Star Search in the 1980s and 90s was a hit program that showcased talented singers, comedians, and other acts and ranked each act based on 1 – 4 star system. Families gathered around the television set each week to watch host Ed McMahon introduce each act and see who would win: the challenger or the champion! But what you might not know is that some of our mega superstar singers and performers of today were on the show!

Check out ten celebrities who appeared on the hit talent show Star Search!

A young Beyonce and Kelly Rowland were in their first girl group from Houston, Texas, performing on Star Search under the name Girls Tyme. Even when rocking the stage and wearing the bright green jackets, the girls lost to Skeleton Crew!

Justin Timberlake, but back then Justin Randall, sang some country music as an 11-year-old star. He ended up losing on the show!, but if he won we might see him as a country singer wearing those awful tacky shirts and cowboy hats!

Comedian Kevin James appeared in 1995 on the show and even went on to beat his competitor in the semifinals. He’ll go on to star in the TV Show “King of Queens” and movies like “Mall Cop.”

80s pop superstar Tiffany performed a power ballad going by her old name Tiffany Evans. I didn’t know tuxes looked so great on girls in the 1980s!

Britney Spears first big break was coming onto Star Search and performing some power ballads. While Britney won her first match-up, she ended up losing by .25 of a star to the challenger whose only cool story in life is how he beat Britney at age 8.

Britney’s pop diva rival Christina Aguilera also was on the hit talent show!

Back in 1989, Aaliyah graced the stage to perform “My Funny Valentine.” She seems so young yet mature with that 80s dress on! She ended up losing too.

As the youngest comedian to appear on Star Search, David Chappelle won and received rave reviews for his stand up about life in Washington, D.C.

Why is true love hard to find for Alanis Morissette? Maybe because they saw her sing this song on Star Search!

And finally, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Tatyana Ali performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

-Will Johnson, K 104.7 WKQC

What was your favorite performance by our future stars? Let us know in the Comment Section Below!