Girlfriend (Pebbles song)
"Girlfriend" is a song by American singer Pebbles from her 1987 self-titled debut studio album. Written and produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface, "Girlfriend" was released as the album's lead single on October 26, 1987, by the MCA label. Background. The song was originally intended for Vanessa Williams' debut album "The Right Stuff". According to Reid, Williams' record label Wing showed interest in Williams' recording "Girlfriend", which Reid played for her alone in his apartment. However, Pebbles heard the song and offered Reid more money and two cars for the chance to record it. As  a result, the production team were not asked to work on more songs on Williams' debut. Reid said due to that incident, Williams never spoke to him again. Chart performance. "Girlfriend" became Pebbles' first top-five hit on the US "Billboard" Hot 100 chart, and first number one song on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In the United Kingdom the single peaked at number eight, becoming Pebbles' only top-ten hit there. Awards and accolades. "Girlfriend" earned Pebbles her first nomination for the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1989 Grammy Awards, losing to "Giving You the  Best That I Got" by Anita Baker. Covers. Caramel version. UK garage duo Caramel released their version as a single in 1999, featuring Paule van Wijngaarden on vocals. It reached No. 9 on the UK Dance Singles Chart. UK CD single