Lengthy earlier than Simon Cowellwas roasting aspiring singers on American Idol—and means earlier than Reba McEntire was spinning her chair 180 levels on The Voice—there was Star Search. Each week, a spread of gifted contestants in varied classes—together with vocalists, comedians and dancers—would face off, their destiny resting on that suspenseful second when host Ed McMahon revealed the judges’ picks.
From 1983-1995, Star Search was a staple in properties throughout America, reaching as many as 30 million viewers an episode. With the Star Search reboot premiering dwell on Netflix tonight, let’s take a stroll down reminiscence lane and watch 15 of right now’s greatest stars in a few of their very first televised performances on the present.
Since these had been recorded on VHS (bear in mind these relics?), they will not be in HD, however belief us, they’re effectively definitely worth the watch!
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Watch 15 Large Celebrities Make Their TV Debuts on the Authentic ‘Star Search’
1. Kevin James
In 1995, Kevin James gained a number of rounds on Star Search. Whereas he could not have turn into the Grand Champion, the beloved comedian had already made his mark: One 12 months later, James would seem as one among Ray’s mates in Season 1 of Everyone Loves Raymond, earlier than returning to the sitcom as Doug Heffernan. The position led to his personal spinoff, The King of Queens—which aired for 9 seasons on CBS—and blockbuster films like Hitch, Grown Ups and Mall Cop.
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2. Drew Carey
Earlier than he grew to become sport present royalty on The Value is Proper or dominated primetime along with his personal sitcom, Drew Carey was a fresh-faced comic competing again in 1988. It could have been nearly 40 years in the past, however he is nonetheless received these signature, thick-rimmed glasses!
3. LeAnn Rimes
At simply 8 years outdated, LeAnn Rimes charmed each McMahon and the judges together with her candy persona—however she actually blew them away together with her highly effective vocals. In 1991, Rimes’ competed within the Junior Vocalist class, performing “Do not Fear ‘Bout Me.” By the age of 14, Rimes could be a two-time Grammy winner. A long time later, she nonetheless holds the file for being the youngest artist to ever win a Grammy.
4. Christina Aguilera
It is laborious to consider that Aguilera completed because the runner-up after her 1990 look on Star Search, nevertheless it’s a terrific lesson in not giving up. Simply three years later, she’d be part of the solid of The Mickey Mouse Membership and earlier than she completed highschool, Aguilera would land her first file deal. Watch her rendition of the Etta James traditional “A Sunday Sort of Love” now:
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5. Justin Timberlake
Earlier than he was Justin Timberlake, he was Justin Randall—a pint-sized nation crooner decked out in cowboy boots and the hat to match. He was not the decide’s choose, however lower than a decade later, he’d be the choose of hundreds of thousands of teenage ladies who taped his poster on their wall. From boy band legend with *NSYNC—to bringing attractive again as a solo artist—Star Search was just the start for Justin.
6. Alanis Morissette
When you met Alanis Morissette throughout her Jagged Little Tablet period, chances are high you’ll not acknowledge her 1990 activate Star Search! At 14 years outdated—sporting large hoop earrings and vibrant garments—Alanis Nadine appeared each bit the popstar. She did not win her night time on the present, however simply 5 years later, she’d dominate the charts together with her debut single, “You Oughta Know”—and the remainder, as they are saying—is historical past.
7. Rosie O’Donnell
In 1984, the Lengthy Island native took the stage within the Comedy class and completely dominated, profitable 5 occasions in a row and finally turning into a Star Search champion. The reported $20,000 grand prize funded her transfer to Los Angeles, the place she landed roles in beloved movies like A League of Their Personal and Sleepless in Seattle earlier than launching some of the common daytime speak exhibits in historical past.
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8. Britney Spears
Spears is one other instance of a contestant who did not win their episode, however actually gained the lengthy sport. At simply 10 years outdated, the Louisiana native dazzled viewers together with her efficiency of “Love Can Construct a Bridge.” Whereas she could not have been the judges’ choose, the looks gained the eye of The Mickey Mouse Membership producers, who solid her on the present—together with fellow Star Search alums Timberlake and Aguilera. She’s since bought over 100 million albums globally.
9. Dave Chappelle
It is laborious to consider that Dave Chappelle was only a teen when he made his Star Search debut—making him the youngest comedian ever to compete in his class. And whereas he would not be promoting out arenas and starring in his personal Netflix comedy specials till many years later, his signature calm, cool and picked up fashion was undoubtedly on show.
10. Beyoncé
Earlier than there was Future’s Youngster, there was Woman’s Tyme. The singing and dancing woman group—led by a baby-faced Beyoncé—initially supposed to carry out a traditional Motown cowl or ballad, however finally opted to carry out the hip-hop music “Talkin’ ‘Bout My Child.” They misplaced to the returning champions, nevertheless it was an expertise that will ceaselessly gas Beyoncé’s dedication and work ethic. “At the moment, you don’t notice that you could possibly work tremendous laborious and provides the whole lot you may have and lose,” she shared on her official YouTube channel in 2013. “It was the perfect message for me.”
Up subsequent: All the things to Know About Netflix’s ‘Star Search’ Reboot—Judges, Methods to Watch and Methods to Audition
