Esmee Denters
The Dutch singer caught
Justin Timberlake’s attention on YouTube and became the first artist signed to
his record label. She released her first album in 2008, which hit it big in the
UK, Netherlands, Belgium, and the US. Since then, she’s toured around the world
as an opening act for Timberlake as well as Ne-Yo and Enrique Iglasias.
You can watch the first 3 videos she ever uploaded here.
Austin Mahone
Ordained the “Baby Bieber,” the 16-year old Mahone was first discovered on YouTube before signing to Young Money, Cash Money records. His self-titled album was released in 2013 and blew up the charts. He also recently won a VMA award for Artist To Watch This Year. He’s so popular with his 7 gazilion Twitter followers that he Skypes with girls for money!
Arnel Pineda
The Philippines born Pineda
was born of humble origins in the poor Asian country of 7,000 islands. Like many
Filipinos, he loved singing and had plenty of musical talents. Starting in
2007, he began videoing his karaoke performances and uploading them to YouTube.
No matter if it was Aerosmith, Led Zepplin, Survivor, the Eagles, or yes –
Journey – he was singing, Pineda sounded flawless. His videos caught notice and
he was soon asked to audition for Journey. By the end of that year, he was the
official front man of that band. What an incredible rise to stardom!
Charice Pompengo
Another Filipino with a
crystalline, emboldened voice, the tiny Charice first caught notice through her
YouTube videos. She was soon invited to the Oprah Show, where the Big O called
her, “The most talented girl in the world.” That’s about all the endorsement
you need to make it in the entertainment business, and Pompengo was signed to a
label, made an album, had a hit song, joined the cast of Glee, and signed on to
be a judge on the Filipino version of X Factor. Not a bad run!
You can watch her video here.
Greyson Chance
Greyson was even younger than most of his YouTube star cohorts when he caught the world’s attention. Only in 6th grade, he played piano and sang Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at a school talent show. It was videos and uploaded to YouTube and before he knew it, the world had fallen in love with his golden voice. Ellen DeGeneres heard about the video and invited him to her show to perform. Ellen knew she was on to something huge so she formed her own record label– just for Greyson – and signed him as the first and only act! Since then, he’s peaked at #29 on the US album charts and toured all over the world.
You can watch his 6th grade video here.
Justin Bieber
Before the snarling attitude
and annoying condescension, Bieber was just another Canadian kid, albeit with
heaps of musical talent. He started in local talent competitions at the age
of 12. In 2007, his mother started
uploading videos of him singing to YouTube so his family and friends come enjoy
his performances. His YouTube account took off and soon Scooter Braun noticed,
who later became his manager. Braun flew him to Atlanta where he met with
Usher, signed, and the rest is history!
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