Top 10 Stars You Forgot Were on Big Time Rush
#10: Keegan Allen “Big Time Jobs”
Viewers might recognize actor and musician Keegan Allen as Toby from “Pretty Little Liars” – Spencer’s husband forced to make a traitorous decision to protect his lady. Before he shocked scores of PLL fans, he made a cameo on BTR as part of a gang of handsome models competing against James for a chance at a modeling job. James tries to outshine them all, but he is no match for the combined power of Keegan and an army of handsomeness. Keegan doesn’t have any lines, and admittedly it might be hard to notice him at first glance; but if you keep your eyes open, you’ll be happy when you recognize him.
#9: Alexa PenaVega “Big Time Dreams”
As a kid, Alexa PenaVega made a splash on the big screen as Carmen from the “Spy Kids” film series. Several years later, she returned to her roots guest-starring as an actual spy version of herself in the series finale of “Big Time Rush”. Here, she teams up with the guys to help stop an evil world domination plan at the Tween Choice Awards, and in the end, shares a kiss with Carlos. This guest appearance worked brilliantly in two ways – first because we see Alexa step back into the role of a spy again; and second since in reality, she and Carlos actually got married after the show’s conclusion. Talk about foreshadowing.
#8: Gage Golightly “Big Time Beach Party”
Yes, even fellow Nickelodeon alumni have gotten their chance in the Big Time spotlight. Gage Golightly –who at the time was best known as Hayley Steele from “The Troop”- was actually one of the first to welcome BTR into the Nickelodeon family. Later, she’d guest star alongside them in the Beach Party episode as Annie –a competitive swimmer who rescues James from drowning and captures his heart. James becomes convinced that she’s a mermaid and that kissing her will turn HIM into a merman… he’s REALLY lucky he’s so cute. Still, it’s always a treat to see members of the Nick family working together –and Gage isn’t the only one.
#7: Malese Jow Various
Speaking of Nick alumni, Malese Jow is another cast member from “The Troop” who played the half-blood thrasher Cadence –she’s also been with the network as far back as Geena from “Unfabulous”. She joined the cast of BTR in Season 2 as Lucy Stone –the cool rocker chick at the Palm Woods who turns the guys’ world upside-down. She becomes Jo’s rival as a love interest for Kendall, gets the boys mixed up in a scandal with her music, and eventually finds herself hooking up with James –he did say over and over “she will be mine”. From fashionista to monster-hybrid to rockstar-in-training, Malese definitely made the most of her time with the network.
#6: Jon Stewart “Big Time Invasion”
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With the British boy band invasion on the rise, BTR finds itself in a civil war to get back into the spotlight – James and Logan vs. Kendall and Carlos. The latter duo gets a chance to appear on “The Daily Show” by none other than Jon Stewart himself. The comedy TV host had been hosting “The Daily Show” since 1999 before finally leaving the series two years after this episode, so it was lucky he got to meet the boys before then. Unfortunately, James and Logan sabotage Kendall and Carlos before the show can start –cutting their interview short. Still, it was nice they got to meet him for even a short instant.
#5: Emma Lahana “Big Time Movie” (2012)
She went from superhero to secret agent… not too much of a stretch, to be honest. Many will recognize New Zealand actress Emma Lahana as Kira –the spunky Yellow Ranger from “Power Rangers Dino Thunder”. A few might also recognize her as Mayhem from Freeform’s “Cloak & Dagger”. In-between both roles, she guest-starred in the BTR Movie as Penny Lane –a rogue secret agent who drags the boys into her mission to rescue her father. While she trades in her yellow spandex for pink and black leather, she still kicks butt while helping the boys save their world tour and the world –even sneaking a kiss from James.
#4: Elizabeth Gillies “Big Time Secret”
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Even two of the “Victorious” castmates guest-starred on BTR. One was Victoria Justice as herself –who covered for the guys while they were stuck in traffic. The other was Elizabeth Gillies –best known as the mean girl of Hollywood Arts, Jade. Here, Gillies guest stars as Heather Fox – a model that James and Carlos both had a crush on during summer camp. Unlike Jade who’s a bit of a gank, Heather is actually a very sweet person –really highlighting Gillies’ dynamic acting abilities. While she sadly doesn’t return Carlos’ feelings, it was still nice of her to join him and James for another day of camp fun –even though it was kind of a mess.
#3: Alfonso Ribeiro “Bel Air Rush”
The moment you see the episode title “Bel Air Rush”, you KNEW they were going to sneak in a “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reference somewhere. Not only did they do a spoof of the “Fresh Prince” theme song, but they also featured a guest appearance by Alfonso Ribeiro –aka Carlton Banks. This time around, however, Alfonso isn’t charming us with the Carlton Dance; instead, he’s keeping a sharp eye on the boys as Captain McAlister –the perky, strict block captain of Bel-Air. He strives to keep the neighborhood’s spotless reputation … but he’s no match for the boys. It was a perfect casting choice for this Bel-Air misadventure.
#2: Miranda Cosgrove “Big Time Christmas”
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During their one-hour Christmas special, BTR is desperate to find a celebrity to duet with for their Christmas EP. Fortunately, and coincidentally, Miranda Cosgrove is hosting a TV special. Any Nickelodeon viewer will instantly recognize Cosgrove – the titular character on “iCarly” and the devious Megan on “Drake & Josh” –so who better to sing with? While she’s not fond of the boys crashing her special, she’s more than willing to sing alongside them because they’re “really cute” –she’s not wrong. And so, together, the five of them spread a little holiday cheer with their rendition of “All I Want For Christmas”, and we get to tap our toes to the combined talents of these Nickelodeon legends. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Nick Cannon, “Big Time Dreams” The Nickelodeon Alumni Hosts the Tween Choice Awards Spencer Locke, Season 1 Locke Played the Original Jennifer 2 Before Being Replaced By Kelli Goss Jordin Sparks, “Big Time Sparks” The R&B Pop Singer Guest Stars as Herself Singing Alongside Big Time Rush Lisa Rinna, “Big Time Moms” The Actress Guest-Stars as James’ Mom Tom Kenny,“Big Time Beach Party” Kenny Reprises His Role as “Patchy the Pirate” From “SpongeBob SquarePants”
#1: Snoop Dogg “Big Time Christmas”
Before this episode, rap legend Snoop Dogg worked alongside BTR for one of their releases of “Boyfriend”. This time around, he’s helping to save the boys’ Christmas EP… he kind of owes them after accidentally running Gustavo over, so it all works out. He helps them come up with a “12 Days of Christmas” rap, and even joins them in a Chipmunks-like tune animated by Butch Hartman –and it’s obvious he’s having a blast throughout the experience. It says a lot when both the show and the band were able to work with a rapping legend not just once, but twice –and dish out three catchy tunes thanks to their teamwork.
