Spears turned down 'Umbrella'

Britney Spears was offered the chance to record 'Umbrella', before Rihanna made it a number one hit - but the pop princess turned it down.

American music producer Tricky Stewart - who created the track - has confessed Spears was given first option on the song.

He made the revelation to British singer/songwriter Taio Cruz. Cruz says: "I was working with Tricky in his studio the day he finished 'Umbrella'. As soon as I heard it I said: 'That is a smash, I have to have it,' but he told me it was on hold for Britney.

"He waited but Britney's people never called him back."

Rihanna turned the song into a huge hit, holding the number one spot in the UK chart for a staggering 10 weeks.