They were two of the most iconic voices in pop music, each with their own distinct style and incredible vocal prowess. Yet, despite rumors of a rivalry, Whitney Houston and George Michael came together in 2000 for a soulful R&B collaboration that captivated audiences worldwide. Their duet, “If I Told You That,” remains a testament to their extraordinary talent and the power of musical collaboration.
The Rumored Rivalry and the Path to Collaboration
For years, whispers of a strained relationship between Houston and Michael circulated within the music industry. A comment attributed to Michael in the late 80s, where he reportedly described Houston’s voice as “leaving him cold,” did little to quell the speculation. However, these rumors were ultimately put to rest when the two legendary artists joined forces for what would become a chart-topping hit.
The story of “If I Told You That” takes an interesting turn, as it was initially intended as a duet between Houston and the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Written by renowned producer Rodney Jerkins for Houston’s 1998 comeback album, “My Love Is Your Love,” the song was later revisited for her greatest hits album released in 2000. Both Houston and Jerkins envisioned the track as a duet, with Jackson being their first choice for a collaborative partner.
Whitney Houston and George Michael’s “If I Told You That” official music video
Jerkins, who was working with both Houston and Jackson at the time, created a demo specifically for Jackson, hoping to persuade him to lend his voice to the track. However, Jackson declined the offer. This wasn’t the first time a proposed duet between the two had fallen through. Years prior, Jackson had reportedly sought Houston to collaborate on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” for his iconic “Bad” album, but the idea was vetoed by Arista Records. History seemed to repeat itself when, thirteen years later, Houston approached Jackson for a duet, only to be met with a similar refusal.
With Jackson out of the picture, Clive Davis, Houston’s longtime manager, stepped in with a suggestion. Having previously worked with George Michael on his unforgettable duet with Aretha Franklin, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” Davis believed Michael would be the perfect fit for “If I Told You That.” His intuition proved correct, as Michael readily embraced the opportunity, delivering a performance that effortlessly complemented Houston’s powerful vocals.
A Music Video Filled with Laughter and Chemistry
Whitney Houston and George Michael exuded undeniable chemistry, both on and off screen.
The palpable chemistry between Whitney Houston and George Michael was evident in the music video for “If I Told You That.”
The music video for “If I Told You That,” shot in a vibrant New York City club, beautifully captured the undeniable chemistry between Houston and Michael. The video showcases the duo laughing, dancing, and sharing genuinely affectionate moments, painting a clear picture of the camaraderie they developed during filming. Their on-screen connection went beyond mere performance; it was a testament to their shared love for music and mutual respect.
A backup dancer present during the video shoot fondly recounted the playful banter and easygoing nature of both artists. In a comment on the official music video uploaded to YouTube, the dancer, @TheJellyMonty, described the atmosphere on set: “It was so much fun! George and Whitney were so hilarious and easy going and their chemistry was off the charts.”
They even shared a lighthearted exchange during filming that left everyone in stitches. The dancer recalled, “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!”
This anecdote highlights not only their playful dynamic but also the comfort and ease they felt in each other’s presence, further solidifying the fact that any rumored animosity was nothing more than speculation.
A Legacy of Musical Brilliance
Upon its release in 2000, “If I Told You That” ascended to number nine on the UK charts, further cementing Houston and Michael’s status as global superstars. Although the song didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success in the US, it remained a fan favorite and a staple in Houston’s live performances. The fact that they never had the opportunity to perform the duet live remains a poignant reminder of what could have been a truly unforgettable musical moment.
George Michael's touching Facebook tribute to Whitney Houston following her passing.
George Michael paid tribute to Whitney Houston on Facebook after her death, showcasing the deep respect between the two artists.
Tragically, the world lost both of these phenomenal talents far too soon. Whitney Houston passed away on February 11th, 2012, and George Michael followed four years later, on December 25th, 2016. Despite their untimely departures, their musical legacies continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
“If I Told You That” stands as a powerful testament to their exceptional talent and the magic that can happen when two extraordinary voices unite. It’s a song that transcends genres, time, and even rivalry, leaving behind a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of music and the profound impact these two icons had on the world.
