Top 10 Most Famous Star Search Winners

“American Idol” wasn’t his first competition TV rodeo. At 12 years old, the young singer won showdowns against several challengers on the rebooted version of “Star Search.” Although he did not receive the top prize of Junior Grand Champion, he was crowned Junior Vocal Champion. His run included performances of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and “Climb Every Mountain.” After the show, Archuleta auditioned for “American Idol” at 16. He made it to the finale, but again fell short of the crown. However, both appearances were enough to land him a record deal and a debut self-titled album in 2008.

“Star Search” also had its fair share of budding comedy stars appear on the show. In 1987, Martin Lawrence went from performing at The Improv comedy club in New York City to competing on several rounds of “Star Search.” His monologues were lauded enough to get him to the last round of the show, but he ultimately fell short of claiming the final crown. However, the exposure got him his first acting role as Maurice Warfield on the sitcom “What’s Happening Now!!” From there, he was able to land a part in “Do the Right Thing” and went on to lead his own hit series, “Martin.”

At just eight years old, LeAnn Rimes knew she wanted to be a star. She took to the stage in the Junior Vocalist category in 1991. Already a soulful performer, Rimes impressed audiences and the judges with a performance of “Don’t Worry” by Marty Robbins. She retained her champion title for a week. After her stint on “Star Search,” Rimes would focus on her country music career. She performed on the variety show Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue and gained national acclaim with her 1996 album “Blue.” Six years after her “Star Search” debut, Rimes would become the youngest person to win a Grammy at 14 years old.

Before he added Grammy, Tony, and Emmy winner to his resume, Billy Porter had already won $100,000 on “Star Search.” He reflected on his 1992 appearance on the show on an episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The “Pose” actor remembered his time on the show fondly, calling out the fact that a young Britney Spears appeared on the same episode as him. According to Porter, he used the prize money on dental work to further his career. After “Star Search,” Porter got busy working on films, appearing on Broadway, writing plays, and recording solo albums.

This recognizable comedian and character actor was the first ever winner of the Comedy category on “Star Search.” Following his 1984 appearance on the show, Garrett performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” at the age of 23. These performances exposed him to larger audiences and professional opportunities, including opening shows for Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, and The Beach Boys. Known for his tall frame and deep voice, Garrett found success in television and film. His first major role was as Robert Barone on the CBS sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” for which he would receive three Emmy Awards.

Brad Garrett isn’t the only “Everybody Loves Raymond” alum to net some wins on “Star Search.” In 1995, Kevin James won several rounds on the show in the Comedy category. However, it wasn’t until a year later that he would get his big break by catching the attention of Ray Romano. James’ set at the Just for Laughs Montreal comedy festival landed him a recurring role on Romano’s sitcom, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He would go on to appear in eight episodes. Soon after, James was able to helm his own show and became “The King of Queens.”

At 20 years old, Rosie O’Donnell was a young comic touring clubs in New York. After a performance at a Long Island venue, she was approached and eventually booked to appear on “Star Search” in 1984. O’Donnell’s trip to Los Angeles resulted in several wins on the show and an opportunity for a national audience. O’Donnell credited “Star Search” for allowing her to break into the scene in an interview with Larry King. After her run ended, she moved to the west coast and scored her first television role on the sitcom “Gimme a Break!” A few years later, she made her film debut in “A League of Their Own.”

“Star Search” was one of many talent shows a young Usher Raymond competed in as a child. From parking lot performances to national television, the young singer was focused on his career. In 1991, he came away with the title of Best Teen Vocalist on “Star Search.” A representative from LaFace Records saw Usher perform on the show. From there, Usher auditioned for L.A. Reid, co-founder of LaFace, and wound up signing a record deal with the company. His self-titled debut album would come three years later, when the singer was still only 15 years old.

The youngest comedian on “Star Search” became one of the most famous comics in the world. In 1993 at age 19, Dave Chappelle made three appearances on the show. He had already gained some acclaim in the New York comedy circuit, performing at clubs and even in city parks. Around the same time, he popped up on “Def Comedy Jam,” appeared on several talk shows, and had a part in the film “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” Although he triumphed numerous times on “Star Search,” he ultimately lost to Lester Barrie. Ten years later, “Chappelle’s Show” premiered on Comedy Central.

Several “Mickey Mouse Club” cast members appeared on “Star Search,” but not all of them came away with at least one victory. A 10 year old Britney Spears was named a champion, although she lost in the round before the finals in 1992. Her performances of “Love Can Build A Bridge” and “I Don’t Care” charmed audiences. The power of her voice even impressed her competition. Marty Thomas, the singer who would best Spears in the Junior Vocalist category, admitted that he thought she was going to beat him. Spears didn’t come away with the ultimate “Star Search” crown, but she became a global star in her own right.

Not every future celeb who competed came home with a win. Shout out the “Star Search” losers you can remember in the comments.