Call It Divine Musical Intervention: 15 Hit Singles That Were Originally Meant For Other Artists

I’m a Slave 4 U – Janet Jackson

I’m a Slave 4 U was proposed to be a song recorded by Janet Jackson but instead became one of Britney Spears’ claim to fame songs. The song reached reached number twenty-seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

Bad – Michael Jackson

Bad was proposed to be a duet song between Michael Jackson and Prince, but MJ took the reigns and masterfully pulled off the song in September 1987. The song reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 10 of the same year.

Un-Break My Heart – Toni Braxton

Originally Toni Braxton disliked the song Un-Break My Heart, which was first offered to Celine Dion, but producer Clive Davis convinced her to record it. Toni Braxton’s song won a Grammy Award in 1997 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

What’s Love Got to Do with It? – Tina Turner

Tina Turner’s song What’s Love Got to Do with It? turned out to be a great hit, but the song was originally offered to Donna Summers who had the chance to record the song for years, but never did.

Baby One More Time – TLC

Though Britney Spears debuted her career with the song Baby One More Time, TLC was first offered to record the song but declined because it wasn’t mature enough.

Let’s Get Loud – Jennifer Lopez

Let’s Get Loud was supposed to have been sung by Gloria Estefan, but Jennifer Lopez swooped up the track after Gloria decided it was too similar to her previous songs.

My Humps – Black Eyed Peas

My Humps was originally meant to be sung by The Pussycat Dolls but instead became a hit by the Black Eyed Peas, reaching number three on the U.S. Hot 100.

Milkshake – Kelis

Kelis’ infamous song Milkshake was once offered to Britney Spears, but she rejected it. The song was released in August 2003. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs in 2004.

It’s Raining Men – Diana Ross and Donna Summer

It’s Raining Men was offered to both Diana Ross and Donna Summer, both who turned it down. Instead it was sung by the Weather Girls and hit number one on the US Hot Dance Club Play.

Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake released Rock Your Body in March 30, but the song was originally given to Michael Jackson to record for his comeback album.

Disturbia – Chris Brown

Crazily enough, Disturbia was meant to be sung by Chris Brown, though he does sing the back-up vocals on the track. Instead, Rihanna recorded the single and earned an award at the 2009 NRJ Music Awards for Best International Song.

DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love Again – Usher

DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love Again was offered to Rihanna but the song was ultimately recorded by Usher. The song made it into top-ten charts in more than 15 countries.

Dont Cha – Nicole Scherzinger & the Pussycat Dolls

Dont Cha, which hit the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, was originally written for Paris Hilton, who said she heard a different version which caused her to pass on recording.

How Will I Know – Whitney Houston

How Will I Know was beautifully sung by Whitney Houston, but the song was originally offered to and turned down by Janet Jackson. The song became the name of Whitney Houston’s debut album released in February 1985.