Mariah Carey is one of the most successful artists in music history. From her 1990 debut to today, she has released an impressive discography which has included 19 number ones on the Billboard Hot 100. Of those 19 songs, Carey has co-written 18 of them, excluding her cover of the Jackson 5 classic “I’ll Be There.” She even co-wrote “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” now a modern holiday standard in its own right.

Carey’s songwriting has been an important factor in her music. At the beginning of her career, Carey turned down a deal to sell her publishing rights, displaying a business savvy that would prove to benefit her in the long run. She was even inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.

Carey has a long history with Wendy Williams, a former radio and talk show host. Williams has made her feelings on celebrities known, thanks to her unapologetic brand of delivering hot topics. However, Williams once caused a stir when she made a shocking claim regarding Carey’s songwriting during one particular episode of her show.

Wendy Williams Said She Doesn’t Believe Mariah Carey Writes Her Own Songs During Her Show

Wendy Williams once had the number one talk show in daytime. Her controversial radio personality moved perfectly into daytime television with her brand of “hot topics.” Williams would always dish about the latest celebrity news at the start of her show.

Among those hot topics have been many stories about Mariah Carey. One day, Williams was said that she doesn’t believe Carey is the main writing force behind her songs.

“I don’t believe Mariah writes her own music,” Williams said. “I believe Mariah comes in with the last minute…”

Williams was then cut off by Norman Baker, a producer on the show, who defended Carey.

“She writes all those songs,” Baker told Williams.

“Or does she collaborate?” Williams asked.

“Somebody writes the music, but she writes the lyrics,” Baker said.

Carey and Williams have a history with one another over the years. While Carey has done Williams’ radio show several times in the past, there was one particular occasion when Carey was supposed to appear on Williams’ talk show. However, according to the former host, the appearance didn’t work out.

Williams once said she received a call from Carey’s “people” in 2013, inquiring about an interview. According to Williams, Carey’s team had some specific requests.

Williams claimed Carey’s team asked her to switch seats with the singer on the sofa during the interview. Williams said that she didn’t want to vacate her spot on the sofa, so she turned down the interview.

It’s unclear if there was some miscommunication, because Williams’ guests usually sat on the right side. This is what Carey considers to be her “good side.” So it seems unlikely that Carey would’ve needed to switch places with Williams.

Mariah Refused To Sell Her Publishing Rights Thanks To Seeing A Documentary On The Beatles

During a 2018 interview with Pitchfork, Carey recalled some of her career highlights. Part of the discussion dealt with her pre-fame days and Carey shed some insight into her business sense early on.

As previously stated, Carey has co-written every one of her songs with the exception of the cover songs she’s recorded. In addition, Carey has retained the publishing rights to every single one of those songs. Carey was asked how this came to be and she explained it was through learning from the mistakes other artists have made.

“I had seen documentaries about the Beatles selling their publishing, or having it stolen,” Carey said. “I had always written songs and, when I was around 18, I was offered $5,000 for all my music and I was like, ‘No.’ All these songs that ended up becoming No. 1 songs later, after I got my deal.”

At the time, Carey was also singing background for Brenda K. Starr. The singer became a mentor for Carey and even offered to sing some of Carey’s songs on her own album. However, Carey rejected Starr’s offer.

“I was like, ‘You know what? I love you and thank you for hiring me but I’m going to keep my songs,'” Carey said. “I just believed in them.”

Mariah Was Eventually Inducted Into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame In 2022

In 2022, Carey was among many songwriters who were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Carey was introduced by Questlove, and she used the opportunity to remind people of her songwriting talents.

Carey joined artists like Jody Gerson, Rick Nowels, The Isley Brothers, and The Neptunes in being honored that night.

“It’s incredible that there’s even a show honoring songwriters,” Carey said. “Give yourselves all a round of applause because this is a big deal.”

“Congratulations to my fellow inductees,” she said before mentioning Jermaine Dupri, who co-wrote Carey’s hits “Always Be My Baby” and “We Belong Together.”

Carey also mentioned the fact that people often overlook her songwriting contributions. She has said that because she’s seen as a vocalist, many people assume her songs are written by other people.

“I constantly have to remind people I’m a songwriter. It’s become a joke to the point where … Because they’re all onto the diva thing, it’s like ‘Oh my gosh, she’s a diva, wow, a diva.’ Whatever,” Carey said.

“I just always assumed the person that you’re listening to on the radio was the one who wrote the song,” she continued. “But to know the people that are sort of the unsung heroes of the whole thing, it’s an amazing situation, so please, one more round of applause for yourselves.”

Carey also recognized another significant aspect of her induction.

“Out of the 439 total inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, only 32 have been women up until this moment. Now it’s 33,” Carey declared. “As my father once told me, ‘You did good, kid.'”