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…
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.
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.
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.
Grateful Dead Channel (Ch. 23) celebrates the life and legacy of Jerry Garcia during “The Days Between,” August 1–9, marking the time between Jerry’s birth and his passing.
The Dog Days of August get going this Saturday, with the Cards and the Jays meeting up in Toronto.
Michelle Branch celebrated the 25th anniversary of her breakthrough album, “The Spirit Room,” with an exclusive performance in front of a live audience on PopRocks (Ch. 6).
Shania Twain returned to where it all began for an intimate, one-night-only SiriusXM concert at Racket NYC.
Elizabeth Hurley is opening up about why her relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus works and sharing what it was like meeting Miley Cyrus.
During the July 21 episode of Radio Andy’s “The Julia Cunningham Show,” Amy Adams revealed that Kirstie Alley gave her the confidence to move to Los Angeles…
