The American TV show "Star Search" ran from 1983 to 1995. It was created by Alfred Masini, produced by Bob Banner and Todd Wagner. It was hosted by Ed McMahon. It presented contestants who competed in several genres of personal entertainment. During the 13 seasons that the show aired, there were at least 110 - 120 people who competed on the show. Notable and very well known competitors included Tiffany (1985 - Female Vocalist), Christina Aguilera (1990 - Female Vocalist), and Britney Spears (1992 - Female Vocalist). Regarding Amy Grant, she was never on the show. Grant came up in the Christian music industry and became a crossover pop success in the mid-1980s.

Noting the series "Star Search", it had a set format. There were eight contested categories for each show. Potential contestants were required to audition to be on the show. In each category, two selected contestants would compete. There was a champion and a challenger. The challenger would usually perform first, while the champion performed second. In later seasons, the champion performed first.

This syndicated show proved to be a big hit for television. Aspiring singers, comedians, and others drawn from public auditions, other forums, etc. caught on with the entertainment industry. The 20 year careers of some major performance artists (icons) started on "Star Search".

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