Over the past year, it’s been damn near impossible to escape Rihanna‘s hard-pounding hit “We Found Love” featuring Scottish DJ Calvin Harris. From the club, to your car and even your local supermarket, the certified smash dominated the airwaves. But Leona Lewis says she recorded the single first– and better.
The British singer/songwriter recently revealed to the Daily Star that “We Found Love” was originally her song, but passed on it for another lead single.
“It was the same version and production but mine’s better,” she said. “There are so many songs I’ve recorded, only to hear other people singing them. It happens all the time.”
And Lewis is correct.
Through the years, tons of artists have overlooked potential hits only for them to be picked up by other performers and spun into music gold. Unfortunately for Lewis, “We Found Love” might have cost her one of the biggest selling singles of all time. 6.3 million copies (to be exact).
Check out eight more chart-toppers that were written for other artists!
“How Will I Know” for Janet Jackson, given to Whitney Houston.
Jackson’s management passed on the upbeat tune that made its way up the Billboard charts.
“Umbrella” for Britney Spears, offered to Mary J. Blige but given to Rihanna.
Britney could have totally pulled it off. Mary…not so much. But Rihanna’s recording? Perfection.
“Bad” a duet between Michael Jackson and Prince, given to Jackson.
There was only room for one legendary voice.
“…Baby One More Time” for TLC, given to Britney Spears.
The popular ’90s girl group passed on the monster hit that launched the career of the bubble gum pop star.
“What’s Love Got To Do With It?” for Donna Summer, given to Tina Turner.
After years of abuse and a divorce from Ike Turner, the ’80s hit only seemed right.
“Halo” for Leona Lewis, given to Beyonce.
Once again, Lewis missed the boat.
“Rock Your Body” for Michael Jackson, given to Justin Timberlake.
The song was meant for Jackson’s comeback album Invincible, but didn’t make the cut.
“Milkshake” for Britney Spears, given to Kelis.
Spears’ milkshake was supposed to bring all the boys to the yard.
