Jennifer Lopez - Lopez is first and foremost a dancer. She first did some backup singing and dancing for Janet Jackson until she decided to focus on acting instead.
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Phil Collins - Before Genesis and his own successful solo career, Phil Collins played drums and did some backing vocals while Peter Gabriel took the main stage.
Mariah Carey - Mariah Carey started out singing for R&B artist Brenda K. Starr. Starr gave Carey's demo to the head of Sony Music Entertainment, who launched her career.
Sheryl Crow - Crow sang with Michael Jackson on his Bad tour in the 1980s. She was on stage singing 'Dirty Diana' with him and also appeared in the corresponding music video.
Elton John - Even though he is one of the biggest stars in the world, he was first a staff songwriter and backup singer.
Dave Grohl - Don't forget that before becoming the lead singer of the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl was the drummer and backing vocalist for Nirvana!
Angie Stone - The wonderful Angie Stone worked with the greats as a backing singer until she made her own career. Her vocals were used by artists such as D'Angelo and Lenny Kravitz.
Gwen Stefani - Gwen Stefani was originally a backing vocalist in her brother's band No Doubt. When lead singer John Spence took his own life in 1987, she eventually became the band's lead vocalist.
P. P. Arnold - P.P. Arnold, best known for her version of 'The First Cut is the Deepest,' toured twice with Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters.
Anthony Hamilton - Known for his hit 'Charlene,' Hamilton was a backing singer for D'Angelo on his 2000 tour.