Top 10 Singers Who Were Told They'd Never Make It

#10: Missy Elliott

The way Misdemeanor was treated in the entertainment industry early on would never fly today … or at least, it shouldn’t. The “Get Ur Freak On” singer was shamed for her body by label execs, with one even calling her ‘too fat’ for a soloist. So, what did she do? She turned their prejudice into her pride and burst onto the music scene with her unstoppable talent, embracing her body and her originality. Today, with four Grammys and her name on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Missy Elliott is an icon in the truest sense of the word.

#9: Fred Astaire

Believe it or not, but one of the greatest talents in the history of Hollywood was once grossly underestimated. Legend has it that during a screen test in the early stages of his career, Fred Astaire did not make a good impression. His performance supposedly earned him a curt review, where an evaluator remarked that he could neither act nor sing. They allegedly had something to say about his hair, too, noting that he was ‘slightly bald’, but admitted that he could, quote, ‘dance a little’. Astaire himself dismissed his singing talent, but there’s no question about the excellence of his music.

#8: Shakira

The GOAT of Latin Music was born to be a performer. From a very young age, she gravitated to art, whether that be in the form of poetry, song, or dance. However, her light was too bright for those around her. She wasn’t accepted into her school choir in second grade for having a strong voice, but her peers apparently had a different opinion. We’re sure the irony of that insult is not lost on them now. Not only has Shakira sold millions of records and earned several Grammy Awards throughout her career, but she is also a celebrated philanthropist and a genuine role model.

#7: Ed Sheeran

The “Shape of You” singer’s career is a lesson in perseverance. He started making music in 2004, but it wasn’t until 2011 that he released his chart-topping debut album. Every time he approached a label, they’d turn him down, claiming his songs didn’t have what it took to be hits. The Grammy-winner also attributed the rejections to his appearance. After one too many letdowns, Ed realized that while others saw his individuality and uniqueness as weaknesses, those were the exact qualities that would set him apart from the rest. Clearly, his hunch was spot on, because now he’s a certified hitmaker with fame that few can rival.

#6: Eminem

The King of Rap’s rise to the top was riddled with challenges. His personal life was difficult, his debut album “Infinite” was not commercially successful, and labels looked down on him. According to reports, he was rejected by companies such as Duck Down Records, Rawkus Records, and Terror Squad Records, whose founder, Fat Joe, now regrets not signing him. Many critics told Eminem to try his hand at rock and roll instead of rap. However, when Dr. Dre came across “Slim Shady EP”, he recognized his talent at once, offering him a contract with Aftermath and Interscope. Although criticism followed the decision due to the rapper’s race, Eminem ultimately proved that he was destined for hip-hop greatness.

#5: Andrea Bocelli

Doesn’t seeing this legend on our list make you question the credibility of the music business? The singer, whose voice Celine Dion compared to that of God, had a hard time getting signed at the start of his career. His demo tape was continuously rejected by Italian labels, who doubted his marketability as a tenor who makes pop music. Fast forward a few years, and the great Luciano Pavarotti discovers Andrea Bocelli, helping him launch his career. Soon after, he was winning hearts all over the world as a crossover performer.

#4: Lady Gaga

The pop icon’s famous “Hundred People in a Room” quote wasn’t just inspired by Bradley Cooper believing in her for “A Star Is Born.” It actually came from way back in the day, when Gaga was struggling to get her demo heard by music execs. Her vocal coach, Don Lawrence, motivated her by reminding her that despite the no’s, all she needed was one yes to make her dreams come true. However, that didn’t come easily. Despite landing a record deal with Def Jam Recordings, she was dropped within months. She was finally able to put her music out there with Cherrytree Records, but faced doubt from radio stations. The “Poker Face” songstress was simply ahead of her time, and now dominates airwaves.

#3: Madonna

Whoever passed on signing the Queen of Pop is probably doomed to regret this fumble forever. A young Madonna navigated the tough grind of New York City, making ends meet with multiple jobs, while taking dance classes and trying to pitch her demo to the right people, all at once. When she finally got Millennium Records to listen to her work, the company’s president, Jimmy Ienner, failed to see substance in it. Not long afterwards, Sire Records brought her on, and the rest, as they say, is history. Nothing could stop Madonna’s ascent to the pop stratosphere, and her influence on the music industry remains unshakable to this day.

#2: The Beatles

The greatest band in pop music history was once faced with rejection, too. The Fab Four auditioned for Decca Records in 1962 after being denied deals with many other labels, but were turned down again. According to executives – who had an appalling lack of foresight, might we add – guitar groups were losing steam and The Beatles’ prospects were dark. Needless to say, that couldn’t be further from the truth. EMI's Parlophone tapped into the rising band’s potential, and they shot to unprecedented fame soon after. Meanwhile, the Decca snub went on to be widely criticized and was even parodied in “All You Need Is Cash”.

#1: Elvis Presley

If you ever feel like the world doesn’t recognize your talent, just remember that the King of Rock and Roll was once brought to tears by a dismissive crowd. When he was nineteen, Elvis made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. It was a major milestone for the “Heartbreak Hotel” crooner. However, the crowd didn’t embrace him. In Bobbie Ann Mason’s biography of the star, she revealed that the venue’s manager reportedly told him to, quote, ‘go back to driving a truck’. That day, he went home with tears in his eyes. However, he wouldn’t be crying for long because his big break was around the corner. Next thing we know, he was on top of the world, and nobody could bring him down.

Have you ever predicted the success of an underrated artist? Tell us in the comments down below!