15 Songs That Launched the Careers of Some of the Biggest Superstars on Earth

15 Songs That Launched the Careers of Some of the Biggest Superstars on Earth

Some celebrities seem like they were born famous, but the truth is that almost every superstar has one unforgettable song that changed everything.

There’s always that single track—the one that blew up on the radio, dominated MTV, crashed the internet, or made people say, “Okay, who is this?”

Those musical breakthroughs don’t just launch careers; they shape pop culture moments, start trends, and sometimes even rewrite entire genres.

What makes them especially fun to revisit is how obvious the stardom feels in hindsight, even if nobody recognized it at the time.

So let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the songs that turned rising artists into icons, transforming their lives overnight and leaving the rest of us humming along for decades.

1. “…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears (1998)

The explosion of teen pop in the late ’90s wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the moment Britney Spears stormed the world stage.

What made this song so unforgettable was the perfect blend of attitude, mystery, and youthful confidence wrapped in an insanely catchy melody.

MTV played the music video on repeat, and suddenly every teenager wanted to copy the schoolgirl outfit or master the choreography.

It didn’t just launch Britney’s career—it created an entire cultural moment that shaped pop music for years to come.

Listeners instantly recognized her voice, and radio stations couldn’t pull the track off the airwaves even if they tried.

By the time the chorus hit, it was clear a star had arrived, and nothing about mainstream music would ever be quite the same again.

2. “I Kissed a Girl” – Katy Perry (2008)

A former Christian rock singer reinventing herself as a bold pop provocateur wasn’t something most people saw coming.

This track burst onto the scene with a playful, rebellious energy that instantly set Katy Perry apart from every other artist on the charts.

The hook was irresistible, the lyrics were cheeky, and suddenly she was the name everyone kept bringing up in conversations about pop’s next big thing.

Radio couldn’t get enough of it, and people argued about the song while secretly humming it all day long.

Her personality shone through every line, making it impossible not to pay attention.

That unexpected mix of controversy and charm created the perfect recipe for a breakout moment, and by the end of the year, Katy’s superstar status was undeniable.

3. “Crazy” – Gnarls Barkley (CeeLo Green & Danger Mouse) (2006)

A genre-blending masterpiece that refused to fit neatly into any box is what truly set this song apart from its competition.

The haunting vocals paired with an addictive beat created something listeners had never quite experienced before.

CeeLo Green’s delivery felt soulful, emotional, and effortless, instantly pulling people into the song’s dreamy atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Danger Mouse’s production showcased a creativity that made critics stop and listen with genuine admiration.

It quickly became one of those rare tracks that appealed to almost everyone, regardless of their preferred genre.

The song dominated charts worldwide and earned award after award, proving that something this unique could resonate on a massive scale.

By the time it peaked, both artists had stepped into a new level of fame that reshaped their careers.

4. “Genie in a Bottle” – Christina Aguilera (1999)

A powerhouse voice emerging at the height of the teen-pop wave had to work overtime to stand out, yet Christina Aguilera managed it flawlessly.

The song offered a perfect combination of sultry attitude and vocal acrobatics, showcasing her talent in a way few young artists could match.

Listeners immediately recognized that she wasn’t just another pop star; she was a true vocal force.

Radio stations kept the song spinning nonstop, and Christina quickly became one of the most talked-about new artists of the year.

The music video reinforced her star quality, blending youthful charm with undeniable presence.

Every replay made it even clearer that she brought something different to the table.

This track didn’t just launch her career—it set the stage for a lifetime of vocal dominance and unforgettable performances.

5. “Umbrella” – Rihanna ft. Jay-Z (2007)

A new era in Rihanna’s career began the moment this track hit the airwaves and absolutely refused to leave.

The song introduced a more mature, confident version of her that fans hadn’t fully seen before.

Jay-Z’s opening lines created instant intrigue, and Rihanna’s performance delivered a perfect balance of edge and emotion.

The “ella-ella-eh-eh-eh” hook became a global chant almost overnight, solidifying the song as a cultural phenomenon.

Audiences were mesmerized by how effortlessly she carried the track, turning it into both a radio hit and a pop anthem.

This moment marked a clear shift from rising star to established icon.

By the end of the year, she wasn’t just a successful artist—she was a defining voice of the decade.

6. “Royals” – Lorde (2013)

A minimalist sound paired with strikingly mature lyrics instantly separated this teenage newcomer from the rest of the pop crowd.

People were stunned by how refreshing and unconventional the song felt, especially compared to the polished productions dominating the charts.

Lorde’s voice carried a subtle power that made every word feel intentional and meaningful.

Her perspective on fame and wealth resonated deeply with listeners who craved something real.

The track spread quickly through word of mouth and online buzz, turning her into an overnight sensation.

Critics praised the song’s originality while fans embraced its honesty and simplicity.

This remarkable debut not only launched her career but also ushered in a new wave of understated, thoughtful pop music.

7. “Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X (2019)

A viral phenomenon that blended country twang with hip-hop beats proved that genre boundaries were made to be broken.

Social media played a massive role in the song’s rise, with countless memes, dances, and remixes fueling its momentum.

