It appears that singer Rihanna was not the first choice for the hit single “Umbrella.”  Singer/songwriter Taio Cruz originally offered the song to Mary J. Blige and Britney Spears and both turned it down. Mary didn’t think the song was right for her (I agree) but Britney’s camp said merely that “it didn’t work for her.”  I guess it was fate for Rihanna because “Umbrella” …Ella…Ella is considered to be her breakthrough hit!   (Source)