Yes. Three of my favs actually.
Hilary Duff released Beat Of My Heart (probably in the top 3 most polarizing songs of 2005), Play With Fire & Stranger knowing fully well that none of these would fit in well with radio at the time and consequently none of them were even sent for adds.
Britney Spears' team released Criminal knowing damn well that radio wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot poll and that flute was so damn polarizing as well. She also released Ooh La La for her kids... which let's just leave it at that (but I guess that wasn't even attempting to show growth).
Bridgit Mendler released Hurricane. And that never had a chance, let's face it. But that was due to her having WAY to much creative freedom (like Zendaya) that will hopefully be toned down next era.
None of them really fought for their singles to be released though.
