



























See Also
See Again
© Getty Images
0 / 28 Fotos
Katy Perry
- Katy Perry's humble beginnings as a backup singer for the Christian metal band P.O.D (Payable on Death) may come as a surprise. In the music video for their song 'Goodbye for Now,' you can spot Perry doing her thing!
© Getty Images
1 / 28 Fotos
Jennifer Lopez
- Lopez is first and foremost a dancer. She first did some backup singing and dancing for Janet Jackson until she decided to focus on acting instead.
© Getty Images
2 / 28 Fotos
Elton John
- Despite being a renowned global figure, he began his career as a staff songwriter and backup vocalist.
© Getty Images
3 / 28 Fotos
John Legend
- Legend's association with Kanye West resulted in him providing backing vocals and playing the piano on songs performed by Alicia Keys and rapper Talib Kweli. Subsequently, West and Legend collaborated on his first solo track, which played a significant role in his rise to fame.
© Getty Images
4 / 28 Fotos
Madonna
- Before becoming a singer, Madonna originally worked as a backup dancer. She even joined singer Patrick Hernandez on tour. Upon her talent for singing being uncovered, she also contributed backing vocals before departing to form a girl band.
© Getty Images
5 / 28 Fotos
Pink
- Pink started out her journey to fame by performing as a backup singer at various Philadelphia clubs. Eventually, she caught the attention of a record label and went on to become part of two unsuccessful girl groups. However, she eventually found her footing as a successful solo artist.
© Getty Images
6 / 28 Fotos
Whitney Houston (1963-2012)
- Whitney Houston hails from a family with a musical inclination. Her mother, who served as a backup singer, played a significant part in facilitating Houston's entry into the music world. Upon hearing her talent, Houston swiftly received opportunities to serve as a backing singer for renowned artists like Chaka Khan and Jermaine Jackson. It didn't take long for her exceptional voice to lead her towards a successful solo career.
© Getty Images
7 / 28 Fotos
Phil Collins
- Before Genesis and his own successful solo career, Phil Collins was a drummer and provided backing vocals while Peter Gabriel took the lead.
© Getty Images
8 / 28 Fotos
Cher
- It's hard to imagine, but even Cher had humble beginnings as a backing vocalist. She kick-started her career under the guidance of producer Phil Spector (1939-2021), lending her voice to renowned tunes including 'Be My Baby' and 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling.'
© Getty Images
9 / 28 Fotos
Mariah Carey
- Mariah Carey began her singing journey with R&B artist Brenda K. Starr. Starr passed Carey's demo to the head of Sony Music Entertainment, leading to the start of her successful career.
© Getty Images
10 / 28 Fotos
Luther Vandross (1951-2005)
- Luther Vandross, renowned for his songs 'Never Too Much' and 'Dance with My Father,' received opportunities from musicians like David Bowie and Ringo Starr before achieving his own phenomenal solo career.
© Getty Images
11 / 28 Fotos
Sheryl Crow
- Sheryl Crow performed alongside Michael Jackson during his Bad tour in the 1980s. She joined him on stage for the song 'Dirty Diana' and also made an appearance in the music video for the track.
© Getty Images
12 / 28 Fotos
Mary J. Blige
- Mary J. Blige initially emerged in music as a backup singer for Father MC on the record 'I'll Do 4 U.' Following this, Blige lent her vocals to various artists before making her breakthrough with the popular single 'What's the 411?'
© Getty Images
13 / 28 Fotos
Faith Evans
- Before launching her solo career, Faith Evans, renowned for her brilliant songs such as 'I'll Be Missing You' and 'Love Like This,' had lent her fantastic voice to tracks by Usher and even Mary J. Blige herself.
© Getty Images
14 / 28 Fotos
Michael McDonald
- Michael McDonald, who would later become the frontman of the Doobie Brothers, started his profession as a vocalist for various artists. He lent his voice to successful tracks recorded by well-known musicians such as Steely Dan, Tim Moore, and Gary Wright.
© Getty Images
15 / 28 Fotos
Dido
- The artist behind popular songs like 'White Flag' and 'Thank You' began her career as a member of the band Faithless, where her brother was the lead singer. Recognizing her talent, a record label backed her and helped her create her debut album.
© Getty Images
16 / 28 Fotos
Emmylou Harris
- Before starting her own career, Harris toured with Gram Parsons. They later fell in love.
© Getty Images
17 / 28 Fotos
Gwen Stefani
- Gwen Stefani started her music career as a backing vocalist for her brother's band, No Doubt. Tragically, lead singer John Spence passed away in 1987, leading Gwen to step up as the band's new lead vocalist. Eventually, her brother would also depart from the group prior to their extraordinary triumph.
