Singers who wrote mega-famous songs for other artists

Jessie J’s Hollywood gift to Miley Cyrus

Jessie J quietly co-wrote Miley Cyrus’ 2009 anthem Party in the U.S.A. before passing it on. What started as a Jessie demo became Miley’s breakthrough about moving to L.A. with dreams and jitters.

With its catchy hook and name-dropping lyrics, the song nailed that starstruck vibe. Jessie may have given it away, but it launched two careers at once.

Avril’s uplifting curveball for Kelly Clarkson

Avril Lavigne wrote Breakaway with her own journey in mind but handed it off to Kelly Clarkson. The empowering 2004 ballad became a perfect fit for Clarkson’s soaring vocals and girl-next-door appeal.

Its lyrics about chasing dreams struck a chord with millions. Avril’s pivot from punk to heartfelt pop proved her songwriting chops stretched beyond Sk8er Boi.

Ryan Tedder’s heartbreak masterpiece

Ryan Tedder and Jesse McCartney wrote Bleeding Love, but it was Leona Lewis who made it a phenomenon. With haunting piano and painful honesty, the 2007 hit defined Lewis’ global arrival.

The song’s emotional weight and powerful vocals took heartbreak to another level. Tedder’s gift for tapping raw feelings became a career hallmark starting here.

Ne-Yo’s Beyoncé empowerment anthem

Ne-Yo surprised fans by writing Beyoncé’s fierce breakup track Irreplaceable with a country twist in 2006. He flipped gender roles with a “to the left” line that screamed independence and attitude.

The song topped charts for 10 weeks and became a cultural catchphrase. Ne-Yo’s pen game gave Beyoncé one of her most iconic solo moments.

Linda Perry’s stripped-down beauty

Linda Perry initially wrote Beautiful for herself but gave it to Christina Aguilera, who turned it into magic. The stripped-down ballad became a 2002 anthem of self-acceptance and inner strength.

Aguilera’s raw vocals and Perry’s vulnerable lyrics created something timeless. It proved pop could be powerful without needing a flashy beat or glitter.

Ed Sheeran’s subtle Bieber roast

Ed Sheeran co-wrote Love Yourself for Justin Bieber, packing shade in an acoustic love song gone cold. It was a breakup ballad with bite, wrapped in soft guitar and clean melodies.

Sheeran later admitted it was more roast than romance. Still, it became a chart-topper and proved that even polite pop can hit hard.

Sia’s rejected Beyoncé power ballad

Sia wrote Pretty Hurts and offered it to multiple stars before Beyoncé said yes. The 2013 track tackled impossible beauty standards with haunting honesty and a cinematic chorus.

Sia’s lyrics gave Beyoncé space for emotional vulnerability and strength. The song became a standout on her self-titled album and sparked deeper cultural conversations.

Kesha’s Britney dancefloor rescue

Kesha penned Till the World Ends for Britney Spears, imagining a post-apocalyptic rave in high heels. The 2011 dance track became Britney’s club comeback and one of her last chart-toppers.

With explosive EDM drops and chant-worthy hooks, it defined the era’s party vibe. Kesha’s writing gave Britney a fresh hit and a futuristic sound.

Bebe Rexha’s perfect match with Eminem on “The Monster”

Bebe Rexha wrote The Monster while working on her debut album and knew instantly the hook was special. She felt it was a perfect fit for Eminem’s style, even before he got involved.

The track features Rihanna’s powerful vocals alongside Eminem’s verses, creating a haunting and unforgettable hit. Bebe’s songwriting laid the foundation for this chart-topping collaboration that fans still love today.

Julia Michaels’ Bieber apology tour

Julia Michaels co-wrote Sorry with Justin Bieber and Skrillex, turning remorse into dance-floor gold. The song blended tropical beats with heartfelt regret, becoming a major hit in 2015.

Julia, known for Issues, helped shape Bieber’s image reboot. The song’s laid-back rhythm masked deep emotion, making “sorry” sound cooler than ever before.

Linda Perry’s Pink party starter

Linda Perry switched from alternative to glam writing Get the Party Started for Pink in 2001. The raspy, brass-blasted track gave Pink an edgier persona and a whole new pop lane.

From its first trumpet note, it screamed confidence and energy. It became the anthem of the early 2000s party scene—with Perry’s pen behind it all.

Ne-Yo’s Mario slow jam breakthrough

Before becoming a solo star, Ne-Yo co-wrote Let Me Love You for Mario in 2004. The smooth R&B track about loyalty and care stayed at No. 1 for weeks.

The hit launched Ne-Yo’s career as a songwriter to watch. His lyrics and melody blended vulnerability and cool—everything mid-2000s slow jams needed.

Jesse McCartney’s lost love letter

Jesse McCartney first wrote Bleeding Love for himself before it landed with Leona Lewis. His version leaned into emo-pop, but Tedder reworked it into a power ballad.

Lewis’ voice brought the lyrics to life with pain and poise. Jesse’s heartbreak helped create one of the most iconic love-gone-wrong hits of the decade.

Linda Perry’s Gwen Stefani wake-up call

Linda Perry gave Gwen Stefani the pep talk she didn’t know she needed with What You Waiting For? in 2004. It urged Gwen to break from No Doubt and embrace solo risks.

The ticking beat and quirky visuals matched her bold new identity. Perry’s writing helped Gwen launch a whole new chapter—with major chart power.

Taylor’s secret hit with Calvin and Rihanna

Taylor Swift secretly co-wrote This Is What You Came For under the alias Nils Sjöberg. At the time, she was dating Calvin Harris and chose to keep her name off the record.

After their breakup, the truth spilled—Taylor not only wrote lyrics but even sang background harmonies. The 2016 EDM smash showed her reach went far beyond country or pop.

These moving songs honor the brave—listen to the heartfelt tributes that still echo today.

Ed Sheeran’s teen ballad for One Direction

Ed Sheeran co-wrote Little Things at just 17 with friend Fiona Bevan, then left it behind. Years later, when One Direction wanted a song from Ed, Fiona reminded him of the forgotten track.

He passed it along, and it turned into a heartfelt highlight on their second album. The stripped-down ballad showcased a softer side of the boy band’s sound.

Country fresh and playlist ready—these 11 new tracks are turning heads this week!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.