14 Singers Who Wrote Other Stars’ Famous Songs

Kesha told Digital Spy that she wrote the single off Spears’ 2011 Femme Fatale album specifically for the star.

Kesha actually penned this track for her own album, but it didn’t make it onto the final cut. Though Kesha had reservations about giving the song to another artist, she eventually let former iCarly star Cosgrove record it for her album Sparks Fly.

Before Cyrus edged up her image, Kesha wrote this “party song for a younger crowd” for the artist, telling MTV News that she thought the “We Can’t Stop” singer had a “cool, fun vibe.”

The “Bang, Bang” singer has penned several radio hits, one of which she said paid her rent for three years.

The tune spent 28 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 list, and Jessie J made serious bank off the hit before she became famous for recording her own music.

The “I Kissed A Girl” singer has co-wrote several songs for other pop stars.

Perry and singer-songwriter Sia co-wrote the track alongside Spears, who is listed as the primary writer.

Perry recorded her own version of the track, which is a little edgier than the one the American Idol winner turned into a hit. Perry’s original line was “keep your thing in your pants and your heart on your sleeve,” which Clarkson’s team cleaned up to “keep your hand in my hand.” Perry also penned Clarkson’s “Long Shot.”

Perry is credited as co-writer on the twangy tough girl tune.

Before Gomez struck it out on her own, her former group recorded this Perry-penned pop tune.

The One Direction star is more than just a pretty face — he’s also a songwriter.

How many girls can say that Harry Styles wrote a love song for them? Grande now can — he penned this track for her album My Everything.

Back when they were a couple, this pair also made sweet music together — except, you know, for other people.

Yep, one of the biggest hits the Biebs has ever had was penned by these celebs. The singer is also credited as a songwriter on the track.

Pink is more than just a powerhouse voice — she’s also an excellent songwriter.

The former American Idol star made the Pink-penned track — which was originally going to appear on her own album Funhouse — his second single from his album For Your Entertainment.

He may be known for his own hits like “Treasure” and “Locked Out of Heaven,” but he has quite a few songs that he wrote that ended up in the hands of other artists.

It’s hard to imagine anyone other than the big-voiced Green singing this 2010 hit, but it was originally written by Mars.

Mars is the man behind this party tune, which was also featured in the end credits of The Hangover. Also involved in the track was a then-unknown Kesha, who sang the backup vocals.

The “Blank Space” singer lent her tunes to this country star.

Pickler and Swift co-wrote this track about a cheating boyfriend shortly before going on tour together.

The “Forever” singer gave this track to his then-girlfriend.

Though he originally planned to record the song himself, he opted out, leaving it open for his then-girlfriend to turn into a hit.

The former Gossip Girl star and lead singer of the Pretty Reckless inadvertently wrote a track for this “singer.”

Momsen allegedly wrote and recorded the track “Blackout” at just eight years old. Years later, the former Hills star put it out as her own single. Sure, “Blackout” may not exactly be a hit (I mean, have you ever even heard of it?), but it is a pretty bizarre story.

The “Chandelier” singer has a killer voice, but you may be surprised to learn that she’s also the writer behind some major hits.

Sia originally sent the song to Katy Perry, who apparently didn’t see the e-mail from her pal. Beyoncé picked it up instead and released it in 2013.

The version that Rihanna recorded is almost identical to the one that the writer demoed.

Aguilera recorded this Sia-written tune for her 2010 album Bionic.

Sia marked her territory on Spears’ 2013 album Britney Jean with this track.

The “Let Me Love You” singer is behind this girl power single.

Ne-Yo apparently has serious regrets about giving up the ex-bashing track — which was originally written from a male perspective — and stated that he really wrote it “for himself.” Guess Ne-Yo really was replaceable.

The “Girlfriend” singer penned this famous empowerment track.

Though Lavigne intended to use it for her first album, she chucked it when she decided it didn’t fit the record. Clarkson snatched it up and recorded it for the soundtrack of the Princesses Diaries 2.

The “Candyman” singer co-wrote this pop hit.

Clarkson’s a lucky girl — the American Idol winner has recorded songs by several lady hitmakers, including her very first single outside of the reality competition.