Wishing On a Star (4:53)

“Wishing on a Star” is a 1978 hit single by Rose Royce for Whitfield Records. Included on their second album, Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom, “Wishing on a Star” is a slow ballad written by Billie Rae Calvin (formerly of Whitfield Records act The Undisputed Truth) and produced by Norman Whitfield. The lyrics concern a woman longing for the return of an ex-lover so that they can resume their relationship.

The original version of “Wishing on a Star” was not a big hit, peaking at number fifty-two on the Billboard R&B charts in the United States. The Full Bloom album, however, was successful as a whole. It got renewed exposure when it was featured in the 2001 John Singleton film, Baby Boy.

“Wishing on a Star” has frequently been covered by other singers, most notable the version by Beyoncé for her Live DVD, and later, the 2005 feature film Roll Bounce (which was nominated for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance” in 2006).