diff --git a/lisp/rect.el b/lisp/rect.el
index fb85b187d77..70a542d6724 100644
--- a/lisp/rect.el
+++ b/lisp/rect.el
@@ -410,9 +410,6 @@ With a prefix (or a FILL) argument, also fill too short lines."
 (defun rectangle--string-preview ()
   (when rectangle-preview
     (let ((str (minibuffer-contents)))
-      (when (equal str "")
-        (setq str (or (car-safe minibuffer-default)
-                      (if (stringp minibuffer-default) minibuffer-default))))
       (when str (setq str (propertize str 'face 'rectangle-preview)))
       (with-selected-window rectangle--string-preview-window
         (unless (or (null rectangle--string-preview-state)