The 10 Best Music Artists Who Got Their Start On Reality TV Singing Shows

Before video killed the radio star, the very first show publicizing the musictalent of average people was broadcast to homes across America in 1934. Original Amateur Hour was a radio show that not only launched the idea of a nationwide talent show, but also became the very first reality TV talent show when it hit television screens in 1946.

Reality TV singing competitions draw in millions of viewers worldwide as audiences root for who will be music’s next big thing. American Idol, The X-Factor, America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and many more are working to turn average people into superstars.

Millions of people have auditioned and competed on reality TV to the point that their faces and voices start to blend together. Today, it can be so easy to forget that some of the music industry’s biggest stars were once young hopeful competitors on television.

10

Benson Boone

American Idol Season 19 Flipped Out For Boone

It can be easy to assume that Benson Boone gained his audience from TikTok based on his frequent appearances across users’ For You Pages. The truth is, he got his start on American Idol.

When Boone auditioned for American Idol season 19 in 2021, he was only 18 years old. At the time, he had only been singing for one year, but you wouldn’t know it after hearing his cover of “Punchline” by Aidan Martin.

The judges praised his performance, and his voice moved Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to their feet in applause. Katy Perry said that she felt he could win the whole season having only heard his audition.

Benson Boone left American Idol in a shocking twist after making it to the top 24. He didn’t want his brand to be associated with the show, but rather the merits of his music.

Only time will tell if leaving American Idol was the best choice for Boone.

Despite having no original music at the time, this risk worked out for the flip king. He performed at the 67th Grammy Awards, where he was nominated for Best New Artist.

Only time will tell if leaving American Idol was the best choice for Boone. He still struggles with branding issues. He can’t seem to decide if his aesthetic is in line with the extravagant flamboyant outfits worn by Harry Styles and Freddie Mercury or the rugged all-American Bruce Springsteen vibe of his new album, American Heart.

9

Fifth Harmony

The X Factor Decided That These Singers Are Worth It

Each member of Fifth Harmony arrived on the set of The X Factor as teens with stars in their eyes and no knowledge of each other. They each had an incredibly strong voice, but it was evident that they were all very young and in need of experience.

As a group, the judges felt that their talent shined through, and they ultimately placed third, securing a record deal. The group stuck together (for the most part) for six years and had a number of top 40 hits, many of which graced the Billboard Hot 100.

Although “Work From Home” was their biggest song, their tracks rooted in female empowerment and friendship, like “Bo$$,” “Miss Movin’ On,” and “That’s My Girl,” are a better representation of what the group meant to their dedicated young female audience.

All five girls continue to work in the music industry as solo artists, but Camila Cabello had the biggest break after her departure from the group in 2015.

8

Carrie Underwood

The Winner Of American Idol Season 4

Carrie Underwood is living proof that it is possible to shake the image of a reality TV star and build a legacy of your own. Not only was Carrie Underwood a contestant on American Idol, but she was also the winner. The American Idol crown weighs heavily, but Underwood didn’t buckle under the pressure; she rose above it.

The answer was clear: Underwood was the next American Idol.

At 21 years old, Carrie Underwood was just a small-town girl with a dream when she walked on the set of American Idol. Her audition song, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt, amazed the judges.She was so nervous when they cut her off, thinking she had lost it all so soon, but she received three strong yeses.

Bo Bice, her fellow finalist, put up a strong fight up until the bitter end, but the answer was clear: Underwood was the next American Idol. In the grand scheme of reality TV, for most winners, the crown is their greatest claim to fame. However, Underwood is likely best known for her rage-fueled break-up ballad “Before He Cheats.”

7

Kacey Musgraves

Before Her Golden Hour, Musgraves Was On Nashville Star Season 5

Kacey Musgraves has been recording and making music for over a decade, releasing her first collection of songs at just 13 years old. Nothing was going to get in the way of her determination, and the young artist would search for any opportunity to shine a light on her craft.

Her appearance on Nashville Star was just another opportunity to market her music. 18-year-old Kacey Musgraves performed her original song, “Halfway To Memphis,” on season 5 of the competition show. Although her performance was strong and the audience burst into enthusiastic applause, Musgraves did not go very far in the show. She was eliminated fourth and placed seventh overall.

Although this blow would be devastating to some, the young aspiring star took it in stride. Today she looks back on the experience with gratitude. She is glad that people don’t remember her as a competitor on a reality TV show, but she also gained wisdom from the constructive criticism she received from the show’s three judges.

After six years of developing her sound, Musgraves’ debut album, Same Trailer, Different Park, would hit number one on the charts. The young singer, who was judged by three of country music’s biggest stars, would be amazed to see what she was capable of.

6

One Direction

The Story Of One Direction On The X FactorUK Season 7

One Direction has been Gen Z’s boy band obsession from their genesis on The X Factor UK to this very day. The judges on this season had an eye for hidden potential, because they saw talent in this group of boys despite all of their blunders.

