A new Whitney Houston song is set to be released 13 years after her death, this time as a duet with English singer Calum Scott. The single reimagines Houston’s classic hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” as a ballad, using the late singer’s original vocal stems. The collaboration was approved by Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister‑in‑law and executor of her estate, and by Primary Wave, which acquired the copyrights to Houston’s songs in 2022.
The idea for the duet originated with Primary Wave, which had noticed Scott’s live cover of the song during his stint opening for Ed Sheeran in 2024. Scott’s rendition transformed the up‑tempo pop classic into a heartfelt ballad, blending it with Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” Pat Houston was impressed by this interpretation and saw an opportunity to celebrate Houston’s 40th anniversary in the music industry.
To create the duet, Scott received Houston’s original vocal stems, produced by her longtime collaborator Narada Michael Walden. He recorded his parts in the UK with producers Jon “MAGS” Maguire, Andrew Yeates, and Charlie T. The recording process took about a week, after which a string section was added to give the track additional depth. Scott’s approach was to “take a pop song and make it sad,” emphasizing the melancholic lyrics of the original.
The new version begins with Houston’s voice alone in the first verse, a deliberate choice by Scott to pay tribute to the late singer. The iconic key change in the final chorus is retained, and Scott had to “dig for those high notes” to harmonize with Houston. The original songwriters, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, were consulted and approved the duet, praising Scott’s respectful approach and virtuosic vocals.
The release marks a significant moment in Houston’s legacy, introducing her music to a new generation while showcasing Scott’s talent as a vocalist. With the 40th anniversary of Houston’s career being celebrated in 2025, this duet serves as a fitting tribute to her enduring impact on the music industry.
Comments are closed for this story.