© Getty Images
18 / 28 Fotos
Dave Grohl
- It is worth noting that prior to his role as the frontman of the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl served as the drummer and backing vocalist for Nirvana.
© Getty Images
19 / 28 Fotos
Keri Hilson
- Keri Hilson, a talented songwriter and singer, began her career at a young age. With early industry exposure, she collaborated with renowned artists like Mary J. Blige and Usher. It was her song 'In a Perfect World...' that catapulted her into the limelight, showcasing her musical prowess.
© Getty Images
20 / 28 Fotos
Mick Jagger
- Despite his existing fame, it is a lesser-known fact that the Rolling Stones legend contributed backing vocals independently for various tracks. These include Carly Simpson's 'You're So Vain' and the Beatles' 'All You Need Is Love.'
© Getty Images
21 / 28 Fotos
Sting
- Sting has contributed his vocals to various albums, primarily driven by artistic exploration rather than obligation. His voice can be heard on Phil Collins' 'No Jacket Required' (1985) album and a few tracks by Arcadia.
© Getty Images
22 / 28 Fotos
Vesta Williams (1957-2011)
- In the 1980s, Williams released multiple singles including 'Sweet, Sweet Love' and 'Once Bitten Twice Shy.' She has also collaborated with various artists like Sting and Chaka Khan during her career.
© Getty Images
23 / 28 Fotos
Rita Coolidge
- The vocalist who performed the song 'We're All Alone' collaborated with notable musicians during the 1970s, including Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, both of whom attained significant popularity.
© Getty Images
24 / 28 Fotos
Angie Stone
- Angie Stone, a talented singer, started her career as a backing vocalist for notable artists like D'Angelo and Lenny Kravitz before pursuing her own successful path in the music industry.
© Getty Images
25 / 28 Fotos
P. P. Arnold
- P.P. Arnold, famous for her rendition of 'The First Cut is the Deepest,' embarked on two tours alongside Roger Waters, the bassist of Pink Floyd.
© Getty Images
26 / 28 Fotos
Anthony Hamilton
- Hamilton gained recognition for his popular song 'Charlene.' In 2000, he served as a backup singer for D'Angelo during his tour. Sources: (Insider) (Ranker) (Fame10)
© Getty Images
27 / 28 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 28 Fotos
Katy Perry
- Katy Perry's humble beginnings as a backup singer for the Christian metal band P.O.D (Payable on Death) may come as a surprise. In the music video for their song 'Goodbye for Now,' you can spot Perry doing her thing!
© Getty Images
1 / 28 Fotos
Jennifer Lopez
- Lopez is first and foremost a dancer. She first did some backup singing and dancing for Janet Jackson until she decided to focus on acting instead.
© Getty Images
2 / 28 Fotos
Elton John
- Despite being a renowned global figure, he began his career as a staff songwriter and backup vocalist.
© Getty Images
3 / 28 Fotos
John Legend
- Legend's association with Kanye West resulted in him providing backing vocals and playing the piano on songs performed by Alicia Keys and rapper Talib Kweli. Subsequently, West and Legend collaborated on his first solo track, which played a significant role in his rise to fame.
© Getty Images
4 / 28 Fotos
Madonna
- Before becoming a singer, Madonna originally worked as a backup dancer. She even joined singer Patrick Hernandez on tour. Upon her talent for singing being uncovered, she also contributed backing vocals before departing to form a girl band.
© Getty Images
5 / 28 Fotos
Pink
- Pink started out her journey to fame by performing as a backup singer at various Philadelphia clubs. Eventually, she caught the attention of a record label and went on to become part of two unsuccessful girl groups. However, she eventually found her footing as a successful solo artist.
© Getty Images
6 / 28 Fotos
Whitney Houston (1963-2012)
- Whitney Houston hails from a family with a musical inclination. Her mother, who served as a backup singer, played a significant part in facilitating Houston's entry into the music world. Upon hearing her talent, Houston swiftly received opportunities to serve as a backing singer for renowned artists like Chaka Khan and Jermaine Jackson. It didn't take long for her exceptional voice to lead her towards a successful solo career.
© Getty Images
7 / 28 Fotos
Phil Collins
- Before Genesis and his own successful solo career, Phil Collins was a drummer and provided backing vocals while Peter Gabriel took the lead.
© Getty Images
8 / 28 Fotos
Cher
- It's hard to imagine, but even Cher had humble beginnings as a backing vocalist. She kick-started her career under the guidance of producer Phil Spector (1939-2021), lending her voice to renowned tunes including 'Be My Baby' and 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling.'
© Getty Images
9 / 28 Fotos
Mariah Carey
- Mariah Carey began her singing journey with R&B artist Brenda K. Starr. Starr passed Carey's demo to the head of Sony Music Entertainment, leading to the start of her successful career.
