In a recent podcast interview, Vanessa Williams recounted a missed opportunity to record the acclaimed hit song “Baby, Baby,” originally performed by Amy Grant. Released in 1991, the track soared to the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it maintained its number one position for two consecutive weeks. The conversation took place on the podcast “Dinner’s on Me” hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, where Williams reflected on a recording studio mishap that led to the song falling into another artist’s hands.
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Williams shared that during a session in Franklin, Tennessee, with producer Keith Thomas, an assistant inadvertently omitted a song from a cassette of tracks intended for her upcoming album. “I went to do the next album with Keith, and it was a cassette that said, ‘Here are the ones that Keith has written for you,'” Williams explained. “He left one of the songs off the tape, and it was ‘Baby, Baby,’ that Amy Grant ended up doing.”
Upon discovering the oversight, Williams expressed her disappointment over the lost opportunity. The song, which later became an undeniable hit for Grant, played a significant role in solidifying the singer’s status in the pop music landscape of the early 90s.
In addition to the tale of the omitted song, Williams took the opportunity to discuss her own musical journey, highlighting how her notable track “Save the Best for Last” came into her possession. Interestingly, the song had been previously offered to other prominent artists, specifically Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand, both of whom passed on the opportunity. Reflecting on the series of rejections, Williams said, “I was third dibs on that,” before adding, “I was like, ‘I love it.’”
When Williams finally recorded “Save the Best for Last,” it became a monumental success, reigning at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. This achievement marked a significant milestone as it was her debut number one song on the chart. Additionally, the track garnered three Grammy Award nominations in 1993, competing in categories such as Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Beyond her successful music career, Vanessa Williams has also made her mark in the acting world. From 2006 to 2010, she portrayed Wilhelmina Slater, a character who was the creative director of Mode and known for her over-the-top diva antics, on the popular television series “Ugly Betty.” Her performance in the role earned her three Emmy nominations, showcasing her talent beyond music.
Subsequently, Williams took on the character Renee Perry, a cunning troublemaker in the series “Desperate Housewives,” running from 2010 to 2012. Her versatility as both an actress and singer has kept her in the public eye, with fans eagerly following her work.
Currently, Williams is captivating theatre-goers as she plays Miranda Priestly in the musical adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada,” now showing in London’s West End. This role continues her tradition of embodying strong female characters, further solidifying her as a significant figure in both the entertainment and music industries.
As Vanessa Williams reflects on her career, she remains an inspiring example of resilience and talent in an industry that often presents both challenges and opportunities. Her stories of missed chances and eventual successes highlight the unpredictable nature of artistic pursuits and the importance of seizing the moment when the opportunity arises.