9 songs with superstars providing uncredited backing vocals

Who'd have known?!

Author: Natalie ReesPublished 9th Mar 2021
Last updated 18th Mar 2021

Most singers like to take the credit when they appear on a song.

HOWEVER sometimes they blend into the background and remain a secret. Here are some of the biggest songs featuring uncredited backing vocals from massive stars.

Justin Bieber - 'Love Yourself'

Ed Sheeran not only wrote this song, he also lends his voice to the backing vocals on the JB track. Ed and Justin have worked together numerous times since and most recently collaborated on track 'I Don't Care'.

Selena Gomez – 'Same Old Love'

Written by popstar Charli XCX, the 'Boom Clap' singer also lent her vocals to 'Same Old Love'. The track was the second single from Selena's second studio album 'Revival'.

Britney Spears - 'Ooh La La'

'Ooh La La' featured on the soundtrack of The Smurfs 2 film which featured Katy Perry as Smurfette. It was later revealed the song also includes some of Katy's vocals.

Kanye West - 'All of the Lights'

It's no secret that Kanye loves to collaborate with other artists. This hit from his 2010 album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' features a number of huge artists including: John Legend, Alicia Keys, Fergie, Elton John and Drake.

Madonna - 'Living For Love'

This song is probably most famous for Madonna falling over whilst performing it at the Brit Awards in 2015. British singer MNEK provides backing vocals for this track. MNEK rose to fame after featuring on Gorgon City's 2014 track 'Ready For Your Love' and most recently collaborated with DJ Joel Corry on 'Head & Heart' which spent six weeks at number one in 2020.

Ariana Grande - 'Focus'

American actor and comedian Jamie Foxx is the mystery man who is featured on Ariana's song which won her the 'Best Song To Dance To' at the 2016 Radio Disney Music Awards. It features on her album 'Dangerous Woman'.

Britney Spears – 'Piece of Me'

Swedish pop star and 'Dancing On My Own' hitmaker Robyn appears uncredited on this 2007 hit from pop princess Britney Spears.

Coldplay – 'Everglow'

Chris Martin's ex-wife actress Gwyneth Paltrow appears on this track from Coldplay's seventh studio album 'A Head Full of Dreams'. The pair have a daughter together called Apple and announced they would 'consciously uncouple' in 2014 after 10 years of marriage.

Alicia Keys – 'You Don’t Know My Name'

Before he was famous, 'All of Me' singer John Legend provided backing vocals for the soulful Alicia Keys on her 2003 song 'You Don't Know My Name'.

Take a look at some of the biggest hits originally turned down by artists:

1) 'Black Widow' by Iggy Azalea...


Was originally turned down by Katy Perry


2) 'We Found Love' by Rihanna...


Was originally turned down by Nicole Scherzinger


3) 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams...


Was originally turned down by Cee Lo Green


4) 'We Can't Stop' by Miley Cyrus...


Was originally turned down by Rihanna


5) 'Telephone' by Lady Gaga...


Was originally turned down by Britney Spears


6) 'Since U Been Gone' by Kelly Clarkson...


Was originally turned down by P!nk


7) 'Disturbia' by Rihanna...


Was originally turned down by Chris Brown


8) '...Baby One More Time' by Britney Spears...


Was originally turned down by The Backstreet Boys and TLC


9) 'Toxic' by Britney Spears...


Was originally turned down by Kylie Minogue


10) 'SOS' by Rihanna...


Was originally turned by Christina Milian


11) 'I'm a Slave 4 U' by Britney Spears...


Was originally turned by Janet Jackson


12) 'Don't Cha' by The Pussycat Dolls...


Was originally turned by The Sugababes and Paris Hilton


13) 'Umbrella' by Rihanna...


Was originally turned by Britney Spears


14) 'Titanium' by Sia...


Was originally turned down by Katy Perry


Now read:

All the reasons why we adore Katy Perry

Coldplay: 19 facts you need to know about the band

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