15 Songs That Were Originally Written for Other Artists

15 Songs That Were Originally Written for Other Artists

Not every iconic song ends up in the hands of its originally intended artist. In the whirlwind world of pop music, tracks are often passed around like hot potatoes—rejected by some, transformed by others. What might’ve been a quiet album filler for one artist becomes a generation-defining anthem for another.

1. “Umbrella” – Rihanna

Few people realize that this 2007 megahit wasn’t tailored for Rihanna from the beginning. The song was originally written with Britney Spears in mind, but her label turned it down, thinking it didn’t quite match her direction at the time.

That decision turned out to be a turning point—not for Britney, but for Rihanna. When she recorded “Umbrella,” it became an instant classic, topping charts worldwide and cementing her as a pop powerhouse. With its infectious hook and Jay-Z’s slick intro, the track catapulted her from rising star to global icon almost overnight.

2. “…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears

Before it became Britney Spears’ signature debut, this now-iconic anthem was pitched to none other than TLC. The R&B trio passed on it, feeling the lyrics were too suggestive and didn’t align with their image.

Their loss became Britney’s golden ticket. She recorded the song at just 16, and it skyrocketed to number one in dozens of countries. The catchy beat, unforgettable title, and schoolgirl-themed music video made pop history. Had TLC accepted it, the late ’90s music landscape—and Britney’s entire career—might have looked drastically different.

3. “Happy” – Pharrell Williams

The feel-good anthem that dominated 2014 was actually first recorded by CeeLo Green. His version had all the same charm, but record label executives didn’t believe it would be a hit with his audience.

That hesitation gave Pharrell Williams the opportunity to make it his own. Released as part of the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, “Happy” became a global sensation. It topped the charts in over 20 countries and earned Pharrell multiple Grammy nominations. Ironically, CeeLo has since admitted that passing on the song was one of his biggest professional regrets.

4. “I’m a Slave 4 U” – Britney Spears

Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes originally crafted this sultry track for Janet Jackson. With its breathy vocals and slinky production, it fit perfectly with the mature vibe she was known for.

But when Jackson didn’t pick it up, Britney Spears swooped in—and in doing so, reinvented her public image. “I’m a Slave 4 U” marked a clear transition from teen idol to provocative pop star. The controversial music video and steamy MTV VMA performance only amplified its impact, proving the song found the perfect home after all.

5. “We Found Love” – Rihanna

Scottish DJ Calvin Harris had initially written this pulsating club anthem with Leona Lewis in mind. She even recorded a version, but delays in releasing it meant it never saw the light of day.

Rihanna, on the other hand, wasted no time. She took the track, made it her own, and unleashed it on the world in 2011. “We Found Love” dominated radio waves, topped the Billboard Hot 100, and earned a Grammy. Its emotional music video and hypnotic beat helped it become one of the most recognizable songs of the decade.

6. “Let’s Get Loud” – Jennifer Lopez

Originally penned by Gloria Estefan, this energetic Latin-pop track was something she intended to record herself. But after giving it some thought, Estefan felt the song had a younger, more contemporary flair that might not align with her own musical direction at the time.

She offered it to Jennifer Lopez, who took the song and turned it into one of her early signature hits. “Let’s Get Loud” helped establish J.Lo’s identity as a vibrant, dance-driven performer and became a staple in her live shows. Estefan later said she never regretted the decision—especially since she still co-wrote it and benefited from its massive success.

7. “Halo” – Beyoncé

This soaring ballad was written by Ryan Tedder with Leona Lewis in mind, following the success of her song “Bleeding Love.” However, due to timing and management delays, Lewis never recorded it.

Beyoncé, on the lookout for emotionally resonant material, stepped in and brought “Halo” to life. Her powerhouse vocals and ethereal delivery gave the track the gravitas it needed. It went on to become one of her most beloved hits, winning a Grammy and becoming a wedding-day staple for years to come. Lewis later admitted she was disappointed to have missed out on it—but it’s hard to imagine anyone else doing it quite like Beyoncé.

8. “Don’t Cha” – The Pussycat Dolls

Before Nicole Scherzinger sang its now-famous hook, “Don’t Cha” belonged to Tori Alamaze, a backup singer for OutKast. Her version was released in 2004 but didn’t make a commercial splash.

