10 songs that got away

Pop music is very much like a buffet. Artists pick and choose from a delectable array of hit songs cooked up by the best writers in the business. However, like plates at a buffet, songs are ever moving. A song can be in a pop star's hand one minute and a boy band's the next. Here are 10 songs you will be surprised to hear artists gave up just to have another one turn it into a smash hit.

10. “Umbrella”

Recorded by: Rihanna
Intended for: Britney Spears

This song spearheaded Rihanna’s career in the late 2000s. The first single off her hit-after-hit album Good Girl Gone Bad, "Umbrella" was originally meant for Britney Spears. However, the track was offered to Spears during her tumultuous 2007 breakdown, so execs passed.

9. “I Don’t ‘Wanna Miss A Thing”

Recorded by: Aerosmith
Intended for: Celine Dion

The rock anthem was originally meant for Celine Dion.

8. “Miss Independent”

Recorded by: Kelly Clarkson
Intended for: Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera

The journey to Clarkson’s “independence” is one for the ages. Fresh off her 2002 American Idol win, record execs started searching for a song for their newest pop sensation to sing. After Destiny’s Child and Christina Aguilera both turned down “Miss Independent,” the song went to Clarkson. It became an international smash and spearheaded Clarkson’s career.

7. “Disturbia”

Recorded by: Rihanna
Intended for: Chris Brown

Rihanna’s most critically-acclaimed song—earning her a Grammy nod in 2008—was originally meant for her current squeeze.

6. “My Humps”

Recorded by: The Black Eyed Peas
Intended for: The Pussycat Dolls

The Pussycat Dolls turned down the hip-hop group’s smash 2005 hit, which became a worldwide dance craze. However, without “Humps,” PCD left room for great songs like “Dontcha” and “Wait a Minute” on their 2005 album.

5. “Toxic”

Recorded by: Britney Spears
Intended for Kylie Minogue

Without “Toxic,” Britney Spears would not have the career she has. The song is Spears’ most critically lauded work, winning her the only Grammy she has to her name. However, Kylie Minogue had the chance to snatch up the song before Spears did. After Minogue decided the song was not a good fit for her, it went to Spears.

4. “Halo”

Recorded by: Beyonce
Intended for: Leona Lewis

Beyonce’s power ballad from I Am…Sasha Fierce had Leona Lewis as its original owner.

3. “Telephone”

Recorded by: Lady GaGa
Intended for: Britney Spears

Lady GaGa originally wrote “Telephone” for Britney Spears, and the pop star even recorded the song. However, the track ended up on the cutting room floor for Spears' album Circus . GaGa then took the track back for her album The Fame Monster.

2. “Rock Your Body”

Recorded by: Justin Timberlake
Intended for Michael Jackson

Justin Timberlake’s third single as a solo artist was offered to the late Michael Jackson first to spearhead his millennial comeback. However, he turned it down and let J.T. become an international superstar.

1. “…Baby One More Time.”

Recorded by: Britney Spears
Intended for: TLC

TLC turned down the single that put a 16-year-old Britney Spears on the map. However, TLC released “No Scrubs” the same year, which became just as big a hit as “Baby” was for Britney.