THEN AND NOW: Pop divas when their first single was released compared to today

Victoria MontaltiFeb 24, 2022, 02:40 IST

Mariah Carey in 1990 (left) and in 2019 (right).Frank Micelotta Archive/Getty Images; Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Divas from Diana Ross to Madonna to Ariana Grande have had big evolutions since their first singles.
These record-breaking artists have changed the landscape of pop, rock, R&B, and country.

Britney Spears' debut single, "...Baby One More Time," was released in October 1998 when she was 16 years old.

Britney Spears poses in a portrait session on October 2, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, right before her first single was released.L. Busacca/Getty Images

The singer has enjoyed a successful career but is currently taking a work hiatus.

Britney Spears at the 29th annual GLAAD Media Awards on April 12, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.Chris Pizzello/AP Images

Mariah Carey's debut single, "Vision of Love," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Mariah Carey in a studio photo shoot taken in June 1990 after her first single was released.Frank Micelotta Archive/Getty Images

Ever since, the performer has been in our playlists and on our big and small screens.

Mariah Carey performs during her "All I Want For Christmas Is You" tour at Madison Square Garden on December 15, 2019, in New York.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson released her debut single, "A Moment Like This," after winning "American Idol" in 2002.

Kelly Clarkson performs during the "American Idol in Vegas" concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 18, 2002, in Las Vegas, Nevada.Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The singer returned to her TV roots as a competition judge and daytime talk show host.

Kelly Clarkson in a promotional photo for her talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," taken in December 2021.NBC/Getty Images

Diana Ross originally performed with The Supremes who released their first notable single in 1964.

The Supremes during a reception at EMI House in October 1964 in London, England.PA Images/Getty Images

Ross released her 25th solo studio album, "Thank You," in 2021.

Diana Ross performs during the 2019 World AIDS Day Concert "Keep the Promise" on November 29, 2019, in Dallas, Texas.Omar Vega/Getty Images

Madonna's debut single, "Everybody," came out in 1982.

Madonna for a portrait session in December 1982 in New York, after her single was released.Peter Noble/Getty Images

The 63-year-old's career has been both controversial and influential.

Madonna performs during the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2021, in Brooklyn, New York.Kevin Mazur/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images

Beyoncé released the debut single "Killing Time" with her girl group Destiny's Child.

Destiny's Child (from left to right) with LeToya Luckett, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, and Beyoncé Knowles at a photo call at the Fashion Cafe in London, England, in 1998.Fred Duval/Getty Images

The superstar has many accolades to her name, along with successful movie appearances and a clothing brand.

Beyoncé accepts the Best R&B Performance award at the 63rd Grammys on March 14, 2021, in Los Angeles, California.Robert Gauthier/Getty Images

Céline Dion's debut single was co-written by her mother and brother and released when she was 12.

Cover art for Céline Dion's album "Une voix d'or dans un cœur d'enfant" containing her first single, which was released in 1981.Celine Dion

She has become an icon with two successful Las Vegas concert residencies under her belt.

Dion seen on March 8, 2020, in New York, while on the East Coast leg of her "Courage" tour.Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

Ariana Grande wasn't a fan of her debut single, "Put Your Hearts Up."

Ariana Grande visits Planet Hollywood Times Square on December 22, 2011, in New York, New York to promote her new single.Dario Cantatore/Getty Images

"The Voice" judge's music style has become more mature.

Ariana Grande in a promotional photo as a judge for "The Voice" taken in November 2021.NBC/Getty Images

Adele wrote her debut single when she was 16 and released it when she was 19.

Adele performing for BBC Electric Proms on October 24, 2007, in London, England, days after her first single was released.Brian Rasic

After several vulnerable albums and a hiatus, Adele returned with an astonishing comeback.

Adele attends The BRIT Awards 2022 on February 08, 2022, in London, England.Samir Hussein/Getty Images

Dolly Parton released her first single, "Puppy Love," at the sweet age of 13.

