LOS ANGELES, CA- Capitol Records unveiled a striking reimagining of one of pop’s most enduring anthems. Calum Scott joins Whitney Houston on a new duet version of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, recorded with the full endorsement of Houston’s estate. It’s the first time her original vocal stems have been used in a collaborative release, transforming the 1987 dance-pop classic into a sweeping ballad marked by orchestral grandeur and aching vulnerability.
The release arrives during the global celebration of the 40th anniversary of Houston’s career, which began with her 1985 self-titled debut, now one of her three RIAA Diamond-certified albums. The duet also appears on Scott’s forthcoming third studio album, Avenoir, due October 10.
For Scott, who grew up listening to Whitney in his mother’s car, the opportunity was both surreal and daunting. “Last year, I started to include a chorus of ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ when I performed ‘Dancing On My Own’ live,” he explained. “It always got an amazing reaction. But never did I think Primary Wave Music, alongside Whitney’s estate, would reach out to collaborate using her vocals. It has truly been an honour to be trusted with Whitney’s voice to reimagine her song as a duet ballad.”
Pat Houston, executor of the Whitney E. Houston Estate, said the decision wasn’t taken lightly: “When we make decisions on behalf of Whitney, we always want to be authentic to her creative integrity. I love Calum’s rendition of the song, and we decided to move forward. Whitney always believed in helping others fulfill their dreams.”
Hearing the track for the first time is a jolt of recognition… familiar yet entirely new. Slowing the tempo and framing Houston’s vocals against piano and strings makes the song hit differently, with a kind of bittersweet power. It’s the sort of arrangement that raises goosebumps and, more importantly, feels respectful.
There’s always the risk of tampering with perfection, particularly when the original singer is no longer here to give approval. But in this case, with the estate’s blessing and a sensitive arrangement, Scott delivers a version that feels authentic. His voice doesn’t compete with Houston’s; it blends with hers in a way that highlights her brilliance while adding a new emotional layer. It’s a genuine duet rather than a showcase for him, and the harmony between the two is striking.
What’s equally impressive is how natural Houston’s vocal sounds. Untouched… unforced… and every bit as vital as it was in 1987. For longtime fans, the result is less a reinvention than a loving tribute that underscores just how timeless her artistry remains.
Originally released in 1987 as the lead single from Whitney, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” became a global hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and winning Houston a GRAMMY for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. In 2023, Billboard named it the Best Pop Song of All Time, while Rolling Stone placed it among the greatest songs ever recorded.
With over 10 billion global streams, Scott has built a reputation for emotional ballads like “You Are the Reason” and his cover of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” Pairing his voice with Houston’s legendary performance underscores both the endurance of her influence and Scott’s ability to reinterpret timeless songs for new generations.
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