Reality TV has been a game changer for countless celebrities because it gave them the platform to showcase their talents and land a monstrosity of a career in the Hall of Fame. Shows like American Idol and The X Factor turned unknown singers like Kelly Clarkson, Harry Styles, and Carrie Underwood into household names while Keeping Up with the Kardashians made Kim Kardashian a global influencer. Some stars, like Cardi B on Love & Hip Hop: New York, used reality TV to build their brands before dominating music charts. Others, such as Jamie Chung from The Real World, seamlessly transitioned to serious acting roles.
1) Kelly Clarkson
In 2002, at the age of 20, Kelly Clarkson auditioned for the inaugural season of American Idol. Her powerful performances, including a standout rendition of Aretha Franklin's Respect caught the eye of both judges and viewers. On September 4, 2002, she was crowned the American Idol winner, securing a record deal with RCA Records. Her debut single, A Moment Like This, topped the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, Clarkson has released multiple platinum albums, won several Grammy Awards, and hosted The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
2) Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson, then 22, auditioned for American Idol's third season in 2004. Despite her powerful voice, she was eliminated in seventh place, a decision that surprised many. Undeterred, Hudson pursued acting and landed the role of Effie White in the 2006 film Dreamgirls. Her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to excel in both music and acting, achieving the rare EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Hudson now hosts The Jennifer Hudson Show, further solidifying her status in the entertainment industry.
3) Carrie Underwood
At 21, Carrie Underwood auditioned for American Idol's fourth season in 2005. Her country roots and vocal prowess resonated with audiences, leading her to win the competition. Her debut album, Some Hearts, became the best-selling solo female debut in country music history. Underwood has since released multiple platinum albums, won numerous Grammy Awards, and is considered one of the most successful artists to emerge from American Idol.
4) Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian gained initial public attention through her association with Paris Hilton and a leaked personal video. However, her major breakthrough came with the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which premiered in 2007 when she was 27. The show's success turned her into a household name. Leveraging her fame, Kardashian built a business empire that included beauty and fashion lines like KKW Beauty and Skims. She has also ventured into criminal justice reform and is studying law, aiming to become a lawyer.
5) Cardi B
Born Belcalis Almanzar, Cardi B was 23 when she joined the cast of Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015. Her candid personality and social media presence made her a standout on the show. Using the platform to launch her music career, she released the hit single Bodak Yellow in 2017, which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Cardi B has since released successful albums, won a Grammy Award, and became a prominent figure in the music industry.
6) Harry Styles
In 2010, at 16, Harry Styles auditioned for The X Factor UK with Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely. Although he didn't advance as a solo act, the judges formed a group with him and four others, creating One Direction. The band quickly gained a massive following, releasing chart-topping albums and embarking on global tours. After the group's hiatus in 2016, Styles launched a successful solo career, releasing critically acclaimed albums like Harry's House and starring in films such as Dunkirk and Don't Worry Darling. His influence extends into fashion, making him a multifaceted figure in entertainment.
7) Emma Stone
At 16, Emma Stone participated in VH1's 2004 reality show In Search of the New Partridge Family, winning the role of Laurie Partridge. Although the resulting pilot wasn't picked up, it marked her television debut. Stone continued to pursue acting, landing roles in series like Malcolm in the Middle and Medium. Her breakout film role came in 2007's Superbad, leading to a successful career with performances in Easy A, La La Land—for which she won an Academy Award—and The Favourite.
8) Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy made an uncredited appearance as an extra on America's Next Top Model in 2014. Shortly after, she was scouted by a modeling agency, which led to her acting debut in the 2015 horror film The Witch. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, opening doors to roles in films like Split and the lead in the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit. Taylor-Joy's portrayal of chess prodigy Beth Harmon earned her a Golden Globe, solidifying her status as a rising star in the industry.
9) Niall Horan
In 2010, 16-year-old Niall Horan auditioned for The X Factor UK with Ne-Yo's So Sick. He didn't progress as a solo artist but was grouped with four others to form One Direction. The band achieved international fame, releasing multiple successful albums. After the group's hiatus, Horan pursued a solo career, releasing albums like Flicker and Heartbreak Weather, which received positive reviews. He continues to tour and has served as a coach on The Voice.
10) Jordin Sparks
At 17, Jordin Sparks auditioned for American Idol's sixth season in 2007. Her powerful vocals and stage presence led her to become the youngest winner in the show's history. Her debut single, Tattoo, and the chart-topping No Air featuring Chris Brown, established her in the music scene. Sparks has released several albums, appeared on Broadway, and acted in films like Sparkle. She remains active in music and entertainment, with a career spanning over a decade.
