Calum Scott releases duet with Whitney Houston, Featured on New Album
LOS ANGELES – A new duet featuring the voice of Whitney Houston and singer Calum Scott is set for release, appearing on Scott’s upcoming album, “Avenoir,” on October 10. The collaboration reimagines Houston’s 1987 hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (who Loves Me)” with a stripped-down, piano-driven arrangement.
The project, years in the making, represents a unique chance to hear Houston’s vocals in a new context and introduces her artistry to a contemporary audience. The collaboration was approved by the original songwriters, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, and Houston’s estate, who praised Scott’s respectful approach to the iconic song. “Some peopel would have come in and they would have added something…to boost their visibility next to Whitney,” said Merrill. “And he had the boldness to tear it all down and just have acoustic piano, just Whitney, and then give her the first verse.”
Scott intentionally preserved the original elements of the song, including imperfections in Houston’s vocals. “And to remove it would be taking a piece away,” Scott explained. He also maintained the song’s iconic key change. Recording the harmonies proved challenging, with Scott stating, “I really had to dig for those high notes…It was an honor just to harmonize with her.”
Rubicam highlighted Scott’s vocal prowess, noting, “His music really features his voice, as with Adele or Whitney, and rightly so because he can carry it off…There aren’t just hundreds of people who can carry that off with his kind of power.” She also emphasized the vocal compatibility between the two artists, stating, “They both got a lot of emotionality and command also of their vocal instrument.”
Scott described the collaboration as “gently walking alongside Whitney,” aiming to channel her spirit rather than create a tribute. Pat Houston,representing the estate,echoed this sentiment,stating,”Forty years ago,this particular song was hot then and it’s hot now…it’s the right connection,it’s the right platform and it certainly is the right artist to collab with her on this.” Scott added, “Just being given the honor of it has been, you know, I could die a very happy man now.”