Alicia Keys Revealed That "If I Ain't Got You" Was Almost A Christina Aguilera Song And IDK How To Feel

    Hold on a minute...

    Shyla Watson
    by Shyla Watson

    BuzzFeed Staff

    I think we can all agree that Alicia Keys is a music icon. From "Fallin'" to "Girl On Fire," to "My Boo," the singer-songwriter has hit after hit.

    Alicia Keys smiling
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    I listen to her 2016 song, "In Common," on repeat.

    But when I think of ~quintessential~ Alicia Keys my mind immediately goes to her 2004 chart-topper, "If I Ain't Got You."

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    So imagine my shock when I found out Alicia almost gave that song to another one of my faves, Ms. Christina Aguilera.

    Christina Aguilera on a red carpet
    Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

    Alicia has written songs for artists including Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Drake, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, and more.

    While discussing the release of her new self-titled album with Stereogum, the 15-time Grammy winner revealed, “There’s a really funny, amazing story around this song."

    Alicia Keys wearing a hat and smiling
    Amy Sussman / Getty Images

    "I think we were on the same label at the time. [Christina] reached out and was like, ‘Would you write something for me?’...What a voice! I know I could write something fire for her."

    Christina Aguilera on a red carpet
    Rich Fury / Getty Images

    "So time passed and I hadn’t written the song yet," she continued. "And [the label] was like, 'Do you have anything for Christina?’ I remember I had just recently written 'If I Ain’t Got You.'"

    Alicia Keys playing the piano
    Getty Images

    “I told my A&R at the time, ‘Let’s play her 'If I Ain’t Got You.'' He said, 'Are you fucking crazy? We’re not giving her that song. Are you out your mind?’ I was like, ‘Why not? I’ll write a hundred more of those, it’s fine. I think she should hear it. I don’t really think it’s a big deal.’"

    Alicia Keys giving a speech on stage
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    "But I thought, ‘Fine, I’ll go write another song,’" she continued. "So I went off and wrote Impossible. I went to cut it with her and I love how she sounded on it. It was such a cool vibe for us to be able to work together during those times."

    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    “I cut the vocals with her because I produced everything. So it’s really important to be in the same space to just get all the energy. That was great. She sounded so good and she’s very special, too,” Alicia said.

    "But I will never forget that I would have given away 'If I Ain’t Got You.' Isn’t that crazy? So that’s a good story."

    NBC

    Honestly, Alicia, it is crazy!! I mean, I'm not gonna lie — a Christina Aguilera version of 'If I Ain't Got You' would completely obliterate my life (in a good way, obvs). And if she wanted to do a cover (hint, hint) I would be all ears.

    NBC

    That being said, everything means nothing, if I ain't got you = me, to the Alicia Keys version of this song.

    Alicia Keys singing in "If I Ain't Got You" music video
    J Records