7 hit songs turned down by other artists
From time to time, we all wonder what might have been if we’d just done something differently. In the world of music, it turns out this happens quite frequently! So many of the classic songs we loved in their heyday could have sounded much differently if the producers had gotten their way. Could you imagine what these hits would have been like if they were picked up by the artist who turned them down?
1. “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith was originally offered to Celine Dion
The pop legend’s incredible vocals could have certainly handled the lead track for the 1998 film Armageddon, but we simply can’t imagine it sung by anyone other than Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler, who skyrocketed the tune to number one in several countries, including Australia and the US.
2. “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston was originally offered to Janet Jackson
As talented as Janet Jackson is, there’s just no topping the powerhouse that was Whitney Houston. The 1985 song quickly became one of Houston’s biggest hits. Jackson turned it down, claiming it was “too weak” in comparison to the rest of her music. Bet she thinks differently now!
3. “Holiday” by Madonna was originally offered to Mary Wilson of the Supremes
This catchy 1983 tune was Madonna’s first hit on the mainstream charts, but it might have sounded a lot different. Turned down twice by Phyllis Hyman and former Supremes singer Mary Wilson, the critically-acclaimed “Holiday” helped launch Madonna to stardom.
4. “Call Me” by Blondie was originally offered to Stevie Nicks
Okay, this is one song we think both artists could have rocked. Producer Giorgio Moroder first approached Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and asked her to help write a song for the 1980 film American Gigolo. After declining, Debbie Harry came on board and the rest, as they say, is history!
5. “Hero” by Mariah Carey was originally offered to Gloria Estefan
Carey wrote the song for the 1992 movie Hero, intending for it to be performed by Gloria Estefan. However, she was persuaded to keep it herself by then-fiancé, Tommy Mottola, former CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, who told her “This is too good. Mariah, you have to take this song.”
6. “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” by Kylie Minogue was originally offered to S Club 7
Could you imagine S Club 7 taking on the Pop Princess’ hit 2001 song? They almost did, after producers Cathy Dennis and Rob Davis put the song together. However, the band’s manager felt it wasn’t right for them. Sophie Ellis-Bextor also turned it down, leaving it to become Kylie’s signature song.
7. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds was originally offered to The Fixx, Bryan Ferry and Billy Idol
We can’t believe so many artists turned down what would become one the most iconic songs of the ‘80s. In fact, Simple Minds themselves declined to record it, but were contractually obligated to by their label. Lucky they did, because the 1985 hit is by far their most well-known and beloved songs.
Which of these songs was your favourite? Let us know in the comment section below.
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