Vanessa Williams reveals she was third choice for iconic ballad

In a podcast episode on August 13, 2026, Vanessa Williams shared that she was the third artist offered the classic ballad 'Save the Best for Last', after Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand turned it down. The song topped the Billboard 100 chart for five weeks. Williams also discussed her career challenges, including her time as Miss America and her iconic role in 'Ugly Betty'. She announced plans for her first concert tour in the UK, starting in February 2027.

Vanessa Williams reveals she was third choice for iconic ballad
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Published Aug 13, 2026

Topic overview

Briefly

  • Vanessa Williams discussed her career and the song 'Save the Best for Last' on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast.
  • She revealed that she was the third artist offered the song after Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand declined.
  • Williams announced her first concert tour in the UK, set to begin in February.

What happened

In a recent podcast episode, actress and singer Vanessa Williams shared insights about her career and the journey of her hit song 'Save the Best for Last'. The discussion took place on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast, where Williams revealed that she was the third artist approached to perform the song, following Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand, both of whom declined the offer. This classic ballad, which became a significant hit in the 1990s, spent five weeks at the top of the Billboard 100 chart, showcasing Williams' talent and resilience in the music industry.

During the podcast, Williams reflected on her experiences in various entertainment fields, including her time as Miss America, which was marred by controversy leading to her resignation. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced, including racism and being underestimated as a performer. These experiences have shaped her career, allowing her to build a successful path in music, Broadway, and television.

Williams also reminisced about her iconic role as Wilhelmina Slater in the television series 'Ugly Betty', highlighting her chemistry with co-star Michael Urie. This role remains one of her favorites, and she expressed gratitude for the opportunities it provided her. Additionally, she discussed her current involvement in the musical adaptation of 'The Devil Wears Prada', which is now showing in the West End, further demonstrating her versatility as an artist.

In an exciting announcement, Williams revealed plans for her first concert tour in the United Kingdom, set to kick off in February. She expressed her eagerness to connect with fans and share her music live, with tickets going on sale shortly. This tour marks a significant milestone in her career, as she continues to evolve as an artist and performer.

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Updated Aug 13, 2026

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