 She caught the attention of columnists such as Walter Winchell and Mark Hellinger, who began giving her publicity.Soon after, Merman underwent a tonsillectomy she feared might damage her voice, but after recovering, she discovered it was more powerful than ever.While performing on the prestigious Keith Circuit, Merman was signed to replace Ruth Etting in the Paramount film "Follow the Leader" (1930), starring Ed Wynn and Ginger Rogers.