A Musical Match Made in Heaven… Almost
They were two of the most iconic voices of a generation: Whitney Houston, the pop princess with a voice that could shatter glass, and George Michael, the soulful crooner who redefined pop music. Their paths seemed destined to cross, and when they finally did in 2000, the result was pure magic. But the story of their collaboration on the R&B hit “If I Told You That” is one of near misses, rumored rivalries, and a musical chemistry that almost never was.
George Michael and Whitney Houston exuded an undeniable chemistry in their only duet.
From Rumored Rivals to Soulful Collaborators
The music world in the late 80s buzzed with whispers of a rivalry between George and Whitney. George, known for his candidness, reportedly commented that Whitney’s vocal style left him cold. It seemed unlikely that these two powerhouses would ever share a stage, let alone a recording booth.
Yet, fate, it seemed, had other plans.
The Genesis of a Duet: A Song Written for Three
“If I Told You That,” a soulful ballad penned by the legendary Rodney Jerkins, was initially intended for Whitney’s 1998 comeback album, My Love Is Your Love. Two years later, as Whitney planned a greatest hits album, she and Jerkins envisioned a duet version of the song. But the first choice for a duet partner wasn’t George Michael; it was the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson.
Jerkins, who worked with both Whitney and Michael, created a demo specifically for MJ, hoping to entice him to join the project. However, for reasons unknown, Michael declined.
A History of Missed Connections
This wasn’t the first time a potential duet between these two icons had been proposed. Years earlier, Michael had approached Whitney to collaborate on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” for his landmark 1987 album Bad. Arista Records, Whitney’s label at the time, nixed the idea. The favor was returned in 1990 when Whitney sought George’s vocal talents for one of her projects, only to be met with a similar refusal from Michael’s camp.
It seemed the stars were not aligned for a George Michael-Whitney Houston duet. Or were they?
Clive Davis: The Architect of a Musical Union
Enter Clive Davis, the legendary music executive who had a knack for recognizing a hit song and pairing the perfect artists together. Having worked with George on his unforgettable duet with Aretha Franklin, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” Davis believed George was the perfect fit for “If I Told You That.” He suggested reaching out to the British singer.
This time, the timing was right. George accepted the offer, and history was made.
A Vocal Tour de Force: George and Whitney Deliver
The resulting duet is a masterclass in vocal synergy. Whitney’s powerhouse vocals, capable of reaching stratospheric heights, are met note for note by George’s soulful and nuanced delivery. They weave in and out of the melody, their voices complementing each other with an almost telepathic connection.
Whitney and George's chemistry extended beyond the recording studio, evident in their playful interactions.
Beyond the Music: A Glimpse of Genuine Affection
The music video for “If I Told You That” captures the duo’s chemistry, showcasing their playful dynamic and genuine affection for one another. Filmed in a New York City club, the video is infused with warmth and laughter as George and Whitney embrace, dance, and radiate joy.
Stories from the set paint a picture of two artists at ease with each other, their rumored rivalry a distant memory. A backup dancer recalled the camaraderie between takes, sharing anecdotes of George and Whitney’s playful banter and infectious laughter.
One comment on the official YouTube video encapsulates the atmosphere: “It was so much fun! George and Whitney were so hilarious and easy going and their chemistry was off the charts. At one point I remember George joking during takes and he said: ‘She’s gonna un-gay me in a minute!’, and Whitney responded: ‘Boy please, I un-gayed you the moment you laid eyes on me!’ And everybody just died of laughter!”
A Legacy Cut Short: Remembering Two Legends
Despite its undeniable brilliance, “If I Told You That” achieved only moderate chart success, peaking at number nine in the UK but failing to make a significant impact in the US. Sadly, George and Whitney never had the opportunity to perform the song live together.
Tragically, the world lost both icons far too soon. Whitney Houston passed away on February 11, 2012, and George Michael followed four years later, on December 25, 2016. Their untimely deaths left a void in the music world, a stark reminder of the ephemeral nature of talent and the fragility of life.
Yet, their music lives on, a testament to their extraordinary gifts. “If I Told You That” stands as a powerful reminder of their unique artistry, a soulful collaboration that almost never was, but thankfully, always will be. Their voices, forever intertwined, continue to inspire and captivate generations of music lovers worldwide.
