Stars Who Started As Backup Dancers [VIDEOS]

Though backup acts are known to stand in the shadows, some of the biggest stars in entertainment began their journeys behind the headliner—earning their spot at the top by starting from the bottom.

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For these celebs, dancing in the background was the foundation for their eventual rise to superstardom, which speaks to the importance of never giving up!

Related: Background Singers Who Became Famous

Stars Who Started As Background Dancers [with Videos]

 

Tupac Shakur

Click to see Tupac backup dancing for Digital Underground:

 

 

Jennifer Lopez

JLO used to be Janet Jackson’s backup dancer:

 

 

Woody McClain

Watch Woody McClain backup dancing for Chris Brown:

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey performed backup for Brenda K. Starr in the 80’s, both singing and dancing:

 

 

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Columbus Short

Columbus Short posts a throwback of him rehearsing choreography with Britney Spears:

 

Michael K. Williams

Michael K. Williams speaks on starting his career as a background dancer after being inspired by Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ and Queen Latifah’s career growth. The interview includes a clip of him background dancing to his own choreography:

 

 

 

Diddy

Watch Diddy backup dancing in this 1989 music video (Stacy Lattisaw – What You Need):

 

 

Madonna

Madonna was a backup singer and dancer for Patrick Hernandez:

 

 

Zendaya

Click to watch Zendaya dancing backup for Selena Gomez in this 2009 Sears commercial:

 

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Stars Who Started As Backup Dancers [VIDEOS]  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com