Recognizing the song’s potential, producers re-recorded it with The Pussycat Dolls. Their version, packed with sultry vocals and polished production, became a major hit. It climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified the Dolls’ status as a force in early-2000s pop. Though Alamaze’s original had grit, the revamped version gave the song the sleek, sexy image it needed to go mainstream.

9. “Rock Your Body” – Justin Timberlake

Few know that this funky dance track was part of a set of songs The Neptunes wrote for Michael Jackson’s Invincible album. Jackson passed on it, along with several other tracks that would later define early-2000s pop.

Justin Timberlake scooped it up for his debut solo album Justified, helping to reshape his career post-*NSYNC. “Rock Your Body” became a club staple and introduced Timberlake’s new, more mature sound to the world. Its smooth beat, falsetto vocals, and Neptunes polish made it an instant favorite—one that might have sounded entirely different in Jackson’s hands.

10. “How Will I Know” – Whitney Houston

This bubbly pop tune was originally crafted for Janet Jackson, who ended up turning it down because it didn’t align with the sound she wanted to pursue. Her loss became Whitney Houston’s golden opportunity.

With a few tweaks to the arrangement and production, Houston delivered a radiant performance that highlighted her vocal strength and girl-next-door charm. “How Will I Know” became one of her first big hits and helped establish her as a rising star in the mid-’80s. The song’s colorful video also made a splash on MTV, expanding her appeal to a broader pop audience.

11. “Toxic” – Britney Spears

While Britney made it one of her most critically acclaimed songs, “Toxic” wasn’t originally written for her. The track was first offered to Kylie Minogue, who passed on it, thinking it wasn’t the right fit for her at the time.

That decision opened the door for Spears to create one of her most iconic hits. With its exotic strings, electrifying production, and seductive lyrics, “Toxic” pushed her sound in a bold, futuristic direction. The accompanying spy-themed music video became just as legendary, showcasing a daring edge that set Britney apart from her pop peers.

12. “Irreplaceable” – Beyoncé

Ne-Yo originally wrote this emotional ballad with a country feel, intending it for Faith Hill. The lyrics, about finding self-worth after heartbreak, had a raw honesty that felt right for a country narrative.

But when Beyoncé heard the song, she reimagined it with a more rhythmic, R&B delivery. The result was a worldwide smash that topped the charts for 10 consecutive weeks. “Irreplaceable” not only showcased her vocal control but also her growing confidence in blending vulnerability with empowerment. Though Faith Hill never recorded it, the song’s success proved it had found its perfect match.

13. “What Makes You Beautiful” – One Direction

This breakout hit for One Direction wasn’t originally crafted for a boy band. The songwriting team behind it—Rami Yacoub, Carl Falk, and Savan Kotecha—reportedly envisioned a solo female pop star delivering the uplifting lyrics and infectious melody.

But when the newly formed group emerged from The X Factor, the song was repurposed and restructured for a band dynamic. The decision proved to be genius. “What Makes You Beautiful” launched One Direction’s career and quickly became a pop phenomenon, especially among teen audiences. It set the tone for the band’s early sound and helped fuel the boy band revival of the 2010s.

14. “Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson

Pop-rock anthem “Since U Been Gone” didn’t begin with Kelly Clarkson in mind. It was offered first to Pink, who declined, and then to Hilary Duff—whose team passed due to vocal limitations.

When Clarkson got her hands on it, she transformed the track into a high-energy declaration of independence. Her powerhouse vocals and emotional delivery turned it into a defining moment in her career. The song earned critical acclaim and commercial success, and helped pivot her from American Idol winner to legitimate pop-rock force. Looking back, it’s nearly impossible to imagine anyone else pulling it off with the same grit and power.

15. “Telephone” – Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé

Initially written by Lady Gaga for Britney Spears, “Telephone” was supposed to be a high-energy track on Spears’ upcoming album. Britney even recorded a demo, but ultimately, it was shelved by her team.

Gaga decided to keep it for herself—and brought in Beyoncé for the feature. Their electrifying collaboration resulted in one of the most memorable pop songs and music videos of the 2010s. The cinematic, Quentin Tarantino-inspired visuals made headlines, and the pairing of two pop juggernauts created undeniable buzz. While Britney’s version remains unreleased, Gaga’s take turned “Telephone” into a full-blown pop culture moment.