Did You Know “I Should Have Cheated” by Keyshia Cole Was Originally Meant for Nivea?

R&B fans know Keyshia Cole’s breakout hit “I Should Have Cheated” as one of the most emotional and empowering songs of the 2000s — but what many don’t realize is that the song wasn’t originally written for her. In fact, it was meant for singer Nivea.

“I Should Have Cheated,” released in 2005 as part of Keyshia Cole’s debut album The Way It Is, became an instant classic. The track captured the pain and frustration of being accused of infidelity in a toxic relationship — delivered through Cole’s powerful, soulful vocals that helped define her early career.

However, behind the scenes, the song had a different path. It was initially intended for Nivea, who was already known for hits like “Don’t Mess with My Man” and “Laundromat.” The songwriters believed her soft yet emotional tone would fit the record perfectly. But for reasons that were never fully disclosed — possibly label decisions or creative direction — the song ended up in Keyshia Cole’s hands instead.

And the rest is history. Keyshia Cole took “I Should Have Cheated” and made it her own, turning it into an anthem for women fed up with being wrongfully accused. The record became one of her signature songs, helping solidify her place as one of R&B’s most authentic voices.

It’s one of those fascinating “what if” moments in music history — because while Nivea would’ve no doubt delivered a strong performance, it’s hard to imagine anyone else bringing the raw emotion and conviction that Keyshia Cole did.

Sometimes, songs find the artist they were meant for — and “I Should Have Cheated” is the perfect example of that.