Some of the biggest songs in music history almost had completely different stories behind them. Whether it was bad timing, creative disagreements, or simply not connecting with the track, these artists passed on songs that later turned into global hits for someone else. In hindsight, a few of these decisions probably still sting.
1. Britney Spears – “Umbrella”
Before Rihanna made “Umbrella” iconic, the song was reportedly offered to Britney Spears’ team. It never made it to her comeback album, and Rihanna ended up turning it into one of the defining pop songs of the 2000s.
2. Ed Sheeran – “Love Yourself”
Ed Sheeran originally wrote the song for himself but decided it did not fit his album. He passed it to Justin Bieber, who transformed it into a worldwide smash and one of the biggest songs of his career.
3. Prince – “Nothing Compares 2 U”
Prince wrote the song but never released it as a major single for himself. Years later, Sinéad O’Connor recorded it and created one of the most emotional and unforgettable hits of the early ’90s.
4. The Chainsmokers – “Closer”
The duo initially struggled to find the right vocalist for the track and reportedly considered different directions before Halsey joined the song. It eventually became unavoidable on radio and streaming platforms worldwide.
5. Leona Lewis – “We Found Love”
Leona Lewis recorded the song first, but it was eventually handed to Rihanna. Combined with production from Calvin Harris, it exploded into one of the decade’s biggest dance-pop hits.
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6. Kesha – “Telephone”
Kesha co-wrote the song and recorded a demo version, but it ultimately went to Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. The final version became a pop culture phenomenon thanks to its unforgettable video and massive chart success.
7. Nicole Scherzinger – “We Found Love”
Nicole Scherzinger also reportedly turned down the track before Rihanna recorded it. Looking back, it became one of those songs artists probably wish they had not passed on.
8. P!nk – “Since U Been Gone”
The song was reportedly offered to P!nk before landing with Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson’s version became a defining anthem of 2000s pop-rock and completely changed the direction of mainstream radio at the time.
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9. Hilary Duff – “Tik Tok”
Before Kesha made it a global phenomenon, the song had reportedly been offered around to other artists, including Hilary Duff. Kesha’s chaotic energy ended up making it the perfect fit.
10. Madonna – “Born This Way”
Producer rumors over the years claimed the song’s concept circulated around major pop artists before Lady Gaga fully embraced it and turned it into a massive cultural anthem tied to identity and self-expression.
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