Christina Milian Rejected This Rihanna Superhit Song
The adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” rings true for music celebrities. Artists have rejected countless songs that became chart-toppers. For instance, Christina Milian passed over a hit that Rihanna’s team picked up. The song spent three weeks atop 2006’s Billboard Hot 100 and is arguably one of the singer’s biggest singles.
Christina Milian’s music career
Born on September 26, 1981, Milian did not begin her career as a singer. She was a Disney child star who appeared on a couple of TV shows before outgrowing the roles.
The Jersey City native then launched a singing career after appearing on Ja Rule’s second studio album. Her vocals can clearly be heard on his 2001 song “Between Me and You.”
And her capabilities as a songwriter were evident when she co-wrote “Play” for Jennifer Lopez. On the same song, you can hear her extensive backing vocals behind J.Lo’s.
After this feature, she released her first hit single, “AM to PM,” sparking international interest in the singer-songwriter.
Her first self-titled full-length album debuted in 2001. Unfortunately, it did not achieve any critical or commercial triumphs.
However, in 2004, her single “Dip It Low” introduced her as a heavy-hitter in the music industry and saw her career’s upward trajectory. Her biggest hit to date, it reached number one on World Composite Dance. In addition, it topped the U.K.’s Billboard Hot 100, attracting attention from Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland.
After that success, she worked on two additional studio albums, including one produced with Jay-Z and L.A. Reid’s help. Neither was received favorably in the domestic and international markets. Stateside, none of the songs made it to the top of any playlist.
Critics cite moderate success, with peak performance being number 21 on U.S. charts, number four on U.K. charts, and number 45 on Australian charts for some songs on both albums.
Milian rejected this song that became a smash hit for Rihanna
Insider reported that Milian rejected “SOS,” which later went to Rihanna. When “SOS” was being floated about, Milian was working on her third full-length album, So Amazin’. The song was offered to her with the possibility of being included on that album. But she rejected the song, citing it did not gel with the album’s overall feel. So it went to Rihanna’s team, which wasted no time bringing the star in to record it.
“SOS” became a commercial success. It not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 but also peaked at number one on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Songs chart. What’s more, the hit received Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Besides getting great coverage in the States, it also became a commercial success in Europe and Australia.
It’s important to note that Milian rejected the song despite not having a hit since 2004 when she released “Dip It Low.” In hindsight, the song could have prevented her subsequent drop from Def Jam Records. Though her termination was reportedly due to impending budget cuts, executives were rumored to have been extremely displeased with her two albums’ performance.
Other songs she has turned down
As Milian was starting her career in the early 2000s, she co-wrote “Play,” which she later sent to J.Lo.
Milian also passed over “Baby,” on the 2010 album by Justin Bieber.
And Paula DeAnda released “Walk Away,” which became a hit after Milian rejected it.
Finally, she wrote “Sexy People” but availed it to Lolene because it did not reflect where Milian was as an artist.