The band struggled through their initial auditions, the dancing of boot camp, and came together to sing a rough cover of “Torn”by Natalie Imbruglia. Despite the hardships, the band finished in 3rd place together.

Each of the five performers that sought fame separately have all achieved the solo careers of their dreams. Most notably, Harry Styles has become one of the biggest pop stars in the world, winning Album of The Year at the Grammy Awards for his album Harry’s House and selling out 15 consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden.

5

Adam Lambert

American Idol Season 8 Royalty

Adam Lambert has one of the most powerful voices that has ever graced television screens. Although the young performer didn’t snatch the title of American Idol, he has gone on to have more significant wins in his career.

Lambert’s auditioncover of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was controversial with the judges. It was undeniable that his voice was powerful, but was this theater kid the next American Idol? Ultimately, they all gave him a chance. In the end, he was the season’s runner-up, but he certainly got the last laugh.

Lambert may not have become a pop star, but he has a career that fits his skill set and passions perfectly.

Imagine going from the position of young hopeful musician auditioning for TV with a Queen song to filling in for the late Freddie Mercury on tour with Queen. This has been the reality for Adam Lambert since 2011, only two years after his American Idol appearance.

Today, the theatrical singer has also graced Broadway stages as The Emcee in Cabaret. Lambert may not have become a pop star, but he has a career that fits his skill set and passions perfectly.

4

Carly Rae Jepsen

Before “Call Me Maybe”, Jepsen Competed On Canadian Idol Season 5

Carly Rae Jepsen, fresh out of college, performed her original song “Sweet Talker” bravely before the three judges of Canadian Idol. At just 21 years old, the soon-to-be pop icon was investing all of her time into her music career. She skipped the sound check for a gig in order to audition for the show.

It’s funny to hear the judges saying “welcome to Toronto” instead of “Hollywood,” but each judge had no doubt that is where Jepsen belonged. Zack Warner said that he wished everyone on the judges’ panel would vote no on Jepsen just so he could sign her to his record label immediately.

In the end, Jepsen’s gorgeous voice and songwriting talent earned her third place. After her 2007 reality TV appearance, Carly Rae Jepsen took a few years to fully lean into the pop excellence she is known for today.

Once Jepsen released the electric hit, “Call Me Maybe,” in 2012, she couldn’t be put back into a box. Jepsen has amassed a fervent fan base of popheads that anxiously await her every release. Many critics and fans alike consider her album, Emotion, to be one of the best pop albums ever released.

3

Kelly Clarkson

The First Ever American Idol

Kelly Clarkson is the most memorable American Idol winner, not only because she was the first, but also because she was so deserving. Clarkson’s all-encompassing warm vocal tone coupled with her giddy personality made her so easy to root for.

Kelly Clarkson and her infectious positivity gripped the judges from the very first moment she walked into her audition. The 20-year-old’s rendition of “Express Yourself” by Madonna left the judges smiling and giggling. This was the moment the judges and America fell in love with Clarkson.

Each and every time, Clarkson outdoes the original.

Although it is impossible to forget that Kelly Clarkson was on American Idol, she has made the very most of her fame. “Stronger,” “Since U Been Gone,” and “Breakaway” are unforgettable songs and karaoke night classics.

Today, she hosts her own talk show, and on every episode, she does a cover of a song. Each and every time, Clarkson outdoes the original. Her warmth and ability to joke with anyone makes her perfectly suited for talk show interviews and her musical talent sets her apart from the competition.

2

Britney Spears

All Eyes Were On Britney Spears On Star Search

It feels like Britney Spears has been pursuing a career from the moment she could walk. You may think that her first television appearance was in The All-New Mickey Mouse Club in the ’90s. However, before her tenure as a member of the club, she performed on the reality TV show Star Search.

At just 10 years old, Spears performed an incredibly moving rendition of “Love Can Build A Bridge” by The Judds. Spears’ vocal style as a child sounded more mature than the baby voice she used throughout her pop career. Spears just barely lost her competition to be a champion the following year.

There is no need to say that Spears kept working and made her dreams of fame come true, because her fame is universally known. At just 18 years old, she had a certified Diamond record for her album …Baby One More Time. The scope of Britney Spears’ pop culture impact is difficult to fathom, and her appearance on Star Search is an easily forgettable drop in the bucket of her legacy.

1

Beyoncé & Destiny’s Child

The Group Performed As Girls Tyme On Star Search

Before Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams solidified the brand of Destiny’s Child, the young girls performed together as Girl Tyme. The R&B-infused pop music the group was known for was not where they started. Hip-hop and rap were central to their original act on Star Search.

The girls had better luck than Britney Spears and were ultimately finalists on the show. Beyoncé was only 12 years old at the time of this performance, but displayed professionalism beyond her years.

Destiny’s Child is synonymous with the ’90s and early 2000s. Their iconic hits cemented the group as the fiercest girl group of the era and paved the way for Beyoncé’s career as one of the most awarded musical artists in history. Her resilience, creative drive, and raw talent have afforded her cultural dominance in her solo career for over two decades.