Pop Stars Before They Were Famous

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Topic: Pop Stars Before They Were Famous

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jubalson

**EYE*ZA*BLEED**

Status: Offline

Posts: 12076

Date: 08:35 04/12 2010

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It's difficult to imagine life before Bieber, but what's even weirder is thinking of pop stars' lives before the hit it big. Was Rihanna always so "Hard"? Was Ke$ha's childhood dentist the one to recommend a bottle of Jack? Has Lady Gaga always had a thing for wearing inanimate objects on her head?

Here at Billboard.com, we have answers. We've compiled some of the better -- and better left alone -- footage of music's most popular acts before they hit it big. Watch how pageants, talent shows and less-than-successful boy bands and girl groups shaped your favorite stars.

Lady Gaga, 2006

Before she went "Gaga" and put pop music in its place, Stefani Germanotta got her start performing on the Lower East Side. Here, the singer looks more like a Flashdance extra than the "Just Dance" hit-maker she would become as she plays her original song, "Hollywood," for anyone who will listen at a NYC rock

Justin Bieber, circa 2004

At the Stratford Star Singing Competition in Ontario, a tween Justin Bieber belts Aretha Franklin's "Respect," dancing awkwardly, dropping the microphone and playing a mean air sax. Bet no one in the room knew the Biebz would go off to become one of the biggest pop sensations just years later.

Ke$ha, 2000

She may be pop's It-girl now, but a decade ago, Ke$ha was just another middle schooler looking to get her share of the spotlight in a school talent show. The difference? She performed a song by the indie-est of all bands, Radiohead. See the clip for yourself and witness a barely recognizable Ke$ha sing "Karma Police" at age 13.

Drake, circa 2007

Blame Canada for not giving us Drake sooner! Aubrey Drake Graham kicked off his career as Jimmy Brooks, the basketballer turned wheelchair-bound teenager on the popular Canadian TV series "Deg****i: The Next Generation." Back in the day, Jimmy dealt with more drama -- a controlling father, lying girlfriends, school shootings, and paralysis -- than any rapper from the streets.

Chris Brown, 2002

In the last seven years, singer and dancer Chris Brown has gone from adorable R&B-boy next door to sexy, hit-making crooner. That's not to say that he didn't have it going on at the tender age of 13, though, which is when he made the video for "Whose Girl Is That?"

Ne-Yo, circa 1997

According to archival footage of the songwriter-turned-singer, Ne-Yo used to be a blonde! Dating back to the late 90s, the following clip showcases the performer, who then called himself "Go-go," in a boy group called Envy performing at Amateur Night At the Apollo. Steve Harvey hosted and the boys weren't exactly well received.

Notorious B.I.G., 1989

At just over a minute in length, this clip of a 17-year-old Biggie Smalls rapping on the streets of Brooklyn showcases the MC's lyrical prowess and larger-than-life persona. Proving that even from a young age he rapped about what he knew, the B.I.G. states that he was, "never considered a thief/until I started hustlin' on Fulton Street," before diving into an aggressive and self-aggrandizing verse. The confident teen rocks a button-down shirt and old school microphone while performing for the crowd of about a dozen.

Britney, Christina & Justin, circa 1994

As you well know, before these pop tarts each got their own flavor, Britney, Christina and Justin were all part of Disney's Mickey Mouse Club. The three danced, sang, acted and smiled (is there anything they can't do?!) into living rooms and hearts as part of Mickey's crew. Here, the kids give us a taste of those acting chops we'd come to see in classics like, say, "Crossroads." It even looks like little Justin is gearing up for bigger and better sketch comedies. SNL, anyone?

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