Cover Art for Dolly Parton's single "Puppy Love" released in 1959 at age 13.Goldband Records

Parton has made moves as an iconic country singer and a beloved philanthropist.

Dolly Parton performing at the 2021 Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Concert at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 24, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee.Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Christina Aguilera's debut single came out after her famous track for Disney's "Mulan" did.

Christina Aguilera attends the First Annual Teen Choice Awards on August 1, 1999, in Santa Monica, California.Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

Aguilera has kept up her sultry persona and diva performances.

Christina Aguilera performs at the 2021 People's Choice Awards on December 7, 2021, in Santa Monica, California.Rich Polk/E! Entertainment/Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar before her debut single, "Spotlight," even came out.

Jennifer Hudson arrives at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards on June 1, 2008, in Universal City, CaliforniaJeffrey Mayer/Getty Images

She's continued making music and has been in good and not-so-good movies.

Jennifer Hudson attends the AHF World AIDS Day 2021 concert at The Forum on December 01, 2021, in Inglewood, California.Randy Shropshire/Getty Images

Janet Jackson stepped back from her famous musical family and started a solo career at 16 years old.

Janet Jackson posing for a portrait session on August 2, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, right after her first single came out.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The singer's solo career has brought her great accolades and legendary status.

Janet Jackson attending the Pre-Grammy Gala on January 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

America's Sweetheart Taylor Swift started as a predominantly country artist with the release of "Tim McGraw."

Taylor Swift arriving at the 41st Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards on May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas, Nevada, before her first single was released.Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Swift's highly successful career includes re-recording her albums to officially own her work.

Taylor Swift attending the "All Too Well" New York premiere on November 12, 2021.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Cher released several songs under pseudonyms while in the pop duo Sonny and Cher.

Cher posing for a portrait session in October 1964 when she was in the Sonny and Cher duo.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Cher, an Academy Award-winning actress, has had a successful solo music and acting career.

Cher on the green carpet of the Opening Gala for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on September, 25, 2021, in Los Angeles, California.Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images

Rihanna was signed by Jay-Z and released "Pon de Replay" at age 17.

Rihanna at the Teen People Listening Lounge hosted by Jay-Z on July 14, 2005, in West Hollywood, California.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

As fans have been waiting for a ninth album, Rihanna has taken on entrepreneurial ventures.

Rihanna attends the premiere of "Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3" on September 22, 2021, in New York.Monica Schipper/Getty Images

After overcoming her underdog status, Lady Gaga came out with "Just Dance" in 2008.

Lady Gaga performing at the Open A.I.R. Summer Concert Series on May 15, 2008, in New York.Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Her eccentric style has spread into performances and big screen roles.

Lady Gaga attends the UK Premiere of "House of Gucci" on November 9, 2021, in London, England.Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Tina Turner released her first single with Ike Turner in 1960.

Tina Turner of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue performing on the pop music TV show "Ready Steady Go!" on September 30, 1966, in London, England.David Redfern/Getty Images

Turner has become legendary, being inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and having a musical inspired by her life.

Tina Turner speaks at the Broadway opening night of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" next to Adrienne Warren who plays her in the show on November 7, 2019.John Lamparski/Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez was a dancer and actress before her debut single came out at 30 years old.

Jennifer Lopez celebrating at her "On the 6" CD Party on May 27, 1999, in New York.Kevin.Mazur/Getty Images

The star has continued dancing, singing, acting, and now produces movies and owns a beauty line.

Jennifer Lopez performing on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on February 4, 2022, in New York.NBC/Getty Images

Katy Perry started as a Christian singer. Her first single came out when she was 17.

Katy Hudson AKA Katy Perry poses during a portrait session on September 25, 2002, in West Hollywood, California.Lester Cohen/Getty Images

Katy Perry has had several record-breaking career highs.

Katy Perry performing during her "Katy Perry: PLAY" Las Vegas residency on December 29, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada.John Shearer/Getty Images

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