20 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Got Their Start on Star Search

Before American Idol and America’s Got Talent, there was Star Search. Beginning in 1983, the series was the ultimate talent competition show, allowing artists to compete across select categories for a $100,000 prize. Hosted by Ed McMahon until 1994 (and co-hosted with Martha Quinn in 1995), it went off the air until the show was rebooted in 2003 for an additional season, hosted by Arsenio Hall. And Star Search is set to rise again, with Netflix launching a new version on Jan. 20.

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The format of Star Search was fairly simple. In various categories (including singing, comedy, spokesmodel, and dance), two different competitors would perform for a panel of judges, and whoever got a higher star rating would advance to the next episode. If they made the finals, they competed for the grand prize. The Netflix version will be live, and audiences can vote in real time for their favorite competitors, adding a new twist to the proceedings. The reboot will be hosted by Anthony Anderson, with the panel of judges including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chrissy Teigen, and Jelly Roll.

Star Search birthed the careers of many legends, including Britney Spears, Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, and Beyoncé (who competed with Destiny’s Child, then known as Girl Tyme). While those are well-known examples, there are plenty of other actors, singers, and comedians who performed on Star Search early in their careers. As Netflix ushers in a new generation of competitors, let’s look back at some of the most notable names from the Star Search history.

Singers

Aaliyah

At age 10, Aaliyah appeared on Star Search, singing the Rodgers and Hart song “My Funny Valentine.” It’s a stunning rendition (especially for a 10-year-old) that reminds you what a powerhouse performer she was, eventually gaining the moniker of the “Princess of R&B” before she tragically died in an airplane crash at 22.

Alanis Morissette

The legendary Canadian alt-rocker Alanis Morissette, singer of classic tracks like “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know,” first appeared on Star Search at the age of 14 in 1990, performing under a stage name. After losing, she reverted to her real name, perhaps channeling some of that frustration into becoming the icon she is today.

Christina Aguilera

Five-time Grammy winner and singer of “Beautiful,” “Fighter,” and “Genie in a Bottle,” Christina Aguilera was on Star Search before her debut in the Mickey Mouse Club. At just 8 years old, Aguilera performed an impressive version of Etta James’ “Sunday Kind of Love,” though she didn’t go on to win.

Justin Timberlake

NSYNC boy band member and eventual solo pop superstar, Troll and frequent SNL host Justin Timberlake was first seen at age 11 on Star Search, performing as Justin Randall (using his middle name). It’s a very different number from what you’d expect from Timberlake, who donned full country regalia (including a cowboy hat), singing Alan Jackson’s “Love’s Got a Hold on You.”

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes is the youngest ever individual recipient of a Grammy award, winning two when she was just 14. Years before that, when she was 8, she debuted on Star Search in 1991, performing “Don’t Worry” by Marty Robbins, winning her first round.

Pitbull

Before he became internationally recognized as rapper Pitbull (a.k.a. Mr. Worldwide), a young Armando Perez appeared on Star Search in 1994, when he was just 13 years old. He didn’t win the competition, but began honing his identity as Pitbull a few years later.

Usher

Though he didn’t win, Star Search proved pivotal for Usher Raymond IV. His performance of Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” was so impactful that LA Reid, co-founder of LaFace Records, signed him to a contract. His first solo single came not long after: “Call Me A Mack,” recorded for the soundtrack of 1993’s Poetic Justice.

Billy Porter 

Actor and singer Billy Porter, best known for his Emmy-winning role on Pose, had enormous success on Star Search, winning the grand prize of $100,000 in the vocalist category in 1992 (though he filmed in 1991 on break from his Broadway debut in Miss Saigon). He was 21 at the time. 

Comedians

Brad Garrett

Best known for his role in Everybody Loves Raymond, Brad Garrett competed in the first ever comedy category in 1984. He didn’t just participate—Garrett won the finals at age 23, securing a $100,000 prize, providing a vital breakthrough for his long and fruitful career. 

Drew Carey

Star of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and host of The Price Is Right, Drew Carey launched his comedy career on Star Search in 1988. Though he didn’t win the grand prize, his performances on the show effectively announced him as a talent worth watching, and he landed his own HBO special just three years later.

Kevin James

Star of sitcom King of Queens and many films, including Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Kevin James won several rounds on Star Search in 1995, advancing to the semi-finals. The exposure likely helped him land a role on Everybody Loves Raymond, which led to his own sitcom in 1998.

Martin Lawrence

In 1987, comedian and future star of the Bad Boys franchise Martin Lawrence won his first round on Star Search. The set shows off much of his charm, and provided national attention that helped lead to his first acting role in What’s Happening Now!! that same year.

Norm Macdonald

The late stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchor Norm Macdonald had a handful of appearances at comedy festivals before his appearance on Star Search in 1990. The Canadian appeared on an international-themed episode of the show, losing to a Liberian comic named Bushman. He wasn’t successful, but he managed a mighty fine career anyway.

Ray Romano

Unlike his Everybody Loves Raymond co-star Brad Garrett, Ray Romano did not win Star Search. But Romano has enjoyed a stellar career in comedy, including three Primetime Emmy trophies and an equally successful voice-acting stint, most notably in the Ice Age movies. 

Rosie O’Donnell

Actor and comedian Rosie O’Donnell is known best for her vibrant stand-up and movie career, which all began with her 1984 appearance on Star Search. She almost made it to the finals, and while she didn’t win the grand prize, she impressed audiences with her comic stylings, which helped launch her into stardom.

Roy Wood, Jr.

Roy Wood, Jr., who rose to fame with his regular appearances on The Daily Show, competed on the 2003 version of Star Search. He was successful on the revamped version of the show, reaching the semi-finals, which gave him a confidence boost to take his career to the next level.

Actors

Lauren Ambrose

Though the show is better known for singing, several actors got their start on Star Search. That group includes Lauren Ambrose, known for her roles in Six Feet Under, Servant, and Yellowjackets. At 11, Ambrose took to the stage, singing the up-tempo “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas. She lost, but in the quick interview portion, she said that one day she wanted to be a “great actress and wonderful performer,” which she’s certainly achieved.

Garcelle Beauvais

The actor, best known for The Jamie Foxx Show and her multi-year stint on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, competed in the Spokesmodel category in 1985, winning several rounds.

Sharon Stone

Oscar nominee Sharon Stone competed in the Spokesmodel category in 1984. She didn’t emerge victorious, but it helped launch her decades-long career in acting that’s still going strong, most recently appearing in Nobody 2, and with a role in the upcoming season of Euphoria.

Tatyana Ali

Fresh Prince of Bel Air star and singer Tatyana Ali got her start at the very young age of 7 in 1987 on Star Search. She won multiple rounds, performing numbers like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” Ultimately, she lost to Alisan Porter, aged 5, who became a successful actor and singer in her own right, winning Season 10 of The Voice in 2016.