Simon Cowell recently shared a big revelation on how he almost tore Britney Spears' career before it even started as the hit song "Baby One More Time" was supposed to be sung by one of the boy bands that he managed during the late 90s.
Speaking to his co-judge Howie Mandell on his "Howie Mandell Does Stuff" podcast, the 62-year-old manager said he used to manage the boy band called Five at the time.
He wanted the group to enter the American mainstream scene and he knows exactly how to do it.
Someone from the United States called him to say that a song initially written for TLC was played to him but the trio decided to pass it on to another artist.
The track, "Baby One More Time," is Cowell's key for his group to thrive in America, so he immediately wanted to get it for Five.
However, someone's Max Martin, the writer and producer of the song, is getting in his way as he already promised to give it to another artist, a then-unpopular singer named Britney Spears.
He recalled talking to Martin, saying, "'Max, let me give you some advice - no one is going to have a hit with the name Britney Spears.' She wasn't even known." (via New York Post)
Cowell did his best to get the song and even offered the Swedish record producer a deal by giving him a Mercedes 500 SL.
Britney Spears' Career Thrived After 'Baby One More Time'
Despite his efforts, Simon Cowell ultimately failed but he understood the situation as he believes that Martin is "honorable."
"He promised the song, and he wasn't going to break the promise. And look - he made the right decision," he added.
The incident didn't break his bond with the producer as he reveals that they are still good friends today. He later joked that he would've taken the car.
Britney Spears later debut with "Baby One More Time" in 1998; It was her first single ever. The song became a massive hit and dominated the charts in over 22 countries.
It became a certified triple-platinum in the United Kingdom and got the title of the best-selling single in 1999.
The following year, the Princess of Pop released her debut album of the same name which sealed her as one of the most iconic musicians in the music industry.
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