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!

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

Los Angeles Premiere Of Amazon MGM Studios' "The Fire Inside"

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

♬ Party – Chris Brown ft. Gucci Mane, Usher

Mariah Carey

25th Film Independent Spirit Awards - Arrivals

Source: Jon Kopaloff / Getty

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

@thesupremesongbird

#fyp #parati #Mariahcarey #80s #brendakstar

♬ original sound – The Songbird

Columbus Short

Ermenegildo Zegna Boutique Grand Opening

Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty

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

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A post shared by Columbus Short (@officialcshort)

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: