Top 10 Stars You Forgot Were on Star Search

#10: Drew Carey

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These days, he’s probably known as one of the hosts of the game show “The Price Is Right” and of the American version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. But before that, Drew Carey starred in a sitcom about a fictionalized version of himself. What about before that? Well, he was tackling the club circuit, performing standup comedy in both his hometown of Cleveland and in L.A. And it was during this same time in the late 1980s that Carey also took a chance at stand-up comedy stardom on “Star Search!” His set, which included having a little fun with an “enhanced” tie, seemed to impress the judges as he even ended up beating the champion he was up against!

Before fans knew her as Will Smith’s cousin Ashley Banks, Tatyana Ali was attempting to make a name for herself as a child actress. Her first professional gig was actually on “Sesame Street” when she was 6. But that’s not the trivia you’re watching this video for. That’s right: soon after she began starring on the kids’ educational series, little Tatyana managed to earn more than one appearance on “Star Search” - and that was thanks to her multiple wins! The 7-year-old competed as a junior vocalist in the late’ 80s, and not too long after that, she would soon get her big break with 1990’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.

Before she became so “Blue,” country superstar LeAnn Rimes appeared on “Star Search” at the tender age of eight. Her impressive rendition of Marty Robbins’ 1960s classic “Don’t Worry” was enough to take her to the next competition round. Even though her time on the hit series was short-lived, Rimes went on to prove she had what it took to become an award-winning country music singer. At the 39th Grammy Awards in 1997, she became the youngest Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance winner at just 14 years old. We haven’t been able to fight the moonlight or Rimes’ vocal chops ever since.

Justin Timberlake was very much in sync with his Memphis, Tennessee roots while appearing on “Star Search” for the first time in the early ‘90s. Using his first and middle name (“Randall”), the future *NSYNC-er donned a cowboy hat and shimmied his way into viewers’ hearts singing Alan Jackson’s “Love’s Got A Hold On You.” Although he wasn’t able to beat his competition, there was no need to cry a river for Timberlake. Alongside fellow future superstars Britney Spears, JC Chasez, Christina Aguilera, and Ryan Gosling, the eventual “Bye, Bye, Bye” singer would advance to stardom on “The Mickey Mouse Club.” He would go on to become one of pop music’s biggest stars in *NSYNC - and later as a solo artist and Hollywood actor.

Broadway star, actor and singer Billy Porter has risen to become one of the most inspirational and accomplished celebrities in show business to date. The “Pose” star’s drive to become the best was especially clear during his turn on “Star Search” in 1992. At the time, Porter’s singing talent took him all the way to the finals round. Hitting all the right notes, the Pittsburgh native wowed audiences and as a result, Porter won a $100,000 prize. Porter could have slowed down to bask in his huge “Star Search” win. Instead, he went on to win a Tony award for his role as “Lola” in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway, starred in movies and TV shows, and released his own albums.

Known as the “Princess of R&B,” late singer Aaliyah made an unforgettable mark in the music industry before her ultimately death in 2001. She was truly one in a million, thanks to her unique tomboy chic style, hypnotic dance moves and formidable vocal skills. Aaliyah also took to the “Star Search” stage as a child, singing “My Funny Valentine.” Introduced by host Ed McMahon as having a “big voice with an even bigger dream,” Aaliyah proved that dreams can come true as she went on to become a renowned musical artist and movie star. The Grammy nominated celebrity released several chart-topping singles and had leading roles in the movies “Romeo Must Die” and “Queen of the Damned.”

It’s not ironic that Alanis Morissette landed on our list as a star you may have forgotten ever appeared on “Star Search.” The Canadian-American musician was catapulted into superstardom after the release of her third record, “Jagged Little Pill” in 1995. But you oughta know that Morissette’s resume also includes a performance on “Star Search” in 1990 that shows the singer in a much different light. With big, teased hair and quintessential early ‘90s threads, Morissette was almost unrecognizable as a bubbly pop singer. Of course she would go on to evolve into an award-winning icon who wrote relatable songs about love, heartbreak and identity. “Jagged Little Pill” also inspired the hit Tony award-winning Broadway musical of the same name.

Christina Aguilera came out much stronger after her stint on “Star Search” in 1990. At 8 years old, her talent was undeniable as she belted out “A Sunday Kind of Love.” With a singing talent beyond her years, Aguilera went on to star alongside Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears in “The Mickey Mouse Club.” Like Spears, she too burst onto the pop music scene at the end of the ‘90s with her first album, titled “Christina Aguilera,” and chart-topping single “Genie in a Bottle.” Since releasing a slew of hit tracks, Aguilera’s scooped up a legion of industry awards, magazine covers, TV appearances and a chance to guide a new generation of stars as a judge on “The Voice.”

Beyoncé Knowles’ royal star power resides in all corners of the entertainment industry and her loyal followers latch onto her every word and move. Longtime Queen B fans may remember the entertainer’s achievements as a member of best selling girl group Destiny’s Child, but did you know that the same collective, formerly known as Girl’s Tyme appeared on “Star Search '' in the early ‘90s? Knowles was the leader of the hip hop/rap pack, which also included Destiny Child’s very own LaTavia Roberson and Kelly Rowland. Knowles can credit Girl’s Tyme/Destiny’s Child for giving her a platform that led to incredible fortune and celebrity as a solo artist and pop culture icon. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Norm Macdonald Before “Saturday Night Live,” the Late Stand-Up Comedian & Actor Performed On “Star Search” Kelly Rowland She Had a Blast With Her Fellow Girl’s Tyme/Future Destiny’s Child Members Kevin James “Star Search” Audiences Evaluated His Stand-up Comedy Talent Many Years Before “The King of Queens”

From the time she stepped into the spotlight as a kid, Britney Spears captured the imagination of music lovers. But even before she showcased her dancing, singing and acting talents on “The Mickey Mouse Club,” Spears bravely stepped onto the “Star Search” stage not once, but twice, at the age of 10. Her time on the show was a precursor to a career that would propel the Kentwood, Louisiana songstress to music industry acclaim as the “Princess of Pop.” Both Spears’ professional and personal lives took center stage once she dropped her debut album, “...Baby One More Time” at just 17 years old. The “genius,” as dubbed by notable pop producer Max Martin, continues to leave an enduring impact in entertainment and pop culture.