Grammy-nominated songwriter and artist, Ester Dean, is responsible for three number one Rihanna songs released in 2010. She has also written several songs for Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry, and even country artist Scotty McCreery. Dean is currently a part of NBC’s new music television show, SongLand, where she helps hopeful songwriters pitch their singles to A-list artists. What are some of Ester Dean’s biggest hits?
What are Ester Dean’s biggest Top 10 ‘Billboard’ hits
Katy Perry “Firework”
Dean co-wrote “Firework” with Katy Perry for her 2010 third album, Teenage Dream because she wanted a dance anthem with inspiration lyrics. “Firework” was hugely successful, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and also reached the top five in 20 countries. In addition, the single sold over 10 million units and received a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. “Firework” is now certified 11 times platinum.
Nicki Minaj “Super Bass”
Dean then co-wrote “Super Bass” alongside Nicki Minaj for the deluxe version of her 2010 debut album, Pink Friday. The song hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and also peaked in the top ten in three other countries. “Super Bass” was considered Minaj’s breakout single, and it went eight times platinum.
Selena Gomez “Come & Get It”
Dean co-wrote “Come & Get It” alongside Norwegian producers, Stargate, initially for Rihanna’s 2011 album, Talk that Talk. However, Rihanna turned the song down; so, they offered the song to Selena Gomez for her 2013 debut album, Stars Dance. The song became Gomez’s first top ten single as it peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. “Come & Get It” has since sold over 3 million units.
David Guetta “Hey Mama” featuring Nicki Minaj and Bebe Rexha
Dean co-wrote the song with David Guetta and Nicki Minaj for Guetta’s 2014 sixth album, Listen. The song marks Guetta and Minaj’s third collaboration, and it hit number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked in the top 10 in at least 17 countries. “Hey Mama” is certified three times platinum, with over three million units sold. The single also won four awards out of ten nominations.
What are Ester Dean’s biggest Rihanna hits?
“Rude Boy”
Rihanna thought of the title and concept for “Rude Boy” and brought her ideas to Dean. Dean then took the song to Stargate to help develop it. They all helped write the single for Rihanna’s 2009 fourth album, Rated R, and Rihanna said the process was like a “freestyle.” The song hit number one on Billboard Top 100, where it stayed for five weeks. “Rude Boy” is certified platinum, having sold more than 3 million units.
“What’s My Name” featuring Drake and “S&M”
Dean teamed up with Stargate again to write “What’s My Name,” with Stargate also handling the production. Originally, the solo version of the single would feature on Rihanna’s 2010 fifth album, Loud, and the remix would include Drake.
However, they chose to release the Drake version as the single, and it peaked at number one. “What’ My Name” is certified six times platinum and The 54th Grammy Award Committee nominated the song for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Dean and Stargate also wrote “S&M” for Rihanna’s Loud. Even though critics did not like the overtly sexual lyrics of the song, it hit number one on the Billboard Top 100 chart and top five in ten countries.
“Where Have You Been” and “You Da One”
Dean co-wrote “Where Have You Been” alongside Dr. Luke Gottwald, Geoff Mack, Cirkut Walker, and Calvin Harris for Rihanna’s 2011 six album, Talk That Talk. The song performed very well, hitting number five on the Billboard Top 100 and reached number one on the US and UK dance charts. “Where Have You Been” has since gone four times platinum, selling over four million units.
Dean, Gottwald, Henry Walter, and John Hill wrote another number one hit for Rihanna’s Talk That Talk called “You Da One.” The song peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Top 100 and went double platinum.
In addition to these lists, Ester Dean has also written top-selling singles for artists including Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, and Chris Brown. Dean has also received a Grammy nomination and won an MTV award.
Watch SongLand on Tuesdays at 10 P.M. EST on NBC!
Source: Read Full Article
