What 20 iconic pop stars looked like in their 20s

Hannah Docter-LoebJan 15, 2024, 18:30 IST

Many of today's most iconic pop stars started their careers in their 20s.Denise Truscello/Getty Images and Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Many of today's most iconic pop stars had already started their careers in their 20s.
Stars like Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake first found success as part of a group before going solo.

Many iconic musicians started their careers in their 20s.

Although some saw success early in life, others were still building their careers by the time they turned 30.

Here's a peek into what 20 iconic musicians were up to in their 20s.

Madonna was making it big in New York.

Madonna released her first album at 24.David Levenson/Getty Images and Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Prince signed his first record deal at 19.

By the time he turned 20, Prince was already working in the music industry. Icon and Image/Getty Images and Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Beyoncé saw success both with Destiny's Child and as a solo artist.

Many of today's most iconic pop stars started their careers in their 20s.Denise Truscello/Getty Images and Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

David Bowie debuted his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.

David Bowie was in his mid-20s when he debuted his iconic alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.Michael Ochs Archives/Stringer/Getty Images and Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Mariah Carey got her start as a backup singer.

Mariah Carey signed her first record deal in her early 20s.Images Press/Getty Images and Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Cyndi Lauper was in the band Blue Angel.

Cyndi Lauper was part of the band Blue Angel in her 20s. Susan Phillips/Getty Images and Kerry Marshall/Stringer/Getty Images

Cher was part of a pop duo with her husband.

Cher was successful as part of a duo and as a solo artist.CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images and WWD/Getty Images

Michael Jackson was pursuing a solo career.

By age 20, Michael Jackson had already seen success as a member of The Jackson Five.Frank Edwards/Getty Images and Phil Dent/Getty Images

Katy Perry was pivoting into secular music.

Katy Perry was 23 when she released songs like "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot N Cold."Barry Brecheisen/Stringer/Getty Images and Gotham/Getty Images

Tina Turner was collaborating with her husband, Ike.

Before launching a successful solo career, Tina Turner was part of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. David Redfern/Getty Images and GEORG WENDT/Getty Images

Pink released her first album at 20.

Pink was 20 when her debut album, "Can't Take Me Home," was released.KMazur/Getty Images and Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Whitney Houston released her first album at 21.

Whitney Houston's debut album included hits like "The Greatest Love of All" and "How Will I Know."Raymond Boyd/Getty Images and Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez was a dancer and actor.

In her 20s, Jennifer Lopez was best known as an actor.Vinnie Zuffante/Stringer/Getty Images and Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Shakira released three albums by the time she was 20.

Shakira was already a seasoned performer by the time she turned 20. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images and Catherine Powell/Stringer/Getty Images

Britney Spears has been breaking records for years.

Britney Spears was only 17 when "...Baby One More Time," was released. Jim Spellman/Getty Images and Jon Kopaloff/Stringer/Getty Images

Christina Aguilera had already released her debut album by the time she entered her 20s.

Christina Aguilera was 18 when she released her debut album. Michael Caulfield Archive/Getty Images and Michael Tran/Getty Images

Justin Timberlake was starting his career as a solo artist.

Justin Timberlake was 21 when he released "Cry Me a River." KMazur/Getty Images and Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson won "American Idol."

Kelly Clarkson was 20 when she became the first "American Idol" winner. Steve Granitz/Getty Images and NBC/Getty Images

Elton John released "Your Song" in his early 20s.

Elton John was only 23 when he released his first hit single, "Your Song."Robert Knight Archive/Getty Images and picture alliance/Getty Images

Barbra Streisand signed her first record deal and starred in "Funny Girl."

At 21, Barbra Streisand starred as Fanny Brice in Broadway's "Funny Girl."Screen Archives/Getty Images and Gary Gershoff/Getty Images

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