About This Video
Early on, in Wendy Williams’s career, when she was young and just starting out, she was eager to find work in the radio business. One of the most respected program directors in the industry, Elroy Smith, who still works in radio today, was approached by Wendy with what we call an “air check,” which is a summary of her work on the air. Apparently, he didn’t see hiring her as a great opportunity for whatever station he was at at the time, and she never forgot the rejection. Here she gets to confront him about not hiring her when she was amid her success and how it affected her as a young talent. This all happened during the midst of her success on the Wendy Williams show.
Background & Context
This story is a testament to the resilience and determination that Wendy Williams showed early on in her career. It’s a critical lesson for anyone seeking success in this industry. Rejection, as harsh as it may be, is never the end of the road. Elroy Smith, who we all know and respect, didn’t see the genius in Wendy then. But she didn’t let that deter her. She used it as fuel to push harder and become one of the most celebrated personalities in the business. This confrontation is a reminder of Wendy’s journey and her unstoppable spirit.
Key Takeaways
- Rejection can be a powerful motivator
- Wendy Williams’ resilience led to her success
- Even well-respected industry figures like Elroy Smith can overlook talent
- It’s crucial to believe in yourself when others don’t
- Wendy’s confrontation highlights her determination
About Kevin Ross
Kevin Ross is a music and broadcast industry veteran with more than
30 years of firsthand experience spanning radio programming, on-air
talent, record promotion, voice work, publishing, and digital media.
He has worked every side of the business — from the air studio to
the boardroom — and built one of the longest-running digital platforms
dedicated to Black radio and music industry coverage.
30 Plus Years In is where that experience lives on video.
