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.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE.
STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!
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

Source: MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images / Getty
Click to see Tupac backup dancing for Digital Underground:
Jennifer Lopez

Source: Gilbert Flores / Getty
JLO used to be Janet Jackson’s backup dancer:
Woody McClain

Source: Amanda Edwards / Getty
Watch Woody McClain backup dancing for Chris Brown:
@meredithbreezy FUN FACT!! Cane Tejada got moves and danced for Breezy! @chrisbrownofficial @WoodyTheGreat . . #chrisbrownofficial #chrisbrown #chrisbreezy #teambreezy #meredithbreezy #teambreezy4life #breezy #canetejada #powerbook2 #power #powerbook2ghost
Mariah Carey

Source: Jon Kopaloff / Getty
Mariah Carey performed backup for Brenda K. Starr in the 80’s, both singing and dancing:
@thesupremesongbird
Columbus Short

Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty
Columbus Short posts a throwback of him rehearsing choreography with Britney Spears:
Michael K. Williams

Source: Variety / Getty
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

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Watch Diddy backup dancing in this 1989 music video (Stacy Lattisaw – What You Need):
Madonna

Source: The Hapa Blonde / Getty
Madonna was a backup singer and dancer for Patrick Hernandez:
Zendaya

Source: Taylor Hill / Getty
Click to watch Zendaya dancing backup for Selena Gomez in this 2009 Sears commercial:
READ MORE STORIES ON BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM:
Rich Auntie Energy: Kid-Free Stars Who are 40+ and Fabulous
Black Male Comedians & Actors That Have Worn Dresses
Tupac Dance Challenge Has All The Baddies Activating Their Hips