Before red carpets: 9 stars who started careers on reality shows
Stars who started on reality shows (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
Today, they collect Grammys, Oscars, luxury brand contracts, and millions of fans worldwide. But for some celebrities, the path to major fame didn’t start with blockbusters or big stages; it began on reality shows.
RBC-Ukraine reports which superstars took their first steps in such a format.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner is now one of the world’s most famous supermodels, having worked with Chanel, Versace, Dior, and many other iconic brands.
However, her journey to fame began as a child on the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
It was there that viewers first saw the future runway star, who would later become an international fashion icon.
Kendall Jenner (photo: instagram.com/kendalljenner)
Zac Efron
Zac Efron didn’t become a star through reality TV in the classic sense, but his biography includes a rather unexpected television appearance.
Before his big breakthrough, the actor appeared on Room Raiders, a typical 2000s show where participants evaluated potential partners’ rooms before a date.
At that time, Efron had already landed a role in High School Musical, but that didn’t stop him from appearing in a reality format.
Zac Efron (photo: instagram.com/zacefron)
Kesha
Singer Kesha, known for hits like Tik Tok and Die Young, also made a television appearance before her major music career.
She appeared in an episode of The Simple Life alongside Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
In the show, the stars visited the future singer’s family in Nashville and even helped her mother with her personal life.
Kesha (photo: instagram.com/kesha)
Kelly Clarkson
For Kelly Clarkson, reality TV was her ticket to major show business.
In 2002, she won the first season of American Idol, launching a successful music career.
Clarkson later released a series of hits, including Because of You and Stronger, and became the host of her own popular talk show.
Kelly Clarkson (photo: instagram.com/kellyclarkson)
Chris Hemsworth
Today, Chris Hemsworth is best known for his role as Thor and major Hollywood projects. But his career also included a stint on reality TV.
In 2006, the actor participated in the Australian version of Dancing with the Stars, thanks to his recognition from several television roles.
He finished fifth that season and later admitted that he often felt quite awkward on the show.
Chris Hemsworth (photo: instagram.com/chrishemsworth)
Harry Styles
Without The X Factor, there would be no One Direction and no rapid rise of Harry Styles as a global pop star.
In 2010, 16-year-old Styles auditioned for the British talent show, performing Isn't She Lovely.
He was then grouped with other contestants to form One Direction, and later built a successful solo career, winning several Grammy Awards.
Harry Styles (photo: Getty Images)
Beyoncé
Before becoming one of the most influential artists of today, Beyoncé took her first steps on television as part of a girl group.
In 1993, the group Girls Tyme competed on Star Search. Although it was just the beginning, a few years later, Destiny's Child emerged from this lineup, launching Beyoncé’s path to global fame.
Beyoncé (photo: Getty Images)
Emma Stone
Emma Stone’s career path didn’t start with indie films or major dramatic roles.
In 2004, she appeared on VH1’s In Search of the New Partridge Family, a show aimed at casting actors for a new series.
At the time, few could have predicted that Stone would later become one of Hollywood’s most successful actresses and an Academy Award winner.
Emma Stone (photo: Getty Images)
Lady Gaga
Before achieving global fame as Lady Gaga, Stefani Germanotta also appeared in reality formats.
In 2005, she participated in Boiling Point, a show where people were deliberately provoked to test their reactions.
By the year her hit Just Dance was released, the future pop icon also appeared on The Hills.
Lady Gaga (photo: Getty Images)
