Lady Marmalade - From "Moulin Rouge" Soundtrack

"Lady Marmalade" was originally released in 1974 by the vocal trio Labelle, fronted by Patti LaBelle. A saucy song about New Orleans prostitutes, it was a #1 hit and taught much of America a little French: "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?" ("Do you want to sleep with me tonight?"). This 2001 version is a remake for the movie Moulin Rouge. It captured the spirit of the original while injecting some fresh flavor thanks to production by Missy Elliott and Rocwilder. Like the original, it was also a #1 hit, but it was even bigger, spending five weeks at the top while the original stayed for just one.

The song is a collaboration between Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, Pink and Missy Elliott. Aguilera was the biggest name and billed as the lead artist. She had three #1 hits and a voice that could rival Patti LaBelle's for power. Missy Elliott, who serves as the master of ceremonies on the song, was also a really big deal, known for producing Aaliyah and for solo tracks like "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" and "Get Ur Freak On." Pink was a newcomer, best known for her debut single "There You Go." Mya was also an up-and-comer, best known for collaborations with the likes of Sisqo ("It's All About Me") and Jay-Z ("Best of Me, Part 2"). Lil' Kim was the most popular female rapper of the time, with two Platinum albums to her name and lots of credibility - she had been in a group called Junior M.A.F.I.A. with The Notorious B.I.G. All five of these women had loads of personality and were fresh on the scene, making it clear that this remake wasn't a nostalgia trip but a brand new bag.

The song won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.