Coldplay Drummer Will Champion Almost Sang Rihanna’s Part in ‘Princess of China’

Rihanna is featured on the new Coldplay track 'Princess of China,' but this collaboration only came to fruition after the guys in the band realized they needed a female voice. Originally, drummer Will Champion was going to sing Rihanna's part on the track, but the guys quickly decided that wasn't going to work.

Speaking to NME, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin explained why Champion was replaced with pop princess Rihanna. "There's a bit of a love story thread so we really needed someone to sing even higher than me," Martin said. "For all Will's good intentions, he can't do it. [But] you need to be a female."

Martin also commented on 'Princess of China,' telling NME that it is his favorite song on the band's upcoming release 'Mylo Xyloto.' Martin said, "When the song came out, it sort of asked for her to be on it," referring to Rihanna and her one-of-a-kind vocals.

Despite the fact that he didn't get to sing on 'Princess of China,' Champion is no novice when it comes to crooning. He previously sang on the band's track 'Death Will Never Conquer' during their Viva La Vida tour.

Coldplay will release 'Mylo Xyloto' on Oct. 24.