Vanessa Williams Says Two Music Legends Passed on ‘Save the Best for Last’ Before It Came Her Way: ‘I Was Third One Up’

The ballad became a career-defining hit for Williams, spending five weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100.

Vanessa Williams at Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2024 Gala held at Ziegfeld Ballroom on March 4, 2024 in New York City.

John Nacion/Variety

The soulful pop ballad that remains the signature hit for musician/actress Vanessa Williams could have ended up sounding completely different.

The singer recently shared that she was actually the third artist that was offered “Save the Best for Last,” the romantic ballad that would go on to become her highest-charting Billboard Hot 100 hit.