Beyonce’s “Pretty Hurts” Was Originally Offered To Katy Perry And Rihanna

Mike Wass | April 22, 2014 4:05 pm

Sia took The New York Times through her songwriting process in a recent article and casually revealed that “Pretty Hurts”, a self-help ballad on Beyonce‘s game-changing visual album, was originally offered to Katy Perry and then Rihanna, whose manager sat on the future hit for eight months before ultimately passing on it.

The Australian singer/songwriter first emailed the song to Katy but got no reply. (More about that later). Next on the “Chandelier” diva’s list was RiRi. Her manager held on to it for eight months but didn’t pay the fee to secure the soaring song. “When Beyonce heard it, she slid into home base and just closed the deal,” Sia explains.

Interestingly, Dr. Luke got his hands on Bey’s version before it was released and played it for Ms. Perry. “I’m pretty hurt you never sent me this song,” was the message she apparently texted Sia, who, in turn, told the frequent chart-topper to check her email. Her reply? “It was meant to be with Beyonce.” The moral of the story is clear. When Sia sends you an email, open it!

Can you imagine RiRi or Katy singing “Pretty Hurts”? Let us know in the comments below.

[Via The New York Times].

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.