Capitol Records released “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – a stunning new version of the iconic Whitney Houston hit that pairs the vocals of multi-platinum singer-songwriter Calum Scott with Houston’s, marking the first time her original stems have been used. In June 2025, the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently certified the single eight-times platinum in the U.S. alone. The new rendition transforms the dance-pop classic into a symphonic duet that subtly magnifies the song’s mood of heavy-hearted longing. The release comes as fans around the world celebrate the 40th anniversary of Whitney’s historic career in music and entertainment, which began with her 1985 self-titled debut album, which is now one of her three certified RIAA Diamond albums in the U.S.
Says Calum Scott, “Growing up, my mum would play Whitney Houston’s music in the car and her legendary voice had a big impact on me. Last year, I started to include a chorus of ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ when I performed ‘Dancing On My Own’’ live. Lyrically, it fit perfectly, and it always got an amazing reaction from the fans. But never did I think Primary Wave Music, who is a partner with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston would hear it and reach out to me to collaborate using Whitney’s iconic vocals! It has truly been an honour to be trusted with Whitney’s voice to reimagine her song as a duet ballad which I hope continues to immortalise her incredible artistry. I am extremely grateful to Pat Houston, Primary Wave Music and songwriters, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam for making a Yorkshire boy and his family very proud. This opportunity is a dream come true.”
Originally released in May 1987, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” is one of Whitney’s biggest hit songs and was the lead single from her second studio album, Whitney. The song became a global hit, reaching No. 1 in more than seventeen countries including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which became her fourth consecutive No. 1 single. The single also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart and became her first No.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 their list of Greatest Songs of All Time. Currently, the video of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” has more than 500 million views on YouTube.
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