15 Huge Stars Who Were Backup Singers First

'Cause you've got to walk past the back of the stage to get to the front...

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Mariah Carey

Before Mimi was emancipated, she sang backup for dance-pop singer Brenda K. Starr in the late 1980s. In fact, Starr is credited with introducing Carey to powerhouse Columbia Records producer (and future ex-husband) Tommy Mottola, kickstarting her career.