Star Search (1983–1995) was the iconic talent show that launched dozens of future superstars. From Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to Beyoncé, Star Search allowed these pop stars to gain national recognition. But did you know that most of these talented kids lost the singing competition to other contestants? Here are just a few of the celebrities who appeared on Star Search, finding themselves exposed to a national audience for the first time.
1. Britney Spears
Before Britney Spears was on The Mickey Mouse Club or performing with a snake on stage at The VMAs, the global pop star appeared on Star Search in 1992, at age 10. Spears sang songs, including, “I Don’t Care” and “Love Can Build A Bridge.” Although she put on an incredible performance, she ended up scoring a 3.75 out of 4 stars, losing to Marty Thomas.
2. Alanis Morissette
In 1990 at the young age of 14, the “You Oughta Know” singer appeared on the live talent competition. Morissette ended up losing the singing contest, but just five years later, she would release Jagged Little Pill, the best-selling debut album at the time.
3. Beyoncé
Queen B got her start after performing on Star Search in 1993 at age 12. But before she was the powerhouse solo artist we know today, Beyoncé was a member of the female group Girls Tyme, which went on to be known as Destiny’s Child. Although the group didn’t end up winning, Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child made it big in the music world.
“We lost, we got three and a half stars… it was wonderful to be a kid and be on television and we told all of our friends, so we were so devastated when we lost.”
4. LeAnn Rimes
Country superstar LeAnn Rimes first gained national exposure while performing on the talent competition show in 1991 at age 8. Although she won her first time, she didn’t win her second time around, but Rimes went on to enjoy a successful career.
“I was eight years old when I was on the show. I won my first time, and I lost my second time. It was my first lesson in losing, which is pretty good at eight… my godmother [told] me she was gonna take me to Disney World, I was fine after that.”
5.Dave Chappelle
Comedian Dave Chappelle competed on Star Search as a young comedian in 1993 at 19, losing but setting the stage for his career. Chappelle went on to star in Chappelle’s Show and appeared in multiple films and TV shows like Home Improvement.
5. Christina Aguilera
At age 8 in 1990, Aguilera performed “Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James on Star Search. Although she didn’t win, she went on to become a teen pop sensation with her self-titled debut album in 1999.
“Do we even remember who I lost to? At that age, I always sang songs meant for older people. That fit my personality—I had pain to sing about. If there had been a show like The Voice, I would have gone on it. It would have been amazing to be coached by a mentor.”
6. Justin Timberlake
The “Cry Me A River” singer and future member of ‘N Sync first found fame on the talent competition in 1992 at age 11.
“I auditioned for that show in a mall in Memphis, Tennessee, at an open-call audition… At that time Star Search was our version of American Idol. It was the biggest talent show in the world. And I got booked on the show… it was a big deal for me.”
7. Aaliyah
At just 10 years old, Aaliyah sang “My Funny Valentine” on Star Search in 1989, losing but captivating audiences. The R&B pop singer went on to become a big star, releasing albums and starring in a few movies, before her untimely death in a plane crash on August 25, 2001.
