The Magic of Whitney Houston and Calum Scott’s New Duet: A Return to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”

It may sound impossible, but the magic of music knows no bounds. On Thursday, a new Whitney Houston song is set to be released, 13 years after her passing. This rare occurrence is made possible through the artistry of English singer Calum Scott, who has created a unique duet that breathes new life into Houston’s iconic anthem “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).”

A Timeless Collaboration

Scott’s reinterpretation is not just another cover; it’s a heartfelt balladic version that utilizes Houston’s original vocal stems—essentially, the individual musical elements that form the backbone of her classic track. “It wasn’t even something I could have dreamt as a possibility,” Scott exclaimed in an interview with The Associated Press. Houston’s music, which echoed through his childhood thanks to his mother, has forever influenced him. He famously described her as “timeless,” a fitting tribute to a voice that remains etched in the hearts of many.

The Journey to the Duet

Creating a duet of this magnitude required rigorous approvals from various stakeholders. Central to this process was Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and executor of her estate, alongside Primary Wave, which acquired the copyrights to Whitney’s music in a 2022 deal. The idea for Scott’s ballad rendition of the song originated from Primary Wave, sparked by their familiarity with his live cover performed during his 2024 tour with Ed Sheeran.

Scott’s ability to transform the upbeat classic into a poignant ballad, particularly as Houston’s musical career marks its 40th anniversary in 2025, caught Pat Houston’s ear. “This is a no-brainer. This is the Houston style,” she affirmed, highlighting Scott’s knack for capturing the emotional gravity of Houston’s music.

Crafting a New Sound

The process of recording the song was both exhilarating and challenging. Houston’s estate and Primary Wave provided Scott with the original vocal stems produced by her longtime collaborator, Narada Michael Walden. The recording took place over the span of about a week in the U.K. under the guidance of producers Jon “MAGS” Maguire, Andrew Yeates, and Charlie T. A string section was incorporated, lending extra depth to the emotional nature of the new arrangement.

Scott approached the reinterpretation with a unique twist: turning a pop hit into a ballad. He humorously remarked, “Take a pop song and make it sad.” The original lyrics, while energetic, carry undertones of yearning and nostalgia, making them ripe for a more somber interpretation.

Staying True to the Original

One of the pivotal decisions during production was to feature Houston’s voice solo in the first verse. “Whitney starts the song because this is her song,” Scott insisted, acknowledging the significance of honoring her legacy. An intriguing detail he shared was the subtle presence of a snare drum in the first verse — an artifact of the original recording process that could not be altered without losing an essential part of Houston’s vocal essence.

Scott chose to maintain the song’s iconic key change in the final chorus, an homage to the original while showcasing his own vocal prowess. “I really had to dig for those high notes,” he admitted, relishing the opportunity to harmonize with Houston.

Gaining Approval from Songwriters

To add another layer of authenticity to the project, Scott sought approval from the original songwriters, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, who welcomed the collaboration with open arms. Merrill remarked on the respect shown in Scott’s approach, as he stripped back the arrangement to focus on the emotional core of the piece.

Rubicam characterized Scott’s vocals as analogous to those of powerhouse singers like Adele and Whitney herself, noting that such a unique pairing could bring out the emotional nuances pivotal to the song’s impact.

A Living Tribute

Scott expressed his vision for the song as one that allows Houston’s spirit to be felt rather than a conventional tribute. “I felt like I gently walked alongside Whitney,” he said, emphasizing that this rendition is an integral part of his upcoming album, “Avenoir,” set for release on October 10. The endeavor is more than just a collaboration; it’s a piece of his artistic journey.

Pat Houston underscored the timelessness of the original, stating, “Forty years ago, this particular song was hot then and it’s hot now.” The synergy between Whitney’s legacy and Scott’s artistry creates a compelling reason to keep sharing her music with the world, honoring her impact while introducing it to new generations.