At 25, Sabrina Carpenter has established herself as a force to be reckoned with, transitioning from her Disney Channel roots on Girl Meets World to a flourishing career as a pop star. However, her journey to success could have taken a very different turn, as comedian Whitney Cummings shared during ELLE’s Women in Hollywood Celebration on November 19 at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills.
Rejection as a Catalyst for Success
While reflecting on the lessons she’s learned throughout her career, Cummings, 42, emphasized the value of embracing rejection. “This business is mostly rejection,” she explained, highlighting how overcoming it often leads to unforeseen opportunities. “Sometimes, a yes is the worst thing you can get because you’re stuck in the wrong thing.”
Using Sabrina Carpenter as an example, Cummings shared a pivotal moment from her own experience as a former showrunner on The Conners. Carpenter auditioned for the role of the daughter, which ultimately went to Shameless actress Emma Kenney. “Sabrina Carpenter auditioned … and it wasn’t the right fit,” Cummings revealed.
The comedian noted that this rejection turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “Thank God we said no to her because she’d be stuck on a sitcom set and not being Sabrina Carpenter,” she remarked, praising Carpenter’s rise as a global music star.
The Bigger Lesson
Cummings reflected on the societal emphasis on winning and how rejection can sometimes be liberating. “We’re trained to want a yes, but rejection can open the door to the right opportunities,” she said. For Carpenter, the door that closed on The Conners paved the way for her to dominate the music industry, releasing hit albums and earning comparisons to Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez.
Advice That Changed Her Path
During the event, Cummings also shared one of the most impactful pieces of advice she’s received from women in the entertainment industry: “Get your personal life in order, [save] the drama for your work—you know, have a boring life.” Reflecting on her own struggles, Cummings admitted that focusing on personal stability helped her career thrive.
Now hosting the Good for You podcast, where she interviews comedians, celebrities, and experts weekly, Cummings has found success while prioritizing a balanced personal life.
Sabrina Carpenter: A Testament to Resilience
Sabrina Carpenter’s story, as highlighted by Cummings, serves as an inspiring reminder that rejection isn’t the end—it’s often a redirection to something better. Carpenter’s trajectory from a missed role to becoming a celebrated artist demonstrates the power of perseverance and staying true to one’s passions.