Just this week we learned all about the making behind “The Middle.” From the raw, demo version by The Monsters and The Strangerz, into the hands of Grey, and on to be perfected by Zedd — the pop hit had a huge team backing it from the start!
Before Zedd found the perfect vocalist in Maren Morris, they tried out fourteen other female singers. As it turns out, reigning top 40 queens Demi Lovato and Camila Cabello were both very real possibilities.
Can you imagine “The Middle” sang with the sass of Demi, or the sweet soul of Camila? Sure, we can. But if Zedd felt he found the perfect match for the track with Maren Morris then he’s probably right. 
According to MTV UK, Demi Lovato and Camila Cabello both recorded demo vocals for the track. Demi had the first choice to sing it, but ultimately decided it was “too pop” for her new sound. Camila was next up, but at the time she didn’t want anything to outshine “Havana,” which became the hit that launched her into superstardom.
Anne-Marie, Lauren Jauregui, Carly Rae Jepsen, Tove Lo, Bishop Briggs, Bebe Rexha, Lauren Jauregui Daya and Elle King were all potential vocalists as well, according to MTV UK.
Needless to say, it sounds like “The Middle” was meant to be released exactly the way it was.
Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey – The Middle
Honestly both of their reasonings for not doing the song make sense, although Camila’s probably more so. Regardless, everyone involved did a terrific job on it the way it currently is.