Jessie J recently opened up to Glamour UK about her new album, Sweet Talker, and revealed that her work writing Miley Cyrus’ hit “Party in the U.S.A.” paid her rent for three years.

Jessie J Co-wrote “Party In The USA”

Jessie J, whose song “Bang Bang” is currently enjoying its 21st week on the Billboard Top 100, wrote Cyrus’ smash 2009 hit before hitting it big in the US with her own hits, “Price Tag” and “Domino.” In fact, Jessie J made quite a name for herself as a songwriter, working to create hits for artists including Chris Brown and David Guetta.

“You’ve got to write songs, that’s where the money is, being an artist. ‘Party in the USA’ paid my rent for, like, three years. Actually, it was way longer than that. That’s where I get most of my money. I write songs. I’m a singer. I love endorsements and stuff, but that’s all added on,” Jessie J told the magazine.

Jessie J Recorded “Party In The USA” demo

Jessie J has previously spoken about her experience writing the song with Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly. In an interview with Meredith Vieira, Jessie J revealed that that the song was actually about her experience coming to America.

“Party in the USA” was originally intended to be a track for Jessie J herself, but the label didn’t feel it was right for her. “I recorded ‘Party in the USA,’ played it for the label but they didn’t think it was right for me. So they pitched it and two weeks later it was number one in six countries,” Jessie J said.

Jessie J may not have released the song, but she has performed it onstage, giving fans a chance to hear what her version of “Party in the USA” would sound like.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.