

#16: Danger Zone (1986)

Kenny Loggins, Offered to Toto, Bryan Adams, REO Speedwagon, Jefferson Starship & Corey Hart

The wild success of the hit soundtrack to 1986s Top Gun is largely attributed to the popularity of its single Danger Zone. The song, which was composed by Giorgio Moroder, was offered to a slew of artists before reaching Kenny Loggins. They reportedly included rock bands Toto, REO Speedwagon, and Jefferson Starship, as well as singers Bryan Adams and Corey Hart. But all these folks either exited the project or turned it down for various reasons. So Loggins, who had recorded the number-one soundtrack hit Footloose just two years earlier, stepped in as a last-minute replacement. He managed to strike gold again, sending Danger Zone to the number-two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and creating a long-lasting legacy for the Top Gun franchise.

#15: Alive (2015)

Sia, Rejected by Adele

Sias songwriting skills are second possibly only to her vocal prowess. The Australian artist has become known as one of the 21st centurys most prolific songwriters, having crafted tunes for everyone from Rihanna to Beyoncé, and even Adele. For the latters third album 25, Sia co-wrote this synth-pop power ballad. Adele, another one of the tunes writers, ultimately turned it down. When putting together her 2016 album This is Acting, which featured songs she had penned for different artists, Sia decided to also include Alive. And we couldnt be more grateful that she did. Her raw and rousing vocals perfectly communicate the emotions of the song, and its hard to imagine anyone else singing it.

#14: Holiday (1983)

Madonna, Offered to Mary Wilson

In the early 80s, Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens, both from the band Pure Energy, wrote a song titled Holiday, which ended up being pitched to other artists. The song was presented to Mary Wilson, one of the founding members of The Supremes, but she chose to pass on it. It then found its way into the hands of a young Madonna, who was still very much in search of a breakout hit. In Holiday, she found what she was looking for. The track, which was rearranged to fit her style, became a huge success and made an international star out of her. It was a chart success in multiple countries, and even snagged the number one spot on Billboards Dance Club Songs chart.

#13: Its Raining Men (1982)

The Weather Girls, Offered to Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Cher & Barbra Streisand

After penning Its Raining Men in just a matter of hours, Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer offered the song to the Disco Queen herself, Donna Summer. As a Born Again Christian, Summer felt the track conflicted with her beliefs, viewing it as blasphemous, and turned it down. Jabara and Shaffer also apparently pitched it to Cher, Diana Ross, and Barbra Streisand, and got resounding nos from all of them. But in the hands of the Weather Girls, all of that was washed away. Although they initially disliked it, the duo ended up recording Its Raining Men for their third album Success. And indeed, thats exactly what it was, charting extremely well both in the United States and abroad.

#12: Rock Your Body (2002)

Justin Timberlake, Offered to Michael Jackson

Justin Timberlake joined forces with Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams to write Rock Your Body, which was meant for Michael Jackson. But not every song can make the cut, and this was among those that was rejected by the King of Pop when he was putting together his Invincible album. Likely not wanting to waste such a well-written track, Timberlake included it on his first solo album Justified. Rock Your Body peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and was an international hit, as well. While Timberlakes version is extremely groovy in its own right, we cant help but imagine what heights Jackson wouldve taken the song to.

#11: God Is a Woman (2018)

Ariana Grande, Offered to Camila Cabello

Ariana Grandes 2018 pop hit God Is a Woman was almost recorded by somebody else. The pop star only got the chance to perform the song after it was passed on by Camila Cabello. Cabello said she was given the song when it only had a chorus. She then added her own verses and recorded it, but ended up not really feeling the result, so she decided to give it up. It was then given to Ariana Grande, who fleshed it out with different verses and put her signature sultry spin on it. The track hit the top ten in almost twenty countries and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.

#10: Whats Love Got to Do with It (1984)

Tina Turner, Offered to Cliff Richard, Phyllis Hyman & Donna Summer

After a tumultuous period in her career, Tina Turner made a phenomenal comeback when her 1984 single Whats Love Got to Do with It hit the top of the charts. But as synonymous as the song now is with Turners name, it went on quite the journey before getting into her hands. It was reportedly presented to Cliff Richard, but the British singer decided not to move forward with it. The writers are then said to have passed it on to Phyllis Hyman and later Donna Summer, but neither of those options panned out, either. Thankfully, Turner eventually got her hands on the track, and the rest is pop music history.

#9: Lets Get Loud (1999)

Jennifer Lopez, Rejected by Gloria Estefan

These days, we know Jennifer Lopez as a successful dancer, actress, singer, and businesswoman. It all began with projects like Selena, and this salsa-infused song. Featured on her very first studio album, Lets Get Loud was co-written by none other than Gloria Estefan. Though Estefan was reportedly going to use the song for herself at the start, she ultimately decided to go in a different artistic direction. So Lopez got it. Of course, it earned her a Grammy nomination, and remains one of her most beloved works. Curious fans can still check out Estefans take on the song on the Target version of her Miss Little Havana album, though!

