Whitney Phillips Wrote ‘The Hard Way’ After a ‘Bad Breakup’ — and ‘Passed Away’ When Céline Dion Recorded It (Exclusive)

Tragic Loss: Whitney Phillips’ Song ‘Passed Away’ When Céline Dion Recorded It

Renowned songwriter Whitney Phillips recently opened up about the emotional journey behind her hit song, ‘The Hard Way,’ in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Phillips, known for her appearance on the Netflix reality series ‘Hitmakers,’ revealed the poignant story of how the song came to be and its profound impact when Céline Dion decided to record it.

Phillips shared that she wrote ‘The Hard Way’ during a particularly challenging period in her life, following a difficult breakup. The song, co-written with Greg Wells and Jessica Karpov, was born out of raw emotions and vulnerability during a writing camp at Château de Marouatte in France. Little did she know that this song would eventually make its way to the legendary Céline Dion.

Despite considering it a long shot, Phillips took a chance and pitched the song to Dion, knowing that the singer was grieving the loss of her husband, René Angélil. To Phillips’ astonishment, Dion expressed interest in recording the song, leading to what she described as a surreal and life-changing moment for her. The news of Dion’s decision left Phillips feeling like she had “passed away,” overwhelmed by the magnitude of the opportunity.

In 2019, ‘The Hard Way’ was officially released as part of Dion’s album, ‘Courage.’ Phillips took to social media to express her gratitude and pride in the song, describing it as one of her most personal creations. She shared a poignant message about the song’s message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, hoping it would resonate with listeners who needed its message of strength.

Reflecting on her musical journey, Phillips shared that her initial aspirations to become a performer led her to Los Angeles in pursuit of her ‘Britney Spears dream.’ However, she soon realised that her true passion lay in songwriting and storytelling, leading her to take a different path in the music industry. Despite early setbacks, a breakthrough moment came when Lil Wayne featured on one of her songs, propelling her into a successful songwriting career.

Phillips, who has since worked with top artists like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Teddy Swims, now finds herself at a new chapter in her career as a star on ‘Hitmakers.’ The Netflix docuseries follows Phillips and other top songwriters and producers as they collaborate to create hit songs for renowned artists. Phillips admitted that the experience of being on the show was both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in the creative process.

Looking ahead, Phillips expressed a sense of excitement and potential for the future, feeling that she is just beginning to tap into her full creative abilities. With a 13-year career in songwriting and a growing list of accomplishments, Phillips is poised to continue making a significant impact on the music industry.

As ‘Hitmakers’ continues to captivate audiences on Netflix, Phillips’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and passion that drive artistic expression. Her journey from personal struggles to professional success is a testament to the transformative power of music and the unwavering determination of a gifted songwriter. Whitney Phillips’ narrative is one of hope, inspiration, and the enduring spirit of creativity in the face of adversity.