February 7, 2008 11:46

Rihanna nearly lost her 'Umbrella' to Britney and Mary J Blige

Producer lifts the lid on the story behind the smash hit

The globe-trotting number one smash hit 'Umbrella' that catapulted Rihanna towards superstar status was almost recorded by someone else.

Tricky Stewart, the track’s producer, revealed the song was originally composed with Britney Spears in mind – but was declined as the singer already had songs lined up for her album, which her people were already struggling to get recorded.

The track was then sent to Mary J. Blige and LA Reid, CEO of Island Def Jam, Rihanna’s label.

Stewart said: “In a two-day period, we were in the bidding war of our lives.”

But as Blige was busy with the Grammy Awards so 'Umbrella' ended up going to Rihanna.

Speaking to MTV News Stewart joked: “By the time LA Reid and his team got done beating us up, we just couldn’t say no.”

Rihanna's version is up for Record Of The Year at this year's Grammys.

The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.