Before shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent, Star Search was the original talent competition. It started in 1983 and gave performers a chance to win $100,000 by competing in different categories. Ed McMahon hosted the show from the beginning until 1994, and Martha Quinn joined him as co-host in 1995. After a break, Star Search returned for another season in 2003 with Arsenio Hall as the host. Now, a new version of the show is coming to Netflix on January 20th.
The original Star Search was straightforward: contestants in categories like singing, comedy, and dance competed head-to-head, and judges awarded star ratings to determine who moved on. The finalists then competed for a grand prize. The new version on Netflix will be live, allowing viewers to vote for their favorites as the performances happen. Anthony Anderson will host the reboot, and Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chrissy Teigen, and Jelly Roll will be the judges.
The TV show Star Search helped launch the careers of some huge stars, like Britney Spears, Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, and Beyoncé (who performed with her group, Destiny’s Child, originally called Girl Tyme). Many other successful actors, singers, and comedians also got their start on Star Search. Now, with Netflix bringing the competition back for a new generation, let’s remember some of the most memorable performers from the show’s history.
Singers
Aaliyah
When Aaliyah was just 10 years old, she performed “My Funny Valentine” on the TV show Star Search. It was an incredibly impressive performance for someone so young, and it foreshadowed the amazing talent she would become. She eventually earned the nickname “Princess of R&B” before her untimely death in a plane crash at the age of 22.
Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette, the famous Canadian alternative rock singer known for hits like “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know,” first appeared on the TV show Star Search in 1990 when she was just 14 years old, using a different name. After not winning, she went back to using her real name, and some believe that disappointment helped fuel her success.
Christina Aguilera
I still remember being blown away by Christina Aguilera’s voice – she’s won five Grammys and given us amazing songs like “Beautiful,” “Fighter,” and “Genie in a Bottle!” But did you know she actually started out on Star Search? It’s so cool to think about! She was only eight years old and totally nailed Etta James’ “Sunday Kind of Love,” even though she didn’t win the competition. It’s amazing to see how far she’s come!
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake, who rose to fame with the boy band NSYNC and later became a successful solo artist and frequent host on Saturday Night Live, first appeared on television at age 11 on Star Search. He performed under the name Justin Randall and surprisingly sang a country song – Alan Jackson’s “Love’s Got a Hold on You” – while wearing full cowboy attire, including a hat. It’s a far cry from the pop music he’s known for today.
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes made history as the youngest person to ever win a Grammy Award, receiving two at the age of 14. Even earlier, at just 8 years old, she first appeared on the TV show Star Search in 1991, performing Marty Robbins’ “Don’t Worry” and winning her initial competition round.
Pitbull
Before becoming the globally known rapper Pitbull (also called Mr. Worldwide), Armando Perez was a contestant on the show Star Search in 1994 at the age of 13. Although he didn’t win, he started developing his Pitbull persona a few years afterward.
Usher
You know, Usher almost won Star Search, but even losing was a huge deal for him. He absolutely killed it when he covered Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road,” and L.A. Reid from LaFace Records was so impressed he signed Usher right then and there. Pretty soon after, Usher landed his first single, “Call Me A Mack,” which was featured on the Poetic Justice soundtrack back in ’93. It was a great start to an amazing career!
Billy Porter
Billy Porter, the Emmy-winning actor and singer from Pose, first gained national attention by winning Star Search in 1992. He took home the $100,000 grand prize in the vocal category. Interestingly, he filmed the show in 1991 while taking a break from his first Broadway role in Miss Saigon, and was only 21 years old at the time.
Comedians
Brad Garrett
You know, before he was Ray Romano’s hilarious friend on Everybody Loves Raymond, Brad Garrett was a seriously talented stand-up comic. I recently learned he actually won the very first comedy competition back in 1984! He was only 23 years old and took home a $100,000 prize. It’s amazing to think that win really launched his career and helped him become the successful actor we all know and love.
Drew Carey
Drew Carey, known for hosting The Price Is Right and appearing on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, first gained attention on the talent show Star Search in 1988. While he didn’t win, his appearances established him as a promising comedian, leading to his own HBO special in 1991.
Kevin James
Kevin James, known for his roles in the TV show King of Queens and movies like Paul Blart: Mall Cop, first gained attention by reaching the semi-finals on the talent show Star Search in 1995. This early exposure probably helped him get a part on Everybody Loves Raymond, and eventually led to him starring in his own sitcom, King of Queens, in 1998.
Martin Lawrence
In 1987, Martin Lawrence, who would later become famous in the Bad Boys movies, got his start by winning a round on the TV show Star Search. His performance showcased his natural charisma and brought him national recognition, which quickly led to his first acting job on What’s Happening Now!! that same year.
Norm Macdonald
Norm Macdonald, the comedian best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, performed at several comedy festivals before competing on Star Search in 1990. Representing Canada on an international episode, he didn’t win—a Liberian comedian named Bushman took the prize. Despite that early setback, he went on to have a remarkably successful career.
Ray Romano
While his “Everybody Loves Raymond” colleague Brad Garrett found success on “Star Search,” Ray Romano didn’t win the competition. However, Romano has had a remarkably successful comedy career, earning three Primetime Emmy Awards and becoming well-known for his voice work, especially in the “Ice Age” films.
Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell is a well-known actress and comedian who first gained attention in 1984 when she competed on the show Star Search. Though she didn’t win, her funny and energetic performance made a strong impression and helped kickstart her successful career.
Roy Wood, Jr.
Roy Wood, Jr. is a comedian known for being on The Daily Show, but before that, he competed on the 2003 edition of Star Search. He did well on the show, making it to the semi-finals, and that success helped him gain the confidence to pursue his comedy career further.
Actors
Lauren Ambrose
While Star Search is remembered for its singing competitions, it also launched the careers of several actors, including Lauren Ambrose, who went on to star in shows like Six Feet Under, Servant, and Yellowjackets. When she was just 11 years old, Ambrose appeared on the show and sang a lively rendition of Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street.” Although she didn’t win, she shared in a brief interview that she hoped to become a “great actress and wonderful performer” – a goal she has clearly accomplished.
Garcelle Beauvais
The actress, famous for her roles in The Jamie Foxx Show and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, entered the Spokesmodel competition in 1985 and advanced through multiple rounds.
Sharon Stone
Before becoming a famous actress, Sharon Stone entered a spokesmodel competition in 1984. Though she didn’t win, the experience helped kickstart her acting career, which continues today. She recently appeared in Nobody 2 and will be in the next season of Euphoria.
Tatyana Ali
Tatyana Ali, known for her role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, began her career at age 7 in 1987 on the talent show Star Search. She impressed audiences with performances of songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” making it through several rounds of competition. Ultimately, she was bested by Alisan Porter, who was only 5 years old at the time. Porter later found success as an actor and singer, winning Season 10 of The Voice in 2016.
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2026-01-20 19:07