Vanessa Williams Reveals She Was ‘Third Dibs’ on Her Biggest Hit ‘Save the Best for Last’

Vanessa Williams has revealed that her biggest hit, “Save the Best for Last,” almost went to two major stars before reaching her.

Speaking on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s on Me podcast, Williams said the ballad was first offered to Bette Midler, who passed, followed by Barbra Streisand, who also declined. “I was, like, third one up,” Williams recalled.

Williams recorded the song for her 1991 album The Comfort Zone. Released as a single in February 1992, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and became an international hit. The song earned Williams Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Williams also revealed that Amy Grant’s 1991 hit “Baby Baby” could have been hers, but the song was never offered to her due to an oversight. Despite the missed opportunity, Williams went on to enjoy a successful music and acting career, with hits including “Love Is,” “Colors of the Wind” and “The Sweetest Days,” along with roles in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives.