Music

Lady Gaga Replaces R. Kelly with Christina Aguilera On New Version Of “Do What U Want”

Gaga and Aguilera's version of "Do What U Want" debuted on The Voice

By Dec. 31, 2013
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Stefania D'Alessandro / Getty Images

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is releasing a new studio version of her latest single “Do What U Want.”

The song was originally a collaboration between the “Born This Way” singer and R & B star R. Kelly, but in the new version the raunchy R&B kingpin has been replaced by superstar diva Christina Aguilera. Gaga introduced the new version with Aguilera during the season finale of The Voice:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw0I6LuWQyA]

While the new duet may have been the outcome of a stunt for NBC’s hit singing show, replacing Kelly with Aguilera comes in the wake of the Village Voice’s  extensive interview by Jessica Hopper with Jim DeRogatis, a former Chicago Sun-Times beat reporter who covered allegations that R. Kelly had had sex with underage girls. For many, the interview served as a stark reminder of Kelly’s past criminal charges and cured many of their infatuation with the singer. As a reminder, back in 2002, R. Kelly was charged with child pornography for videotaping himself engaged in sexual acts with a minor; he was acquitted in 2008. Other lawsuits were settled out of court.

Gaga, savvy marketer that she is, may be hoping that offering fans an alternative version of “Do What U Want,” without the moral dilemma that comes with supporting Kelly, will allow more sales for the track. Plus, two versions of a hit song—with two different megastars—may translate to double the sales for Lady Gaga.

For those still keen on the Gaga/Kelly take on “Do What U Want,” the official video for the R. Kelly version is due out soon. Fashion photographer turned video director Terry Richardson, who brought us the likes of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” and Beyoncé’s “XO”  is at the helm, meaning the new clip will undoubtedly raise eyebrows.

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