Before American Idol and America’s Got Talent, there was Star Search. Beginning in 1983, the series offered aspiring artists a national stage to compete across categories like singing, comedy, and dance for a $100,000 prize. Hosted by Ed McMahon until 1994, with Martha Quinn joining him in 1995, the show briefly went off the air before being rebooted in 2003 for one additional season with Arsenio Hall at the helm. Now, Star Search is poised for a revival, launching a new iteration on Netflix January 20.
The original Star Search format was straightforward: competitors faced off in their respective categories, earning star ratings from a panel of judges. The highest-rated performer advanced, ultimately vying for the grand prize in the finals. The Netflix version introduces a live element, allowing viewers to vote in real-time for their favorite contestants. Hosting the reboot is Anthony Anderson, alongside judges Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chrissy Teigen, and Jelly Roll.
Star Search served as a launchpad for numerous stars, including Britney Spears, Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, and Beyoncé (then performing with Destiny’s Child, known as Girl Tyme). Beyond these household names, countless actors, singers, and comedians honed their craft on the show. As Netflix prepares to introduce a new generation of talent, let’s revisit some of the most notable names from Star Search’s history.
Singers
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Aaliyah
At just 10 years old, Aaliyah appeared on Star Search, delivering a stunning rendition of the Rodgers and Hart classic “My Funny Valentine.” The performance foreshadowed the immense talent of the artist who would later be crowned the “Princess of R&B,” before her tragic death in a plane crash at age 22.
Alanis Morissette
The iconic Canadian alt-rocker Alanis Morissette, known for hits like “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know,” first graced the Star Search stage at age 14 in 1990, performing under a different name. After her initial appearance, she reverted to her given name, perhaps channeling that experience into the powerhouse career she built.
Christina Aguilera
Five-time Grammy winner Christina Aguilera, the voice behind “Beautiful,” “Fighter,” and “Genie in a Bottle,” appeared on Star Search before her time on the Mickey Mouse Club. At just 8 years old, Aguilera impressed with her rendition of Etta James’ “Sunday Kind of Love,” though she didn’t ultimately win.
Justin Timberlake
NSYNC member and solo superstar Justin Timberlake first appeared on Star Search at age 11, performing as Justin Randall. A far cry from his pop persona, Timberlake donned full country attire, including a cowboy hat, while singing Alan Jackson’s “Love’s Got a Hold on You.”
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes, the youngest individual recipient of a Grammy Award at age 14, first appeared on Star Search in 1991 at age 8, performing “Don’t Worry” by Marty Robbins and winning her first round.
Pitbull
Before becoming the internationally recognized rapper Pitbull, Armando Perez appeared on Star Search in 1994 at age 13. Though he didn’t win, the experience helped shape his artistic identity.
Usher
Star Search proved pivotal for Usher Raymond IV, even though he didn’t win. His performance of Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” caught the attention of LA Reid, co-founder of LaFace Records, leading to a recording contract and Usher’s debut single, “Call Me A Mack,” for the 1993 film Poetic Justice.
Billy Porter
Actor and singer Billy Porter, celebrated for his Emmy-winning role on Pose, achieved significant success on Star Search, winning the grand prize of $100,000 in the vocalist category in 1992 (filmed in 1991 during a 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 inaugural comedy category in 1984. He didn’t just participate—Garrett won the finals at age 23, securing a $100,000 prize that proved pivotal for his 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 announced him as a talent to watch, leading to his own HBO special just three years later.
Kevin James
Star of King of Queens and numerous 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 showcased his charm and garnered national attention, leading 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 several appearances at comedy festivals before his 1990 appearance on Star Search. He appeared on an international-themed episode, losing to a Liberian comic named Bushman, but still managed a remarkable career.
Ray Romano
Unlike his Everybody Loves Raymond co-star Brad Garrett, Ray Romano did not win Star Search. However, Romano enjoyed a stellar career in comedy, earning three Primetime Emmy Awards and a successful voice-acting career, notably in the Ice Age movies.
Rosie O’Donnell
Actor and comedian Rosie O’Donnell is best known for her vibrant stand-up and movie career, which began with her 1984 appearance on Star Search. She nearly reached the finals, and while she didn’t win the grand prize, she impressed audiences with her comedic stylings, launching her into stardom.
Roy Wood, Jr.
Roy Wood, Jr., who gained fame with his appearances on The Daily Show, competed on the 2003 version of Star Search. He reached the semi-finals, which boosted his confidence and helped him advance his career.
Actors
Lauren Ambrose
Though better known for singing, several actors got their start on Star Search, including Lauren Ambrose, known for her roles in Six Feet Under, Servant, and Yellowjackets. At 11, Ambrose sang the upbeat “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas. Though she lost, she shared her ambition to become a “great actress and wonderful performer,” a goal she has undoubtedly achieved.
Garcelle Beauvais
The actor, best known for The Jamie Foxx Show and her role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, competed in the Spokesmodel category in 1985, winning several rounds.
Oscar nominee Sharon Stone competed in the Spokesmodel category in 1984. She didn’t win, but it helped launch her decades-long acting career, which continues today with roles in Nobody 2 and the upcoming season of Euphoria.
Tatyana Ali
Fresh Prince of Bel Air star and singer Tatyana Ali began her career at age 7 on Star Search in 1987. She won multiple rounds, performing songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” Ultimately, she lost to Alisan Porter, who later won Season 10 of The Voice in 2016.
