A new version of Whitney Houston's cult hit "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)", which combines her vocals with the voice of multi-platinum singer-songwriter Calum Scott, has been released on Capitol Records (Universal Music). This is the first time her original recordings have been used. The new version of the song will appear on Calum's third studio album 'Avenoir', due out on October 10.
In June 2025, the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single eight times platinum in the US alone. The new version transforms the dance-pop classic into a symphonic duet that subtly enhances the song's longing vibe.
The release of the single comes as fans around the world celebrate the 40th anniversary of Whitney's storied career in music and entertainment, which began with her self-titled debut album in 1985, which is now one of her three RIAA Diamond-certified albums in the US.
Calum Scott stated: "Growing up, my mum played Whitney Houston's music in the car and her iconic voice had a huge influence on me. Last year, I started dropping the chorus of 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' when I performed 'Dancing On My Own' live. Lyrically it was a perfect fit, and it always got an amazing reaction from the fans. But I never thought that Primary Wave Music, who partner with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, would hear it and contact me to collaborating using Whitney's iconic vocals! It was truly an honor to reimagine her song as a duet, which I hope will continue to perpetuate her incredible artistry. I am extremely grateful to Pat Houston, Primary Wave Music and songwriters, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam for making the Yorkshire boy and his family very proud dream".
"With Whitney, one of our goals is to continue to spread her music in new and innovative ways, where it makes sense," says Pat Houston, who leads the Whitney E. Houston legacy. "When making decisions on behalf of Whitney, we always want to be authentic to her creative integrity. Calum is a multi-talented artist and producer. When Justin Shukat of Primary Wave Music talked to me about the idea of releasing a duet with Calum and Whitney, I initially liked the idea, but of course, I had to hear the song before we made a final decision. I like Calum's interpretation of the song and we decided to go ahead with the release. Whitney has always believed in helping others and lending a hand how others would realize their dreams".
Calum Scott recorded the song with producers Jon "MAGS" Maguire, Andrew Yeates and Charlie T in the UK, accompanied by a string section. Whitney's vocals were produced by her longtime Narada producer Michael Walden. Recording of the song "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)' pushed Calum's boundaries as a songwriter.
He explains: "It was a very delicate balance, as I wanted to make sure I paid respect and tribute to an icon that has always meant a lot to me. Whitney's vocals were recorded on tape, so reimagining this track with the original vocals required a lot of work to ensure her vocals remained intact."
CALUM SCOTT AND WHITNEY HOUSTON, Credit: universalmusic.rs, Rebecca Johnson and Steven Meisel
After the track was finished, Calum brought it to the song's songwriters, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, for a first listen. "We immediately hit it off with Calum while talking about Whitney and listening to the song," said George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam. "Hearing the raw intensity of Whitney's voice in the first verse with just the piano, then being joined by the warmth and power of Calum's voice in the chorus, was an emotional experience. We love the soulful, uplifting beauty of the track."
Originally released in May 1987, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)' is one of Whitney's biggest hits and was the lead single from her second studio album 'Whitney'. The song became a global hit, reaching #1 in over 17 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it her fourth consecutive #1 single. The single also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart and became her first #1 single on the Billboard Dance/Disco Club Play chart.
Whitney won a Grammy Award for "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, as well as an American Music Award. In 2023, Billboard magazine named the single "the best pop song of all time". In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine included it on its list of "Greatest Songs of All Time". Currently, the video for "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" has more than 500 million views on YouTube.
