Through various social media platforms and publicity from other celebrities, many singers rose to fame and became international sensations. Three such artists had an interesting journey into the spotlight.

Demi Lovato 

Lovato started their acting and singing career on the children’s show, Barney & Friends, according to Biography. They moved to Disney and gained recognition for their roles in Sonny with a Chance and the movie Camp Rock. Simultaneously, they released their debut album Don’t Forget in 2008 which provided a glimpse into the artist’s incredible vocal range. It became a successful album that jump started their professional music career. Years into their career, Lovato faced problems involving substance abuse and addiction. According to the singer, they couldn’t go “30 minutes to an hour without cocaine.” Since then, Lovato has recovered and released new music in 2022. 

Justin Bieber 

A party promoter discovered Justin Bieber in 2009 after he posted his singing videos on YouTube. Scooter Braun, the party promoter, flew Bieber out where he had his first glimpse of stardom, working with Usher. Usher became his mentor, arranging an audition that would eventually lead to a record deal with Island Def Jam Recordings. Despite having a mentor that provided support, Bieber made some questionable decisions with his newfound fame, according to Her. Usher expressed that he “wasn’t happy with all the choices [Bieber] has made. But [he’s] supportive of him.” Bieber felt lonely despite his many fans, going on to explain, “People see the glam and the amazing stuff, but they don’t know the other side. This life can rip you apart.” Bieber has made a long road to recovery with the passion of “being better and growing.”

Ed Sheeran

English singer Ed Sheeran took a big risk and headed to London with only some clothes and a guitar to become a singer. According to MTV, he took gigs and did well, but finding a couch to crash on each night provided struggles of its own. Sheeran describes the experience, saying, “There were moments I wanted to give up. The nights that you don't have a couch to sleep on or you don't have money in your pocket, or food in your stomach or a charged phone, those become the nights where you reassess your situation.” After a few years, his single, The A-Team, gave Sheeran the big break he needed. Sheeran went on to release five more albums that showcase his unique songwriting capabilities.