“Star Search” was a popular television show hosted by Ed McMahon and filmed in Hollywood, Calif., from 1983 to 1995. On the show, a challenger would compete against a champion in a particular genre of entertainment. Their performances would be judged by a panel of four judges who could award each act anywhere from one star to four stars. The contestant with the best averages won. On the championship show, winners of male vocalist, female vocalist, vocal group, comedy, and dance performances, were awarded $100,000 in prize money.
Here is our list of artists who made it big after performing on Star Search.
Beyonce
In 1993, Beyonce made an appearance on Star Search with girl group Girl Tyme. They ultimately lost the contest to an all-male group called the Skeleton Crew, but Beyonce went on to sing lead for Destiny’s Child. The rest is history in the making.
Tatyana Ali
Tatyana Ali released an album in 1998 and also played Ashley Banks on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” But she got her start on Star Search singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” She was 7 years old when she first appeared on the show. She won the contest twice, receiving a four-star rating when she appeared the second time.