© Getty Images
10 / 28 Fotos
Luther Vandross (1951-2005)
- Luther Vandross, renowned for his songs 'Never Too Much' and 'Dance with My Father,' received opportunities from musicians like David Bowie and Ringo Starr before achieving his own phenomenal solo career.
© Getty Images
11 / 28 Fotos
Sheryl Crow
- Sheryl Crow performed alongside Michael Jackson during his Bad tour in the 1980s. She joined him on stage for the song 'Dirty Diana' and also made an appearance in the music video for the track.
© Getty Images
12 / 28 Fotos
Mary J. Blige
- Mary J. Blige initially emerged in music as a backup singer for Father MC on the record 'I'll Do 4 U.' Following this, Blige lent her vocals to various artists before making her breakthrough with the popular single 'What's the 411?'
© Getty Images
13 / 28 Fotos
Faith Evans
- Before launching her solo career, Faith Evans, renowned for her brilliant songs such as 'I'll Be Missing You' and 'Love Like This,' had lent her fantastic voice to tracks by Usher and even Mary J. Blige herself.
© Getty Images
14 / 28 Fotos
Michael McDonald
- Michael McDonald, who would later become the frontman of the Doobie Brothers, started his profession as a vocalist for various artists. He lent his voice to successful tracks recorded by well-known musicians such as Steely Dan, Tim Moore, and Gary Wright.
© Getty Images
15 / 28 Fotos
Dido
- The artist behind popular songs like 'White Flag' and 'Thank You' began her career as a member of the band Faithless, where her brother was the lead singer. Recognizing her talent, a record label backed her and helped her create her debut album.
© Getty Images
16 / 28 Fotos
Emmylou Harris
- Before starting her own career, Harris toured with Gram Parsons. They later fell in love.
© Getty Images
17 / 28 Fotos
Gwen Stefani
- Gwen Stefani started her music career as a backing vocalist for her brother's band, No Doubt. Tragically, lead singer John Spence passed away in 1987, leading Gwen to step up as the band's new lead vocalist. Eventually, her brother would also depart from the group prior to their extraordinary triumph.
© Getty Images
18 / 28 Fotos
Dave Grohl
- It is worth noting that prior to his role as the frontman of the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl served as the drummer and backing vocalist for Nirvana.
© Getty Images
19 / 28 Fotos
Keri Hilson
- Keri Hilson, a talented songwriter and singer, began her career at a young age. With early industry exposure, she collaborated with renowned artists like Mary J. Blige and Usher. It was her song 'In a Perfect World...' that catapulted her into the limelight, showcasing her musical prowess.
© Getty Images
20 / 28 Fotos
Mick Jagger
- Despite his existing fame, it is a lesser-known fact that the Rolling Stones legend contributed backing vocals independently for various tracks. These include Carly Simpson's 'You're So Vain' and the Beatles' 'All You Need Is Love.'
© Getty Images
21 / 28 Fotos
Sting
- Sting has contributed his vocals to various albums, primarily driven by artistic exploration rather than obligation. His voice can be heard on Phil Collins' 'No Jacket Required' (1985) album and a few tracks by Arcadia.
© Getty Images
22 / 28 Fotos
Vesta Williams (1957-2011)
- In the 1980s, Williams released multiple singles including 'Sweet, Sweet Love' and 'Once Bitten Twice Shy.' She has also collaborated with various artists like Sting and Chaka Khan during her career.
© Getty Images
23 / 28 Fotos
Rita Coolidge
- The vocalist who performed the song 'We're All Alone' collaborated with notable musicians during the 1970s, including Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, both of whom attained significant popularity.
© Getty Images
24 / 28 Fotos
Angie Stone
- Angie Stone, a talented singer, started her career as a backing vocalist for notable artists like D'Angelo and Lenny Kravitz before pursuing her own successful path in the music industry.
© Getty Images
25 / 28 Fotos
P. P. Arnold
- P.P. Arnold, famous for her rendition of 'The First Cut is the Deepest,' embarked on two tours alongside Roger Waters, the bassist of Pink Floyd.
© Getty Images
26 / 28 Fotos
Anthony Hamilton
- Hamilton gained recognition for his popular song 'Charlene.' In 2000, he served as a backup singer for D'Angelo during his tour. Sources: (Insider) (Ranker) (Fame10)
© Getty Images
27 / 28 Fotos
Backup singers who took the spotlight
These major stars used to provide backing vocals for other singers
© Getty Images
Backing vocals can add a touch of magic to popular songs, uplifting some of the most impressive voices in the world. Many talented musicians started off as background singers before climbing their way to fame. This gallery highlights some major artists who, despite their initial supporting roles, managed to break free and become stars in their own right.
To meet the stars who started out as backing singers, click through the gallery.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU














MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week