#8: Whataya Want from Me (2009)

Adam Lambert, Rejected by Pink

Co-written by Pink, alongside Swedish hitmakers Max Martin and Shellback, Whataya Want from Me was originally intended to appear on Pinks Funhouse album. In fact, she had already recorded the song, but it was ultimately scrapped from the track list. Instead, it was handed over to Adam Lambert, who was fresh off his American Idol run and was putting together his debut studio album For Your Entertainment. Whataya Want from Me became a huge success for Lambert, cracking the top ten in many areas and receiving a Grammy nomination. Pinks version still appears on select releases of her compilation album Greatest Hits... So Far!!!

#7: How Will I Know (1985)

Whitney Houston, Offered to Janet Jackson

This song, which has been highlighted as one of Whitney Houstons standout tracks, very nearly wasnt recorded by her. How Will I Know was penned by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, and the intended recipient wasnt Houston, but Janet Jackson. The songwriters presented the material to Jackson and her team, but they rejected it, leaving the duo rather disappointed. Still, all hope was not lost, as the track eventually found its way into the hands of Arista Records executive Gerry Griffith, who was crafting Houstons first album. It was then reworked to suit Houstons style, becoming a smash hit that climbed to the very top of the Billboard Hot 100 following its release.

#6: Gold Digger (2005)

Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx, Offered to Shawnna

Believe it or not, Kanye Wests award-winning collaboration with Jamie Foxx was initially written to be sung from the female perspective. West had co-produced the beats and crafted the chorus for rapper Shawnnas debut album Worth tha Weight. But after Shawnna decided not to use the song, West kept it for himself and made some tweaks to tell the story from a male point of view. Upon its release, Gold Digger became a critical and commercial success. It was heavily praised by music critics and reached what was then a record-breaking number of digital downloads in one week. West scored a number one single on the Hot 100 with this track, and earned a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.

#5: Umbrella (2007)

Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, Offered to Britney Spears

Back in 2007, Britney Spears was going through a heavily publicized rough period in her personal life. When songwriters Tricky Stewart, The-Dream and Kuk Harrell conceived the song Umbrella, they intended to secure the pop stars next big hit. However, Spears team turned it down. Apparently, they felt adding another track to her upcoming Blackout album was unnecessary. The demo floated around for a bit until it eventually reached Rihanna, who connected to the song almost instantly. She recorded it for her Good Girl Gone Bad album, and the result was a worldwide chart topper and a Grammy-winning tune.

#4: Happy (2013)

Pharrell Williams, Offered to CeeLo Green

Pharrell Williams scored one of the most successful songs of the 2010s with the uptempo Happy, which topped the charts in over twenty countries around the world. The extremely catchy song also won two Grammy awards and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. All of this glory couldve easily slipped from Williams hands had the song been recorded by the intended artist - CeeLo Green. Williams had crafted the number earlier for Green, who recorded his own version but was prevented from releasing it. Apparently, Greens label wanted to focus their energy on his upcoming holiday album, instead. We bet they arent so happy with that decision now.

#3: Since U Been Gone (2004)

Kelly Clarkson, Offered to Pink & Hilary Duff

Everyones favorite breakup song had to pass through not one, but two rejections before it landed in the right hands. Right from the point of inception, Max Martin and Dr. Luke had intended to give Since U Been Gone to Pink. But when the pop rock goddess passed on the track for unknown reasons, they decided to offer it to Hilary Duff instead. However, it ended up not being the right fit for her vocal range, so nothing concrete came of that. After some deliberation, the track finally found its home with Kelly Clarkson. She made it her own by amping up the rock elements, turning it into a phenomenal anthem.

#2: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (1998)

Aerosmith, Intended for Celine Dion

Veteran songwriter Diane Warren penned this rousing ballad for the 1998 blockbuster movie Armageddon. Conceptually, she intended for it to be sung by a woman. Shes named Celine Dion who at the time was riding the tide of My Heart Will Go On from Titanic as a vocalist she had in mind. Of course, things ended up going in a different direction, as Aerosmith recorded the track. It couldnt have hurt that frontman Steven Tylers daughter Liv was one of the movies leads! The band made the track fit their style but retained all of the raw emotion Warren had written into it. I Dont Want to Miss a Thing was a resounding hit, promptly snagging the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

#1: ...Baby One More Time (1998)

Britney Spears, Offered to TLC

A widely popular music group passed on ...Baby One More Time before it was recorded by a then-unknown Britney Spears. Indeed, after writing the lyrics to the song, Max Martin offered it to TLC. They, however, declined to take it on. A few other names were reportedly considered, but the track was ultimately given to Spears, who immediately loved it and jumped at the opportunity to record it as her debut single. Still a teenager, she was launched onto the global stage with the release of the song, which was a hit not just in the States, but internationally too. It wouldnt be the only time a rejected song became a Britney Spears classic, either. Just ask Kylie Minogue how she feels about Toxic now.

Do you think any of these songs would suit their originally intended artist better? Tell us in the comments section!