17 Hollywood stars who started their career with reality shows

Los Angeles Premiere Of "Break" - Source: Getty
Los Angeles Premiere Of "Break" - Source: Getty

Many stars today have attained widespread fame after appearing on reality shows. For some of these stars, their appearance in reality shows is only the take-off point in a successful career in Hollywood. They range from singers to models and actors- stars who initially were contestants of reality TV. This list will look at 17 Hollywood celebrities who started on reality shows and how they built those to successful, multi-faceted careers.

1) Emma Stone – In Search of the New Partridge Family (2004)

82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Before Emma Stone was a Hollywood A-lister, she made her first moves toward the spotlight when she competed on the reality show In Search of the New Partridge Family in 2004 and ended up winning. However, the sitcom didn't get picked up. Her big break came soon after with Superbad in 2007. Known for her roles in La La Land and The Favourite, Emma's journey from reality TV to an Oscar-winning actress epitomizes Hollywood unpredictability.

2) Cardi B – Love & Hip Hop: New York (2015-2017)

Cardi B In Concert - New York, NY - Source: Getty
Cardi B In Concert - New York, NY - Source: Getty

Before winning Grammys, Cardi B rose to fame through the reality TV show Love & Hip Hop: New York for her raw personality and quick-witted humor. The show could be described as recording her struggle to make it in the music industry while still working as an exotic dancer and social media influencer. Charisma and the development of viral catchphrases have characterized Cardi's transition into a rap career, finally ending in her 2017 breakthrough hit Bodak Yellow.

3) Lucy Hale – American Juniors (2003)

InStyle Imagemaker Awards - Source: Getty
InStyle Imagemaker Awards - Source: Getty

Before becoming Aria Montgomery on Pretty Little Liars, Lucy Hale was already discovered singing on American Juniors back in 2003. It was a reality competition show for the formation of a new musical group, though Lucy didn't win, her strong vocals and personality made a mark. Post-reality television, Lucy turned to acting with PLL and Truth or Dare. Her experience on the early reality show offered her a platform and the importance of versatility to have a successful acting and singing career.

4) Jamie Chung – The Real World: San Diego (2004)

DSW Back-to-School Kick-Off - Source: Getty
DSW Back-to-School Kick-Off - Source: Getty

Jamie Chung is known for such films as Sucker Punch and The Hangover Part II, but this star started as one of the contestants on the reality show, The Real World: San Diego in 2004. As always, people recall her by a very placid nature with others, as opposed to the mess often seen in that reality house. That experience might have helped Jamie transition into acting where she appeared in shows such as Once Upon a Time and films like Big Hero 6.

5) Jennifer Hudson – American Idol (2004)

15th Governors Awards - Source: Getty
15th Governors Awards - Source: Getty

Jennifer Hudson's American Idol run in 2004 was truly a testament to the strength of her perseverance. Though she was eliminated due to controversy regarding her performances much earlier than other competitors, her voice still remains simply stunning and her personality magnetic. Jennifer went on to win an Academy Award for Dreamgirls in 2007 and proved that the loss of the show was Hollywood's gain.

6) Harry Styles – The X Factor UK (2010)

Harry Styles Wax Figure Unveiled At Madame Tussauds Nashville - Source: Getty
Harry Styles Wax Figure Unveiled At Madame Tussauds Nashville - Source: Getty

Harry Styles auditioned for The X Factor UK in 2010 as a solo artist, but a very innovative combination was prepared for him and four other contestants to form the group One Direction, which would ultimately place third. However, this band gained popularity worldwide, topping the charts and selling out stadiums. After the hiatus of his former band, Harry Styles launched a successful solo music career, winning multiple Grammy Awards, and earned praise for his acting in Dunkirk and Don't Worry Darling.

7) Kelly Clarkson – American Idol (2002)

Celebrity Sightings In New York City - September 22, 2023 - Source: Getty
Celebrity Sightings In New York City - September 22, 2023 - Source: Getty

Kelly Clarkson was the first-ever American Idol winner back in 2002, and her rise to superstardom has been unparalleled. Her very first single was A Moment Like This, an instant hit followed by a run of chart-topping albums. Over the years, Kelly evolved into a Grammy-winning artist, talk show host, and TV personality. Now, she's hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show. From reality TV hopeful to one of the most respected voices in music, Kelly's journey is an inspiration.

8) Analeigh Tipton – America’s Next Top Model (2008)

SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations With "Summer Night" - Source: Getty
SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations With "Summer Night" - Source: Getty

Analeigh Tipton rose to fame by being one of the finalists in America's Next Top Model Cycle 11, fascinating the judges and viewers with her special look and personality. She never managed to grab the prize but drifted into acting, appearing in Crazy, Stupid, Love, and Warm Bodies. Over the years, Analeigh has been involved with a wide spectrum of projects-from film to TV, indicating her versatility in carving out entertainment success.

