3 Famous Pop Songs Written by Someone Other Than the Star Who Sang Them

Tons of pop stars don’t write their own music. This isn’t news by any means. However, there are quite a few pop songs that have been released and performed by famous pop stars that were actually written by another pop star. Let’s look at three examples, shall we? A couple of these might just surprise you!

1. Britney Spears’ “Till The World Ends” Was Written By Kesha

This 2011 hit from Britney Spears’ seventh album Femme Fatale was an important one for the pop star. It helped establish her yet again as one of the biggest pop stars of all time. And the song, like many of Spears’ biggest tracks, wasn’t written by her at all. The songwriting credit for “Till The World Ends” goes to fellow pop artist Kesha, as well as a few other writers.

2. Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” Was Written By Avril Lavigne

When one thinks of famous pop and country star Kelly Clarkson, one usually thinks of the addictive song “Breakaway” from 2004. The single was one of her very first releases post-American Idol, and it was a massive hit. 

The song, surprisingly, was written by pop star Avril Lavigne. Co-writing credits go to Matthew Gerrard and Bridget Benenate as well. “Breakaway” was actually supposed to be featured on Lavigne’s debut album Let Go in 2002, but went to Clarkson instead.

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3. Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” Was Written By Linda Perry

Stripped was a massive hit for Christina Aguilera in 2002. The most well-known song from that album has to be “Beautiful”. It’s a well-written, memorable pop song with a core theme of self-acceptance… and it wasn’t written by Aguilera at all. The song was both produced and written by Linda Perry, who some might know as the frontwoman of the one-hit wonder rock band 4 Non Blondes.

Photo by Rich Polk

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