Maybe Britney thought it was too soon after her attack on the paparazzi and didn't want to evoke the image of her raining blows with an umbrella on photogs with each "Ella! Ella! Ella! EH!" In any case, there is no official reason given for her turning down the chance to record the single, "Umbrella," which has become a hit for nineteen-year-old recording artist Rihanna. The track was originally intended for the Britster, but when producer Tricky Stewart didn't get a call back from her people, a close friend of Stewart's, Taio Cruz, explains that it was passed along to Rihanna.
"Tricky let me record the track and I sent my demo to my record company but they told me they didn't think it was a hit."While they were deliberating over it Rihanna had a session with Tricky and heard it. The rest is history."
(Splash)
More on the story after the jump.
And for her part, Rihanna has spoken out about out-of-control starlets, like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, who seem to be allowing themselves to get caught up in the trappings of their own celebrity.
"It's sad and I can't understand it. I sympathise with those girls and I want it to stop. I do not understand why they don't wanna help themselves. It's crazy."It's almost as if Britney doesn't even want a comeback anymore. I do think Rihanna did a great job on that song, although, I would love to have heard Britney's interpretation of the whole "Eh!" thing. I have a feeling it would have ended up sounding very Canadian.
Colby says:
Oh Britney!
I think this was for the best because Britney is a bit too computer enhanced for her voice to go with the beat of the song
JRo says:
This was probably a good call. That song wouldn't have been number 1 if Britney sang it. It would've sounded digital and annoying. The only reason we don't make fun of the "Ella Ella Ella" is because Rihanna sings it so well.
Tayo says:
I'm sorry, I'm confused, I also heard that it was offered to Mary J Blige who refused it... was it offered to both or to just Britney? Or to just Mary?
Either way, Rihanna lucked out.
JRo says:
Rihanna always lucks out. "S.O.S." was turned down by Christina Milian and then Rihanna snatched it. She has good taste in other people's songs I guess.
Karl says:
Supposedly Mary J. wrote 'Umbrella', but didn't want to sing it herself, so she passed it to Rihanna.
sjaakeh:D says:
i've heard that the song was written for Britney but she didnt want it because she thought it wouldnt become a hit, and they asked Rihanna to sing it..and rihanna did it so well!! i love her video clip:-),,, also checkout Rihanna-Shut up and drive, Rihanna-Please dont stop the music
<333 Rihanna's goooooooooooood!!
(sorry if my english isnt to good.,,.i'm from the netherlands;))
Greetzzz !