11) Lucy Hale
In 2003, at the age of 14, Lucy Hale participated in the reality singing competition American Juniors, a spin-off of American Idol. She finished in fourth place, becoming part of a group formed with the top five finishers. After the group disbanded in 2005, Hale shifted her focus to acting. She gained early recognition for her roles in series like Bionic Woman and Privileged. Her breakthrough came with the role of Aria Montgomery in Pretty Little Liars, which brought her global stardom and critical acclaim. Hale has received various accolades, including seven Teen Choice Awards, a Gracie Award, a People's Choice Award, and two Young Hollywood Awards.
12) RuPaul Charles
RuPaul Andre Charles, known professionally as RuPaul, began his career in the 1980s, performing in Atlanta and later in New York City's club scene. He gained national attention with the release of his hit single Supermodel (You Better Work) in 1993. RuPaul's career expanded into television, and he became the host and executive producer of the reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race, which premiered in 2009. The show has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including 14 Primetime Emmy Awards. RuPaul is considered the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States and was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2017.
13) Elisabeth Hasselbeck
In 2001, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, then 24, competed on the second season of Survivor, titled Survivor: The Australian Outback. She finished in fourth place, gaining public recognition. Her television presence led to her joining the daytime talk show The View in 2003 as a co-host, where she remained until 2013. Hasselbeck later co-hosted Fox & Friends on the Fox News Channel from 2013 to 2015. She has authored several books and remains a notable figure in television and media.
14) Chris Daughtry
Chris Daughtry auditioned for the fifth season of American Idol in 2006 at the age of 26. Despite finishing in fourth place, his rock vocals and stage presence garnered significant attention. He formed the band Daughtry, releasing a self-titled debut album that became the fastest-selling debut rock album in Nielsen SoundScan history. The band has released multiple successful albums, and Daughtry continues to be a prominent figure in the rock music scene.
15) Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough joined Dancing with the Stars in 2007 as a professional dancer at the age of 18. She won two seasons with her celebrity partners, gaining widespread recognition. Hough expanded her career into acting, starring in films like Footloose (2011) and Safe Haven (2013). She has also pursued a music career, releasing a self-titled country album in 2008. Hough continues to work in television, film, and music, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
16. Lauren Conrad
At 18, Lauren Conrad gained prominence through MTV's reality series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County in 2004, which chronicled her high school life in Laguna Beach, California. This exposure led to her own spin-off, The Hills, in 2006, documenting her personal and professional experiences in Los Angeles. Conrad leveraged her reality TV fame to establish a successful career in fashion and writing. She launched clothing lines like LC Lauren Conrad and authored several books, including the L.A. Candy series.
17) Leona Lewis
In 2006, at 21, Leona Lewis auditioned for the third season of The X Factor UK, impressing judges with her powerful vocals. She won the competition, leading to a recording contract with Syco Music. Her debut single, a cover of Kelly Clarkson's A Moment Like This, topped the UK Singles Chart. Lewis's subsequent single, Bleeding Love, achieved international success, reaching number one in over 30 countries. She has released multiple albums, received numerous awards, and remains a prominent figure in the music industry.
18) Bethenny Frankel
Bethenny Frankel first appeared on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart in 2005, finishing as a runner-up. She gained widespread recognition as a cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City starting in 2008. Frankel utilized her reality TV fame to launch the Skinnygirl brand, which includes cocktails, snacks, and lifestyle products. She has authored several self-help books and hosted talk shows. Frankel is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly through her BStrong initiative, providing disaster relief worldwide.
19) Jamie Chung
Jamie Chung began her career on MTV's The Real World: San Diego in 2004 at the age of 21. Transitioning from reality TV, she pursued acting, securing roles in films like Sorority Row (2009) and Sucker Punch (2011). Chung gained further recognition for her role as Mulan in the television series Once Upon a Time and as Blink in The Gifted. She continues to build a successful acting career in both film and television.
20) Holly Willoughby
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Holly Willoughby began her television career in the early 2000s, presenting children's shows such as S Club TV and Ministry of Mayhem. Her charm and presenting skills led to roles on mainstream programs, including co-hosting This Morning and Dancing on Ice. Willoughby has become a prominent television presenter in the UK, known for her approachable demeanor and professionalism.
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