Netflix has revived the classic talent show Star Search, more than 20 years after it last aired. The original series, hosted by Ed McMahon, ran from 1983 to 1995 and was briefly revived in 2003–2004. The new version is hosted by Black-ish star Anthony Anderson, with a judging panel including Sarah Michelle Gellar, country star Jelly Roll, and Chrissy Teigen. The streamer promises bigger talent, higher stakes, and a more interactive format.
The show premieres on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, followed by live episodes every Tuesday and Wednesday for five weeks until the finale in February. As Netflix debuts its reboot, it highlights 17 major celebrities who first appeared on the original Star Search, including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Dave Chappelle, and Adam Sandler.
In 1993, Beyoncé performed on the show as part of the group Girls Tyme (which later became Destiny’s Child). They reached the final but lost to rock band Skeleton Crew. Beyoncé later called the defeat a “defining moment in my life.” Britney Spears made her TV debut on Star Search in 1992 at age 10, singing “Love Can Build a Bridge,” but was eliminated. Usher appeared in 1991 at age 13, and though he didn’t win, his performance caught the attention of LaFace Records executive L.A. Reid, leading to his first record deal.
Justin Timberlake, then known as Justin Randall, performed a country song in 1992 and was eliminated early, but the exposure helped him land a role on Disney’s The All-New Mickey Mouse Club. Christina Aguilera auditioned in 1990 at age nine with an Etta James song and reached the semi-finals before being voted off. Dave Chappelle became the youngest comedian to compete on the show in 1993 at age 19, while Adam Sandler appeared in 1987 and later joined Saturday Night Live.
