Thanks to the wonders of social media, nowadays talent scouts are more likely to find the next big thing online than at the mall. While MySpace was once the place to be discovered, video-sharing uber-site YouTube has since taken over as the wannabe pop star’s place to post.
Whether you’re an indie kid, a pop princess or a rising rocker, it seems pretty clear that uploading your performances to YouTube might well pay off — it certainly did for the folks in the video gallery below.
Here we bring you 15 talented uploaders who found fame via the video sharing site. However, this is not an exhaustive list by any means, so please share any artists you like that made it thanks to YouTube in the comments below.
1. Avery
Teen star Avery was a big YouTube hit in 2010 with both covers and original material. The latter netted her a Universal record contract (supposedly following a bidding war) after her videos were viewed by A&R folks.
2. Alyssa Bernal
Alyssa Bernal’s acoustic uploads got the attention of Pharrell Williams who was reportedly so keen to track her down, he contacted her high school. Eventually he got hold of her and signed her to Star Trak. She has since released an EP.
3. Justin Bieber
As many of you will know, Justin Bieber’s pre-pubescent warblings were spotted by a talent scout who arranged for Bieber to meet with Usher. The rest, of course, is now history.
4. Ysabella Brave
Quirky vocalist Ysabella Brave was signed to Warner Music Group’s digital label Cordless after her popular YouTube performances got her noticed.
5. Greyson Chance
Ellen DeGeneres championed young Greyson Chance after seeing his cover of a Lady Gaga song at a school recital on YouTube. After having him on her show, DeGeneres made Chance the first artist signed to her new record label. His debut single came out in October last year.
6. Esmee Denters
Justin Timberlake is the star sponsor behind Dutch singer-songwriter Esmee Denters. He spotted her on the site and she became the first artist to sign to his label. Denters is now working on her second album.
7. Dondria
So So Def Recordings founder Jermaine Dupri discovered Dondria on YouTube and offered her a record deal. Her debut album Dondria vs Phatfffat reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart.
8. Kim Yeo-Hee
Kim Yeo-Hee, known on YouTube as Apple Girl, became popular with her covers played on iPhones. After viral success, record labels from South Korea, China and the UK attempted to woo Yeo-Hee and in the end she signed with Seoul-based Dreamhigh-Ent.
9. Andy McKee
Back in 2006, YouTube got Andy McKee seriously noticed – noticed to the tune of 35 million views. With a new album, Joyland, out last year, McKee is now on tour.
10. Terra Naomi
“Say It’s Possible” was the song that opened doors for Terra Naomi. A YouTube hit, she signed with Island Records in 2006, although she is now back to being independent with a fan-funded record in the works.
11. Julia Nunes
Julia Nunes, or “jaaaaaaa” as her YouTube fans know her, shot to online fame after posting videos of her singing covers and originals and playing the ukulele. Nunes has made three independent albums and opened for Ben Folds.
12. Chantelle Redman
UK teenager Chantelle Redman owes her YouTube success to her father who secretly filmed her singing and posted it on the video sharing site. After becoming the second most subscribed singer on the site, she signed a record deal with Agency Global Enterprises and has since released a single.
13. Ria Ritchie
Ria Ritchie’s story will sound familiar by now. After recording acoustic covers and uploading them to YouTube, she got spotted by UK musician Plan B who is producing her first album.
14. Mia Rose
Portuguese-British Mia Rose began uploading her music to YouTube in 2006. She was signed in 2007, has seen success in the UK and Portugal and has since moved to Los Angeles to further her career.
15. Cody Simpson
Twelve-year-old Cody Simpson (inevitably dubbed the Australian Justin Bieber) was spotted on YouTube by Shawn Campbell, a record producer who has worked with the likes of Jay-Z and Missy Elliott. Since signed to Atlantic Records, Simpson’s first single featuring Flo Rida was released last summer.
More Video Resources from Mashable
– 4 Ways to Find Legal Music for Your YouTube Videos
– 12 Fun Hacks for Getting More Out of YouTube
– HOW TO: Become a YouTube Sensation
– 3 Things Any Video Needs to Go Viral
– 10 Memorable Viral Videos of 2010
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