What If (Kate Winslet song)


"What If" is a song performed by English actress Kate Winslet, recorded for the animated film . Winslet provided the voice of Belle in the feature, which is based on the Charles Dickens classic 1843 novel and also stars Nicolas Cage, Jane Horrocks and Simon Callow. "What If" was written by Wayne Hector and Steve Mac, while production was helmed by the latter. The song is a ballad that follows the film's theme, as Belle laments the end of her and Scrooge's relationship and wonders what could have been. It was the only song to be released from the official movie soundtrack.
News that Winslet was secretly recording the one-off single to vie for the 2001 UK Christmas number one spot was reported in the Daily Mirror. In the event, the song entered the UK Singles Chart at number six, and was beaten to the Christmas top spot by Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman's version of "Somethin' Stupid". Elsewhere, "What If" was released to even bigger success: It became a number-one hit in Austria, Flanders, and Ireland, whilst also reaching the top ten in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Critically acclaimed, the song won the 2002 OGAE Song Contest.
An accompanying music video, which was directed by Paul Donnellon and produced by Chris Horton, shows Winslet walking around an old Victorian house, along with clips from the film. At Winslet's request, the proceeds from the single were given to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Sargent Cancer Care for Children.

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Austria 17
Belgium 23
Europe 29
Germany 35
Netherlands 29
Netherlands 23
Switzerland 25
UK Singles 152

Certifications

Cover versions

In 2004, a dance remake of the song was released by Ronny V featuring Nanda. In 2008, the 2007 X-Factor finalist Rhydian Roberts included a duet of the song with American singer and Broadway actress Idina Menzel on his debut album Rhydian. Britain's Got Talent 2010 semi-finalist Olivia Archbold performed this song. She came in third place in the semi-finals and lost the judges' votes to Tobias Mead. Due to the performance; "What If" re-entered the UK Singles Charts at number 76 on 6 June 2010.