The pop anthem that Rihanna almost rejected
In short: Before it became a global dancehall phenomenon, Sia's massive hit was actually intended for another superstar. This reggae-tinged synthpop track didn't just climb the charts; it broke long-standing records for female artists and redefined the sound of 2016.
Written by Sia and Greg Kurstin, "Cheap Thrills" was originally pitched to Rihanna for her 2016 album *Anti*, but the track was ultimately rejected. Following its release in late 2015, the song transformed into a global juggernaut. In the United States, it achieved something rare: Sia became the first woman over the age of 40 to top the Billboard Hot 100 since Madonna did so in 2000 with "Music." Produced by Greg Kurstin, the track features a tropical beat and electropop synth layers. Its vocal range spans exactly one octave, moving from B3 to B4.
The song's ascent was a rollercoaster of chart movement. After debuting at number 81 in March 2016, it fluctuated through the lower top forty before finally dethroning Drake's "One Dance" at number one on August 6, 2016. The track proved remarkably durable, spending 52 weeks on the Hot 100 and 18 weeks within the top ten. The single's performance was incredibly consistent, remaining at the top of the US charts for four consecutive weeks. It also dominated the Mainstream Top 40 and Radio Songs charts.
Beyond its commercial success, the song's impact varied by region. In Italy, it became the highest-certified single for a female artist, reaching 10× platinum status. The track's versatility is also evident in its various iterations, including a Sean Paul remix that earned a Grammy nomination and a Nicky Jam version. Even the lyrics were adapted for local radio, with some Australian stations changing "turn the radio on" to "turn the shower on" to suit local listeners. In Canada, some broadcasters even substitute the lyric to mention Virgin Radio. The song's massive popularity is reflected in its over 2.2 billion Spotify streams.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Cheap Thrills (song)
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