‘The List’ premiere: Massive hits originally meant for other artists

The List is a new, weekly short-form show available exclusively on the SXM App, hosted by pop culture experts, authors, and BuzzFeed alums Matt Bellassai and Nichole Perkins. From breaking down weird and wild lyrics to digging into some of the biggest songs of all time, it’s the topical blend of music and culture that you never knew you needed.

On the premiere episode of The List, Matt and Nichole explore the songs that are so iconic that it’s nearly impossible to imagine them performed by anyone else — and yet, in an alternate universe…

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“Toxic” by Britney Spears

Originally meant for Janet Jackson and Kylie Minogue.

Cathy Dennis, one of the songwriters, confirmed “Toxic” was written with Janet in mind. It was then pitched for Kylie’s Body Language album but turned down, ultimately ending up as one of Britney’s biggest hits.

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

Originally meant for Celine Dion

Songwriter Diane Warren wrote “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” with a female diva in mind like Celine Dion, envisioning it as a soft and pretty song. Sung instead by Steven Tyler, it remains Aerosmith’s only US number-one single.

“Chandelier” by Sia

Originally meant for Rihanna or Beyoncé

Sia claims she “accidentally” wrote this mega-hit for herself. She was jamming with friend Jesse Shatkin, certain she was crafting a hit for Rihanna or Beyoncé, but instead, the lead single for her album 1000 Forms of Fear came to be.

Want to know what other massive hits were originally meant for other artists — including Ed Sheeran, Pussycat Dolls, and Bruce Springsteen tracks? Listen to Episode 1 of The List on the SiriusXM app now.