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Stardom doesn’t always come easy to those without connections. While the world of reality shows has exploded in the past few decades to provide more people their fifteen minutes of fame, the '80s and '90s made it harder for an upcoming star to make an impact. Before the days of American Idol and America’s Got Talent, Star Search was a show that offered a chance for comedians, singers, and dancers to showcase their skills. These A-list celebs got their start vying for a prize on the popular talent show.
8 Beyoncé Gave Girl Groups A Shot
While her start in Destiny’s Child really brought her name to the spotlight, Beyoncé actually started alongside Kelly Rowland in a band called Girl’s Tyme. The group auditioned in 1993 and made their way on the show only to ultimately lose the competition. They didn’t let that stop them as they went through some new members before finally settling on their trio that formed Destiny’s Child and overtook the radios, charts, and even snatched a few Grammys.
7 Usher Started Young
Usher is an example of Star Search getting it right, as he was crowned as the best teen vocalist when he appeared on the show in 1991. His performances caught the eye of renowned A&R representative and record label executive L.A. Reid, leading to a record deal. Usher has since been a huge success, earning eight Grammy Awards and twenty-two nominations.
6 Brad Garrett Gave It His Best
Best known for his role in Everybody Loves Raymond, the gentle giant Brad Garrett first appeared to the public on Star Search in 1984 under the Comedy category. A new addition to the show, the comedy section allowed Garrett the stage he needed to become noticed by Johnny Carson and Ray Romano. Of course, it helps that he ended up being the first winner in the Comedy category, earning him a nice nest egg to work with before his big break.
5 Justin Timberlake Came In With Country
Many believe that Justin Timberlake broke into the business with the assistance of 'N SYNC, however, the star brought his name to the screen before puberty even hit. At only 11 years old, Timberlake set out on Star Search with a country song under the name of Justin Randall. While he didn’t see a lot of success on the show, Timberlake believes that this appearance led to him booking The Mickey Mouse Club which then brought him into a number one boy band.
4 David Archuleta Took The Title
Many claim David Archuleta’s fame stemmed solely from coming in second on American Idol, but the young star actually showed up on screen five years prior on Star Search. Joining the Junior Vocalist category in the only season of the reboot, the singer actually took the top spot, winning his category and claiming victory before moving on to his next singing show appearance. Since then, the pop star has appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 and released eight studio albums.
3 Britney Spears Became A Sensational Singer
Despite her incredible career and popularity, Britney Spears didn’t have immediate success. The star appeared on Star Search in the Junior Vocalist category in 1992, but inevitably lost out to Marty Thomas. Though she didn’t take the title, the singer still found success. Her career became a hit overnight and her place in pop culture was solidified. Her fame skyrocketed even more so with her freedom from conservatorship in 2022, allowing the star to fully be herself.
2 LeAnn Rimes Came On Screen As A Kid
Popular in the world of country singers, LeAnn Rimes wasn’t an immediate success. The singer started off on Star Search at just eight years old. Rimes took the title of one-week champion, but her 1991 entrance didn’t see success beyond that. Still, just a small taste of performing was enough to convince the young singer that she wanted a career in country and, by 1996, she had her first number one hit.
1 Billy Porter Sang Sweet Notes
Popular and poised from his role in Pose, Billy Porter has made waves for his class, style, and skill. Before taking to Broadway for Kinky Boots and A Strange Loop, Porter was serenading the world on Star Search. Entering in 1992, the vocalist took the title, winning the $100,000 prize. Porter claimed that taxes took a good chunk, but he still managed to get his teeth fixed which he’s been incredibly thankful for.
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