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There can be several reasons for it to happen, but we can all agree, the results are pretty great!
There can be several reasons for it to happen, but we can all agree, the results are pretty great!
Writing a song vs performing a song
There’s a huge difference between the two forms of art, and sometimes, even the most talentet performers release songs that are actually written by others.
A better fit
There can be a number of different reasons for this to happen, but if you, for example, is a man writing a song from a woman’s perspective, it would make a lot more sence to have a female artist perform it, right?
So here are ten songs by famous artists, that are written by another famous artist!
Irreplaceable – Beyoncé
Originally imagined as a country-tinged ballad, Beyoncé transformed it into an R&B anthem of independence, giving it a sharper, more assertive edge.
Written by Ne-Yo
Known for his smooth R&B songwriting, Ne-Yo penned the track’s signature hook and melody, setting the emotional tone Beyoncé amplified.
Diamonds – Rihanna
When Rihanna heard the demo, she got so emotional, that she kept much of the writers phrasing intact.
Written by Sia
An acclaimed songwriter in her own right, Sia has crafted hits for numerous artists, but “Diamonds” remains one of her most instantly recognizable contributions.
Sia famously wrote the song in just 14 minutes
Rock Your Body – Justin Timberlake
This disco-funk track was originally intended for Michael Jackson’s Invincible album before landing on Justin Timberlake’s Justified.
Written by Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo (The Neptunes)
The Neptunes infused the song with their signature groove-heavy, minimalist production style, ensuring it stood out in early-2000s pop.
Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
The song became a defining pop culture moment for Miley despite her joking that she’d never “partied in the U.S.A.” before recording it.
Written by Jessie J
Jessie J, known for her powerhouse vocals and catchy hooks, stepped aside from this track after writing it, but later recorded her own version for fun.
We Can’t Stop – Miley Cyrus
Originally written for Rihanna (but not by her), the song became Miley’s edgy, rebellious statement during her dramatic shift in musical image.
Written by Mike Will Made-It & Rock City
Mike Will Made-It’s trap-influenced beats and Rock City’s melodic sensibilities combined to create a track that felt both laid-back and defiant.
Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
Leona’s soaring vocal performance turned this power ballad into a worldwide smash, bringing her international fame.
Written by Jesse McCartney & Ryan Tedder
Jesse McCartney crafted the core idea with Ryan Tedder, whose production flourishes gave the song cinematic depth.
Halo – Beyoncé
Aiming for a lush, angelic quality, Beyoncé delivered one of her most vocally demanding and heartfelt ballads.
Written by Ryan Tedder, Evan Bogart & Beyoncé
Tedder and Bogart wrote the song in just three hours, and according to Simon Cowell, it was originally meant for another artist, Leona Lewis.
She couldn’t record it due to a tight schedule, though, and so Tedder’s hallmark layered production and Bogart’s lyrical input shaped a song tha was since paired with Beyoncé’s impressive vocals.
Love Yourself – Justin Bieber
The third official single from Bieber’s 2015-album Purpose, the pop song with just an electric guitar and a brief flurry of trumpets became an instant hit.
Written by Ed Sheeran & Benny Blanco
It was actually written by Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco on a our bus earlier the same year.
It was originally intented for Sheeran’s own album, but he chose to offer it to Bieber.
Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani
With its brash cheerleader chants and infectious beat, it became one of Gwen’s biggest solo hits.
Written by Pharrell Williams & Gwen Stefani
Pharrell originally wrote with another project in mind, but his rhythmic instincts paired with Gwen’s playful edge created a track that dominated the mid-2000s charts.
Where Have You Been – Rihanna
A high-energy club banger, this song blended Rihanna’s commanding vocals with pulsating EDM beats.
Written by Ester Dean & Calvin Harris
Ester Dean’s knack for pop melodies and Calvin Harris’s dance-floor-ready production made the track a festival staple.
