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Published -
- January 6, 2022
- 10:44 am
Long before “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” there was “Star Search.”
The Ed McMahon-hosted talent show ran originally from 1983 to 1995, getting a short-lived reboot in 2003, along with a new host. The format was a simple one: contestants competed in one of ten categories, with challengers taking on a champion each episode, working up to a championship show at the end of the season.
Back in the day, “Star Search” was the way to catch a big break, and a lot of celebs we know and love today once appeared on the show, although they didn’t necessarily win. From Beyoncé to Norm Macdonald, these are the celebs who got their start on “Star Search.”
What was the premise of the television show Star Search?
Star Search, a television show that aired from 1983 to 1995, was one of the first competition-based reality shows on television. Hosted by Ed McMahon, it featured aspiring singers, dancers, comedians, actors, and models, all vying for a chance to win a cash prize and a shot at stardom. The show was responsible for launching the careers of many celebrities, who went on to achieve great success in their respective fields.
Here are some of the most notable celebs who got their start on Star Search:
Britney Spears: Britney Spears was a 10-year-old aspiring singer when she appeared on Star Search in 1992. She was a contestant on the show’s junior edition and impressed the judges with her rendition of “Love Can Build a Bridge.” Though she didn’t win the competition, her appearance on Star Search helped her gain exposure and build a fan base. She went on to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with hits like “Baby One More Time” and “Toxic.”
Justin Timberlake: Justin Timberlake was a 12-year-old aspiring singer when he appeared on Star Search in 1993. He was also a contestant on the show’s junior edition and won the competition with his rendition of the country classic “Love’s Got a Hold on You.” He later went on to become a member of the boy band NSYNC and has since had a successful solo career, with hits like “Cry Me a River” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
Christina Aguilera: Christina Aguilera was a 10-year-old aspiring singer when she appeared on Star Search in 1990. She wowed the judges with her powerful voice and won the competition with her rendition of “A Sunday Kind of Love.” She later went on to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with hits like “Genie in a Bottle” and “Beautiful.”
Drew Carey: Drew Carey was a 25-year-old aspiring comedian when he appeared on Star Search in 1988. He won the competition with his stand-up routine and went on to have a successful career in comedy. He is best known for his role on the hit sitcom “The Drew Carey Show” and as the host of the game show “The Price is Right.”
LeAnn Rimes: LeAnn Rimes was a 12-year-old aspiring singer when she appeared on Star Search in 1990. She won the competition with her rendition of “Blue,” which went on to become a hit single. She later became one of the best-selling country music artists of all time, with hits like “How Do I Live” and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.”
These are just a few of the many celebs who got their start on Star Search. The show may have ended in 1995, but its impact on the entertainment industry can still be felt today. It gave aspiring performers a chance to showcase their talents on a national stage and launched the careers of many successful celebrities. It just goes to show that sometimes all it takes is one TV appearance to change your life forever.
