Rihanna’s summer smash-hit ‘Umbrella’ was originally intended for Mary J Blige, it has been revealed.

The ‘Family Affair’ singer was offered the song at the beginning of the year - but she was too busy to record it.

“The song was recorded for me… and it was during the Grammy time and I was really, really busy,” she said. “I heard it and I thought: ‘Oh my goodness, that’s a smash. I love this song’.”

But Blige insists she loves Rihanna’s version of the song.

“She’s such a beautiful lady and I love her to death,” she said.

“I was so glad that she caught it and knocked it out of the park. It’s still one of my favourite songs today.”

Source: Ireland On-line