9) Yaya DaCosta – America’s Next Top Model (2004)

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Wraps N' Raps Launch - September 2024 New York Fashion Week - Source: Getty

Yaya DaCosta was a runner-up for America's Next Top Model Cycle 3. Although she did not take the prize, the show made her an acting star. She has since been seen in Ugly Betty, Chicago Med, and even portrayed Whitney Houston in Whitney (2015). Today, she finds herself thriving through television and films, balancing it with a thriving modeling career.

10) Adam Lambert – American Idol (2009)

4th Annual Gridlock 2010 New Year�s Eve Bash - Source: Getty
4th Annual Gridlock 2010 New Year�s Eve Bash - Source: Getty

Adam Lambert stunned the viewers with their vocal theatrics and exciting performances on American Idol Season 8, finishing as the runner-up. Songs like Mad World and Whole Lotta Love were performed in stunning vocal range. It was unfortunate that Adam did not win, but his career took off. Adam dropped a successful solo album, and subsequently toured worldwide as the lead vocalist of Queen + Adam Lambert.

11) Camila Cabello – The X Factor USA (2012)

Miami Art Week - NYLON House Featuring Ludacris - Source: Getty
Miami Art Week - NYLON House Featuring Ludacris - Source: Getty

Camila Cabello became famous after competing in The X Factor USA 2012 as a solo singer. She formed the girl band Fifth Harmony by combining her four fellow contestants into one group and later became one of the most successful groups of the decade. Camila parted ways with Fifth Harmony in 2016 and continued her journey as a solo artist. Her debut single, Havana, reached the top of the global charts, making her a pop sensation.

12) NeNe Leakes – The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2008)

2022 Revolt Summit - Source: Getty
2022 Revolt Summit - Source: Getty

NeNe Leakes became an icon in the Real Housewives franchise after appearing on The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2008. With her dramatic personality, NeNe shot up to stardom and transformed after appearing on the show. She subsequently starred in TV shows such as Glee and The New Normal.

13) Katie Stevens – American Idol (2009)

SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations With Freeforms' "The Bold Type" Season 3 - Source: Getty
SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations With Freeforms' "The Bold Type" Season 3 - Source: Getty

Katie Stevens was on American Idol in 2009. She may not have emerged as the winner, but this led Katie to transition into acting since then with notable roles being seen on Faking It and The Bold Type, where she plays one of the key characters in a story about ambitious women in New York City. Katie has also released several singles that have reached fans of both pop and country music.

14) Jacinda Barrett – The Real World: London (1995)

amfAR Gala Cannes 2018 - Portraits - Source: Getty
amfAR Gala Cannes 2018 - Portraits - Source: Getty

Jacinda Barrett started with The Real World: London in 1995. After being on The Real World, she debuted with Campfire Tales in 1997, The Human Stain, and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. A star such as Jacinda, moving from reality television to acting shows that authenticity and vulnerability on a reality show is serious and a long-term act of acting career in film and television.

15) Katharine McPhee – American Idol (2006)

The 58th Annual CMA Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
The 58th Annual CMA Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Katharine McPhee caught widespread attention as a runner-up on the American Idol show in 2006. With such an impressive voice and charm, she became a favorite, and though she didn't eventually win, her career skyrocketed afterward. Katharine released a hit album and moved into acting, starring on Smash and Scorpion. She also starred on Country Comfort for Netflix in 2021.

16) Kelly Osbourne – The Osbournes (2002-2005)

Matt Mathews Celebrates Boujee On A Budget Tour With Live Nation - Source: Getty
Matt Mathews Celebrates Boujee On A Budget Tour With Live Nation - Source: Getty

Kelly Osbourne leaped into the spotlight as Ozzy Osbourne's daughter on the MTV show The Osbournes, a reality series and one of the first massive hit reality TV programs. Fans followed the tumultuous yet humorous daily life of the Osbourne family. She also built her music career as a singer releasing a pop-rock album, Shut Up, and later moving on to television hosting. She became a co-host on Fashion Police and a judge on Project Runway Junior, showing that she was versatile in the entertainment world.

17) Eva Marcille – America’s Next Top Model (2004)

BET Hip Hop Awards 2024 - Red Carpet - Source: Getty
BET Hip Hop Awards 2024 - Red Carpet - Source: Getty

Eva Marcille gained popularity after winning America's Next Top Model in 2004. Because of her win, she earned modeling contracts with CoverGirl and Mac Cosmetics. She went on to become an actress and had notable guest role in shows like The Young and the Restless and Real Husbands of Hollywood. She debuted in the Anthony Mackie movie Crossover in 2006. Besides modeling and acting, Eva is a vocal social justice advocate using her platform to raise awareness about issues such as race and mental health.

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Edited by Abhimanyu Sharma
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