Ester Dean is a name you might recognize from her vibrant portrayal of Cynthia Rose-Adams in the Pitch Perfect movie series. Her powerful vocals and charismatic screen presence made her a fan favorite. However, while Pitch Perfect showcased her singing talent, it only scratched the surface of her incredible musical abilities. Beyond acting and performing, Ester Dean is a prolific and highly sought-after songwriter, the mastermind behind numerous chart-topping hits for some of the biggest names in music.
While she stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist with her debut single “Drop It Low” featuring Chris Brown in 2009, which gained further recognition in the film More Than A Game, her true domain has been crafting songs for others. She’s lent her distinctive voice to collaborations with artists like Tinie Tempah, David Guetta, and Machine Gun Kelly, notably on their track “Invincible.” Yet, it’s her songwriting prowess that has truly cemented her legacy in the music industry.
Since entering the professional songwriting scene in 2006, Ester Dean has amassed an impressive catalog of songs. You’ve undoubtedly sung along to her creations without even realizing it. She has penned hits for a constellation of stars, including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and many more. Her contribution to Rihanna’s Loud album even earned her a Grammy nomination, a testament to her exceptional talent. Beyond the recording studio, Dean’s versatility extends to film, with songwriting and acting credits in animated features like Rio, Ice Age: Continental Drift, and Trolls World Tour. Most recently, she’s taken on the role of a judge on NBC’s Songland, a songwriting competition show, further solidifying her position as a leading figure in the industry.
Ester Dean has quietly shaped the sound of pop music for over a decade, writing and producing some of the most memorable and successful songs of our time. Here, we spotlight just a selection of the extensive list of hits bearing her signature touch – including some truly iconic anthems.
1. “Rude Boy” – Rihanna
“Rude Boy” stands as a prime example of the fruitful collaboration between Ester Dean, Rihanna, and the acclaimed production duo Stargate. This infectious track, with its reggae-infused rhythm and bold lyrics, became a global sensation and is just one of many Rihanna hits that Dean has co-written. The song’s undeniable energy and Rihanna’s confident delivery made it a standout track and a testament to Dean’s ability to craft songs that resonate with a wide audience.
2. “Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)” – The Pussycat Dolls & A.R. Rahman
Ester Dean played a crucial role in bridging cultures by co-writing the English lyrics for “Jai Ho,” originally composed for the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire in 2008. This vibrant and globally-infused pop rendition, performed by The Pussycat Dolls alongside A.R. Rahman, brought the magic of Bollywood to a worldwide audience. Dean’s contribution ensured the English version retained the emotional depth and celebratory spirit of the original Hindi song, making it a crossover hit.
3. “Firework” – Katy Perry
In another successful partnership with Stargate, Ester Dean co-penned the empowering anthem “Firework” for Katy Perry. This song, released in 2010, became an instant classic, known for its uplifting message of self-discovery and inner strength. Dean’s songwriting helped shape the song’s inspirational lyrics and soaring melody, contributing to its status as a global phenomenon and a staple at celebratory events. Dean herself has spoken about the inspiration behind “Firework,” highlighting its message of igniting inner potential.
4. “Super Bass” – Nicki Minaj
This iconic bubblegum pop track, “Super Bass,” is another testament to Ester Dean’s versatility and knack for crafting catchy hooks. She not only co-wrote this high-energy hit for Nicki Minaj but also “Right By Your Side” featuring Chris Brown. Listeners with a keen ear might even detect Dean’s background vocals in “Super Bass,” further showcasing her multifaceted involvement in her songwriting projects. The song’s playful lyrics and infectious beat cemented its place as a defining track of the early 2010s.
5. “S&M” – Rihanna
The recurring theme of Rihanna hits on this list underscores the strong creative synergy between Ester Dean and the Barbadian superstar. “S&M,” another collaboration with Stargate, is a bold and provocative track that further solidified Rihanna’s status as a pop icon. Dean also contributed to “What’s My Name?”, another Rihanna chart-topper. Dean has shared insights into the writing process of “S&M”, revealing the collaborative and dynamic nature of her songwriting sessions with Stargate and Rihanna.
6. “Turn Me On” – David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj
Ester Dean’s songwriting extends beyond pop and R&B into the realm of electronic dance music. She co-wrote the double-platinum club hit “Turn Me On” for David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj. This 2011 anthem dominated dance floors worldwide. Her collaborations with Guetta also include “Hey Mama,” featuring Guetta, Minaj, Bebe Rexha, and Afrojack, demonstrating her ability to adapt her songwriting talents across diverse musical styles and genres.
This is just a glimpse into Ester Dean’s vast and impressive songwriting catalog. Her credits are so extensive they could indeed fill volumes. Her talent and dedication have made her one of the most influential and sought-after songwriters in contemporary music.
What’s next for the “song machine”? Ester Dean remains actively engaged in writing and producing music. Recent social media posts hint at ongoing studio sessions with Stargate, sparking speculation about potential new solo material.
In the meantime, you can witness her musical expertise firsthand on NBC’s Songland, where she mentors and collaborates with emerging songwriters.
Stay updated on Ester Dean’s latest projects by following her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
For more in-depth music content, explore Beyond The Stage Magazine.
