Star Search, a series that launched in 1983, showcasing many hopeful contestants who are now wildly famous, is making another comeback. This time, Star Search is coming to Netflix. And the premiere date is actually right around the corner.
Star Search debuted on CBS in 1983, with host Ed McMahon at the helm. This competitive series ran for 13 seasons. But then, it ultimately faded away into the sunset, like every other defunct series.
However, in 2003, producers gave this show another go, with Arsenio Hall taking over the hosting duties. Nevertheless, only two seasons came out of this revival. So, will this next reboot be the charm? Hopefully.
If so, we can expect to see many additional stars launched. But, before its debut, let’s recall several of these famous performers.
Famous performers who got their start on Star Search
When researching celebrities who got their start on Star Search, dozens of results appear. From comedians and supermodels to actors and musicians, this series hosted them all. Following their showings, many of these contestants went on to star in other series, including Rosie O’Donnell, Drew Carey, and Tatyana Ali.
Meanwhile, Dave Chappelle, Norm Macdonald, Brad Garrett, Adam Sandler, and Martin Lawrence also appeared, further carving out their names in the comedy industry. But musically speaking, there’s a lot, including the late Aaliyah. As for the other easily recognizable names, check out these famous faces who also got their starts on Star Search.
Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland
In 1993, Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland were actively trying to increase the reach of their girl band, Girls Tyme. But first, they needed to secure their first record deal. However, as they quickly realized, this task was much easier said than done.
Although they failed to win Star Search, their group scored well, earning themselves three and a half stars. After their appearance, Girls Tyme fell apart, but Beyoncé and Kelly formed another group, Destiny’s Child. These days, Beyoncé and Kelly travel the globe as independent performers.
Justin Timberlake
Most people remember Justin Timberlake starring on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club series. But the year before he landed this gig, Justin was singing his tiny little heart out on Star Search under the name Justin Randall, his first and middle names.
In 1992, Justin donned his finest pair of tight pants, an oversized belt buckle, and a massive cowboy hat, all to help him channel his inner Alan Jackson. As for his song, he chose Alan’s track, “Love’s Got a Hold on You.” Justin lost his match, but it was only by .75 stars.
Britney Spears
At just 10 years of age, Britney Spears made her televised debut on Star Search. Her first performance on this series included a cover of Eva Tanguay’s “I Don’t Care.” With her wide range and adorable stage presence, Brittany won her first round with ease. She then advanced to the next round, where she performed a cover version of “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
Once again, Britney nailed her performance. However, she failed to win this round. But one year later, she joined Justin (and the next star on this list) over on the Disney Channel, and the rest is history.
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera also appeared on Star Search, where she knocked everyone away with her powerful vocals at the tender age of nine. Due to her younger age bracket, Christina placed in the junior vocalist category. Here, her performance of Etta James’ “A Sunday Kind of Love” took her to the semifinals, where she ultimately got eliminated in one of the closest battles to date on this series.
Following her head-turning appearance on Star Search, Christina jumped over to the Disney Channel, where her star continued to rise. Like many on this list, she remains active in this industry today.
Usher
At the age of 13, Usher also competed on Star Search. No, Usher did not win. However, just like these other stars experienced, his appearance here opened many doors. Case in point, his effortless performance of Boyz II Men’s hit song, “End of the Road,” led to his discovery by a music executive named L.A. Reid.
Reid went on to sign Usher to a record label. And now, Usher has an impressive career as a solo artist in the entertainment industry.
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes competed on Star Search in 1990, when she was only eight years old. Singing “Don’t Worry” by Marty Robbins, she won her first round. And then, she went on to become the champion for two additional weeks.
LeAnn recently reflected on this experience on Instagram. After posting a reel of one of her performances, she penned, “that little lady had dreams even bigger than her hair, and a belief in herself that was unstoppable. From where I’m sitting now, at 41, I’m pretty in awe of that kid!”
Alanis Morissette
Like LeAnn, Alanis Morissette also appeared on Star Search in 1990. She was in a teen vocalist category, singing an original version of the Osmonds’ hit song, “One Bad Apple.” Sadly, she lost. Yet, many fans still attribute her ending on Star Search to her following success stories, thanks to her broad range of emotions in one of her first hit songs, “You Oughta Know.”
Five years after her loss on Star Search, Alanis released Jagged Little Pill. It went on to become the best-selling debut album of that time.
Star Search premieres January 13, 2026, on Netflix. Episodes will air live Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.
TELL US – ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THIS REBOOT? CAN IT HOLD A CANDLE TO ITS ORIGINAL RUN?
