Celebs Who Got Their Start On Star Search

Before the American Idol and The Voice craze, there was another talent competition that dominated television screens in the 80s and 90s – Star Search.
Hosted by the charismatic Ed McMahon, Star Search was a variety show that featured singers, dancers, comedians, and other talented individuals competing to win cash prizes and a spot in the industry.
But more than just a platform for emerging artists, Star Search became the launching pad for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the celebs who got their start on this iconic talent show.
1. Beyoncé
Before she was Queen Bey, the most powerful woman in music, Beyoncé was just a young girl from Texas trying to make it big. At the age of 7, she competed on Star Search with her group, Girls Tyme. Although they didn’t win, this experience paved the way for Beyoncé to join Destiny’s Child, and the rest is history.
2. Justin Timberlake
Everyone knows Justin Timberlake as the heartthrob from NSYNC, but before he joined the boy band, he was a contestant on Star Search at the age of 11. He wowed audiences with his amazing vocals and dance moves, and even though he didn’t win, he caught the attention of record execs who eventually formed NSYNC.
3. Christina Aguilera
Another famous singer who got her start on Star Search is Christina Aguilera. At the age of 9, Christina blew the judges and audience away with her powerful voice. She may not have won the competition, but it was the beginning of her journey to becoming one of the most iconic voices in the industry.
4. Usher
Before Usher became one of the biggest names in R&B, he was just a 13-year-old competing on Star Search. He impressed the judges with his soulful voice and dance moves, earning him the title of Junior Vocalist Champion. This victory kickstarted his career and paved the way for his chart-topping hits and successful music career.
5. Britney Spears
Before she became the Princess of Pop, Britney Spears was a little girl from Louisiana with big dreams. She competed on Star Search at the age of 10 and wowed the audience with her impressive rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Think.” Though she didn’t win, this experience gave her the confidence and exposure to later become one of the best-selling female artists of all time.
6. Drew Carey
While most people know Drew Carey as a beloved comedian and host of The Price is Right, he actually got his start on Star Search as a stand-up comedian. He competed in the show’s comedy category and later went on to star in hit comedies like The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line is it Anyway?.
7. LeAnn Rimes
Before becoming a country music sensation, LeAnn Rimes was just a 13-year-old girl with a powerful voice. She entered Star Search in the Junior Vocalist category and became the youngest contestant to ever win the competition. This launched her into a successful music career, with hits like “How Do I Live” and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.”
Star Search may no longer be on the air, but its legacy lives on through the talented artists who got their start on the show. These celebs proved that with determination and perseverance, success can be achieved through any platform, even a TV talent show.
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