24 Major Stars Who Vied for Fame on the Original Star Search

Aaliyah (Junior Vocalist, 1989)

Aaliyah Haughton was just 10 years old when she competed on Star Search, singing “My Funny Valentine” for her performance in the junior vocalist category in 1989. It was shortly after this point that the star started going by a mononym, as she was known when she achieved R&B superstardom in the years that followed.

Adam Sandler (Comedy, 1987)

Adam Sandler was working hard on his comedy career before his big break on Saturday Night Live. Sandler competed on Star Search in 1987 and made an impression on audiences.

Alanis Morissette, 1988 (Female Vocalist)

Alanis Morissette competed on Star Search just over 5 years before Jagged Little Pill was released, then going by Alanis Nadine and singing energetic pop music.

Backstreet Boys (Vocal Group, 1993)

The  Backstreet Boys auditioned on Star Search the very same year they became a band. Some of the band’s signature sound and movements can be seen in their early inception as the group learned how to work together.

Britney Spears (Junior Vocalist, 1992)

Britney Spears was a little girl with a big stage presence as she delivered a heartfelt performance of “Love Can Build a Bridge” during her time competing on Star Search. The moment cemented her as a talent the world wouldn’t forget, and just a few years later, she’d get her big break and begin her journey as one of the world’s biggest pop stars.

Destiny’s Child (Vocal Group, 1992)

Before they became a mega group, Destiny’s Child appeared on Star Search as Girls Tyme. Then a group of four, the were introduced as Houston natives following their dream, just a few short years before they started their meteoric rise, with Beyoncé later branching off to become a solo superstar.

“We just cried so hard, because we were so excited about the opportunity and everything. But also beyond that, we still felt there was something inside that was just like, ‘No, we’re still going to make it,” Kelly Rowland recalled to Business Insider of the group’s loss.

Drew Carey (Comedy, 1988)

Drew Carey first appeared before a national audience in 1988, when he competed with his stand-up act on Star Search. Though he didn’t win, he kept going and ended up doing stand-up on HBO in 1991, which led to many more opportunities.

Eva LaRue (Spokesmodel, 1985)

Before breaking into acting, Eva LaRue did pageants and commercial modeling. She competed on Star Search in their spokesmodel category. Her big break came a few years later, in 1993, when she was cast as Maria Santos on All My Children.

Justin Timberlake (Junior Vocalist, 1993)

Justin Timberlake auditioned as Justin Randall in 1993, leaning into a southern country vibe. It wouldn’t be long after this that he was cast on The New Mickey Mouse Club, which marked an official beginning to the performer’s public life.

LeAnn Rimes (Junior Vocalist, 1991)

LeAnn Rimes was just 8 years old when she competed on Star Search. Though she won her first round, she didn’t make it to the show’s finale. There was so much in store for the young singer, however. She became the youngest person to ever win a Grammy just six years later.

Marc Summers (Comedy, 1983)

Marc Summers may be known and beloved for his hosting duties on Nickelodeon’s Double Dare, but before those days, he competed on Star Search. Summers was also working as a radio DJ at the time, looking for his big break in entertainment, which came in 1986.

Martin Lawrence (Comedy, 1987)

Martin Lawrence made it through the first round, but lost after his second appearance in 1987. The television moment led to Lawrence’s casting in the syndicated sitcom, What’s Happening Now!!, the start of his acting career. 

Norm Macdonald (Comedy, 1990)

 Norm Macdonald appeared on Star Search‘s international edition, where he competed in comedy. It was three years before his breakthrough, being cast on Saturday Night Live.

Pitbull (Male Vocalist, 1994)

Pitbull was chasing stardom from a young age, appearing on Star Search at 13, performing as Armando Perez. While he didn’t win, he also didn’t give up. A few years later, he adopted the Pitbull persona and began working with Irv Gotti and Uncle Luke.

Ray Romano (Comedy, 1989)

Ray Romano’s 1989 comedy loss stung, but it was part of what was an otherwise memorable time for the young comedian, as he revealed to The Hollywood Reporter in 2023.

“My wife was pregnant with our first child and due probably four weeks later,” he recalled. “I was supposed to stay in LA for another two days with my manager, but I was so deflated [by the loss] that I just went home. My wife’s water broke that day, and she had the baby 24 hours later.”

Rosie O’Donnell (Comedy, 1984)

Rosie O’Donnell knew she was destined for stardom. While Star Search was only a stop on her journey, two years later, she would get her acting career star. Acting and comedy went hand-in-hand for the star, from the big screen to the small screen to her time as a daytime host, all of which started just years after her Star Search loss.

Sinbad (Comedy, 1983)

Sinbad worked the comedy circuit in the years before he was cast on A Different World, including his 1983 appearance on Star Search. Once he made the switch to TV, the game changed for the comic and began a succesful decade and a lifetime of reverence.

Sutton Foster (Teen Vocalist, 1990)

Sutton Foster was 15 when she took a chance at showcasing her vocal skills. In April 2025, she recalled the experience, sharing, “That was a long time ago. I remember losing. I lost. I didn’t win and I was so upset and I was crying backstage and oh gosh… if I could go back to her and tell her anything I’d be like, ‘Your life is going to surprise you in so many fabulous ways.'”

“And I think, even losing Star Search, if you know, I truly believe that everything that happens in your life directly leads to whatever. If I had won Star Search, who knows what my life… Maybe i wouldn’t even be talking to you. My life might be completely different. Who knows what it could be> So it was a gift to lose Star Search because it led me to exactly where I am today and all of the amazing experiences I’ve had and all the opportunities. Every single yes or no has led to many magical things.”

Tiffany (1985, Teen Vocalist)

Tiffany came in second place in a fierce vocal battle during her appearance on Star Search in 1985. Competing as Tiffany Renee, she sang Jennifer Holliday’s “I Am Love.” Two years later, she’d be taking malls across the country by storm.

Usher (Teen Vocalist, 1991)

It’s hard to believe Usher didn’t take home the win, but it all worked out for the young vocalist. His performance of Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” mesmerized audiences with the longest sustained note ever held by a child on the show, at 12 seconds. The buzzed-about moment caught the attention of L.A. Reid, who would go on to sign the young singer.