Why Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ Album Was Missing Two Iconic Duets: The Truth Behind Whitney and Prince’s Rejections

Michael Jackson’s Bad album, released in 1987, was a milestone in pop music, featuring a string of hits that cemented his place as the King of Pop. However, fans often wonder what could have been if two of the biggest icons of the time—Whitney Houston and Prince—had agreed to collaborate on the album. Jackson reached out to both stars for duets, but each declined for their own reasons. Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes drama and explore why these collaborations never came to fruition.

Prince’s Refusal: A Clash of Personalities and Creative Differences

When Michael Jackson sought to team up with Prince for a duet on the title track “Bad,” he envisioned a powerful collaboration between two of the biggest stars in pop and R&B. However, Prince wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea. The reason? A single line in the song’s opening: “Your butt is mine.”

Prince, known for his strong sense of artistic integrity, wasn’t comfortable with the line. He reportedly questioned, “Who’s gonna sing that to whom? ‘Cause you sure ain’t singing that to me, and I sure ain’t singing it to you.” The playful nature of the line didn’t sit well with him, and it was clear that Prince didn’t want to engage in what he felt could be an awkward dynamic.

Moreover, Prince believed that Jackson’s Bad album would be a success without his involvement. As the story goes, Prince said, “You don’t need me to be on this; it’ll be a hit without me.” Despite Jackson’s insistence on a collaboration, Prince was not swayed. The tension between the two legends was palpable, and the partnership ultimately didn’t happen.

Whitney Houston’s Decline: Label Politics and Timing

In contrast to Prince’s creative concerns, Whitney Houston’s decision to turn down Michael Jackson’s offer to collaborate on the duet “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” had more to do with timing and external factors than artistic differences. Houston, who was enjoying massive success with her own album, Whitney, was in the midst of a busy promotional schedule.

Her label, Arista Records, reportedly saw the duet as “too risky,” fearing it would distract from her own album and complicate her image as a rising solo star. Houston was at the peak of her career, and her label didn’t want her to be overshadowed by a high-profile collaboration with Jackson.

Although Houston admired Jackson and was open to the idea of working together, her hands were tied by the demands of her record label. The timing simply wasn’t right, and the collaboration was ultimately sidelined.

What Could Have Been

Looking back, it’s fascinating to imagine what these duets could have brought to Bad—two of the biggest names in music, blending their voices with Jackson’s undeniable pop magic. A duet with Prince on “Bad” would have been a legendary moment, with both artists bringing their unique styles and undeniable charisma to the track. Meanwhile, Whitney Houston’s angelic voice on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” would have added a level of emotional depth to the album, making it even more unforgettable.

However, as history shows, these collaborations never came to pass. Whether it was Prince’s reluctance to sing a questionable line or Houston’s commitment to her own success, these missed opportunities didn’t diminish Bad’s place in music history. Instead, they remind us that even legends sometimes walk different paths.

Ultimately, Bad became one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic albums, with or without these duets. But the ‘what ifs’ of Whitney and Prince’s potential collaborations will forever remain a tantalizing part of music history.