From bluesy licks to extreme shredding
To meet the stars who started out as backing singers, click through the gallery.
Katy Perry's humble beginnings as a backup singer for the Christian metal band P.O.D (Payable on Death) may come as a surprise. In the music video for their song 'Goodbye for Now,' you can spot Perry doing her thing!
Lopez is first and foremost a dancer. She first did some backup singing and dancing for Janet Jackson until she decided to focus on acting instead.
Despite being a renowned global figure, he began his career as a staff songwriter and backup vocalist.
Legend's association with Kanye West resulted in him providing backing vocals and playing the piano on songs performed by Alicia Keys and rapper Talib Kweli. Subsequently, West and Legend collaborated on his first solo track, which played a significant role in his rise to fame.
Before becoming a singer, Madonna originally worked as a backup dancer. She even joined singer Patrick Hernandez on tour. Upon her talent for singing being uncovered, she also contributed backing vocals before departing to form a girl band.
Pink started out her journey to fame by performing as a backup singer at various Philadelphia clubs. Eventually, she caught the attention of a record label and went on to become part of two unsuccessful girl groups. However, she eventually found her footing as a successful solo artist.
Whitney Houston hails from a family with a musical inclination. Her mother, who served as a backup singer, played a significant part in facilitating Houston's entry into the music world. Upon hearing her talent, Houston swiftly received opportunities to serve as a backing singer for renowned artists like Chaka Khan and Jermaine Jackson. It didn't take long for her exceptional voice to lead her towards a successful solo career.
Before Genesis and his own successful solo career, Phil Collins was a drummer and provided backing vocals while Peter Gabriel took the lead.
It's hard to imagine, but even Cher had humble beginnings as a backing vocalist. She kick-started her career under the guidance of producer Phil Spector (1939-2021), lending her voice to renowned tunes including 'Be My Baby' and 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling.'
Mariah Carey began her singing journey with R&B artist Brenda K. Starr. Starr passed Carey's demo to the head of Sony Music Entertainment, leading to the start of her successful career.
Luther Vandross, renowned for his songs 'Never Too Much' and 'Dance with My Father,' received opportunities from musicians like David Bowie and Ringo Starr before achieving his own phenomenal solo career.
Sheryl Crow performed alongside Michael Jackson during his Bad tour in the 1980s. She joined him on stage for the song 'Dirty Diana' and also made an appearance in the music video for the track.
Mary J. Blige initially emerged in music as a backup singer for Father MC on the record 'I'll Do 4 U.' Following this, Blige lent her vocals to various artists before making her breakthrough with the popular single 'What's the 411?'
Before launching her solo career, Faith Evans, renowned for her brilliant songs such as 'I'll Be Missing You' and 'Love Like This,' had lent her fantastic voice to tracks by Usher and even Mary J. Blige herself.
Michael McDonald, who would later become the frontman of the Doobie Brothers, started his profession as a vocalist for various artists. He lent his voice to successful tracks recorded by well-known musicians such as Steely Dan, Tim Moore, and Gary Wright.
The artist behind popular songs like 'White Flag' and 'Thank You' began her career as a member of the band Faithless, where her brother was the lead singer. Recognizing her talent, a record label backed her and helped her create her debut album.
Before starting her own career, Harris toured with Gram Parsons. They later fell in love.
Gwen Stefani started her music career as a backing vocalist for her brother's band, No Doubt. Tragically, lead singer John Spence passed away in 1987, leading Gwen to step up as the band's new lead vocalist. Eventually, her brother would also depart from the group prior to their extraordinary triumph.
It is worth noting that prior to his role as the frontman of the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl served as the drummer and backing vocalist for Nirvana.
Keri Hilson, a talented songwriter and singer, began her career at a young age. With early industry exposure, she collaborated with renowned artists like Mary J. Blige and Usher. It was her song 'In a Perfect World...' that catapulted her into the limelight, showcasing her musical prowess.
Despite his existing fame, it is a lesser-known fact that the Rolling Stones legend contributed backing vocals independently for various tracks. These include Carly Simpson's 'You're So Vain' and the Beatles' 'All You Need Is Love.'
Sting has contributed his vocals to various albums, primarily driven by artistic exploration rather than obligation. His voice can be heard on Phil Collins' 'No Jacket Required' (1985) album and a few tracks by Arcadia.
In the 1980s, Williams released multiple singles including 'Sweet, Sweet Love' and 'Once Bitten Twice Shy.' She has also collaborated with various artists like Sting and Chaka Khan during her career.
The vocalist who performed the song 'We're All Alone' collaborated with notable musicians during the 1970s, including Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, both of whom attained significant popularity.
Angie Stone, a talented singer, started her career as a backing vocalist for notable artists like D'Angelo and Lenny Kravitz before pursuing her own successful path in the music industry.
P.P. Arnold, famous for her rendition of 'The First Cut is the Deepest,' embarked on two tours alongside Roger Waters, the bassist of Pink Floyd.
Hamilton gained recognition for his popular song 'Charlene.' In 2000, he served as a backup singer for D'Angelo during his tour.
Sources: (Insider) (Ranker) (Fame10)
See also: Famous actors who are also musicians
Backup singers who took the spotlight
These major stars used to provide backing vocals for other singers
MUSIC Vocalists
Backing vocals can add a touch of magic to popular songs, uplifting some of the most impressive voices in the world. Many talented musicians started off as background singers before climbing their way to fame. This gallery highlights some major artists who, despite their initial supporting roles, managed to break free and become stars in their own right.
To meet the stars who started out as backing singers, click through the gallery.