Listeners couldn’t resist the catchy hook or the playful tone, making it one of the most recognizable songs of the decade.

The Billy Ray Cyrus remix added even more star power and helped quiet the genre debates surrounding its success.

Every new version kept the track alive, and audiences showed no signs of getting tired of it.

It stayed at number one longer than anyone expected, turning the artist into a household name.

The song’s success changed the music industry’s understanding of virality and cultural influence.

8. “Poker Face” – Lady Gaga (2008)

A futuristic sound paired with bold fashion choices helped cement Lady Gaga as a pop powerhouse unlike anything the industry had seen.

Her theatrical delivery added layers of personality and flair that instantly captured attention.

Fans connected with the catchy melodies and the undeniable confidence woven into every line.

Music critics admired her willingness to experiment and push boundaries beyond typical pop formulas.

The song quickly climbed charts worldwide, solidifying her status as a rising superstar.

Live performances showcased an energy and charisma that made her unforgettable.

With this hit, she didn’t just enter the pop world—she kicked down the door and redesigned the entire room.

9. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (1983)

A magnetic beat and unforgettable bass line created a track that listeners couldn’t help replaying over and over again.

Michael Jackson’s delivery blended mystery, emotion, and intensity in a way that felt revolutionary.

The song highlighted the precision of his artistry, showing how effortlessly he could command attention.

Music videos and live performances only amplified the effect, especially when he unveiled the iconic moonwalk.

The track became a defining moment in pop music history, influencing countless artists for decades.

Radio stations played it relentlessly, and fans responded with overwhelming enthusiasm.

This single didn’t just boost his career—it helped shape the legend he would become.

10. “You Belong with Me” – Taylor Swift (2009)

A heartfelt story about longing and youthful romance connected instantly with listeners who recognized their own experiences in the lyrics.

Taylor Swift used her signature storytelling style to bring the characters in the song to life with remarkable clarity.

Fans appreciated how relatable and emotional each line felt, making it perfect for singing along during car rides or late-night reflection.

The music video added a charming narrative twist that made people root for her even more.

This track marked her major crossover into mainstream pop, expanding her audience beyond country listeners.

Radio support grew rapidly as the song became a favorite across multiple genres.

The success of this hit positioned her as a powerhouse songwriter with a rapidly rising star.

11. “Super Bass” – Nicki Minaj (2011)

An infectious beat combined with Nicki Minaj’s vibrant personality turned this song into an instant fan favorite.

Listeners loved the mixture of rapid-fire verses and melodic hooks, creating a perfect balance of energy and charm.

Her distinctive voice and playful delivery made every line feel fresh and memorable.

The music video showcased her bold style, adding even more momentum to the song’s growing popularity.

Fans embraced the track as one of her signature hits, often citing it as the moment they became true supporters.

Radio airplay pushed it into mainstream success, and suddenly she wasn’t just a rising rapper—she was a cultural force.

This breakout hit solidified her reputation as a versatile artist capable of dominating both rap and pop charts.

12. “Bad Guy” – Billie Eilish (2019)

A quirky sound paired with whispery vocals created an atmosphere that felt unlike anything audiences were used to hearing.

The minimalist production gave the track a hypnotic quality that drew people in from the very first beat.

Billie Eilish brought a playful edge to the lyrics, adding humor and attitude that fans quickly fell in love with.

The song dominated radio and streaming platforms, becoming one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

Critics praised its unconventional approach, recognizing it as a refreshing shift in mainstream pop.

Music videos and live performances only amplified its popularity, highlighting her unique artistic vision.

This hit marked the moment her career transitioned from rising star to global phenomenon.

13. “Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus (2013)

A dramatic departure from her previous image made this ballad impossible to ignore.

The emotional intensity of the lyrics paired with her powerful vocal performance created a moment of genuine vulnerability.

People were captivated by how raw and unfiltered the song felt, showing a side of Miley that many hadn’t fully seen before.

The music video generated massive attention, sparking debates while also showcasing her strength as a performer.

Listeners connected with the heartbreak and honesty embedded in every note.

Radio stations kept the track in heavy rotation as fans embraced the boldness of her artistic shift.

This release proved she was more than a former child star—she was an artist ready to carve a new path.

14. “Hips Don’t Lie” – Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean (2006)

A vibrant blend of Latin rhythms and pop sensibilities helped this track take over dance floors worldwide.

Shakira’s unique voice and charismatic delivery made the song instantly recognizable.

Fans were captivated by her effortless ability to fuse global influences into a single irresistible hit.

Wyclef Jean’s energy added another layer of excitement, creating a collaboration that felt natural and dynamic.

The track’s upbeat vibe encouraged everyone to move, whether or not they had any dancing ability.

Music videos highlighted Shakira’s iconic dance skills, leaving audiences mesmerized.

This global smash didn’t just broaden her fanbase—it cemented her place as an international superstar with lasting influence.

15. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey (1981)

An uplifting melody paired with heartfelt storytelling gave this song a timeless charm that audiences still adore.

The track resonated deeply with listeners who appreciated its themes of hope, perseverance, and small-town dreams.

Steve Perry’s soaring vocals elevated the song into a true anthem that stood out among rock ballads of its era.

Live performances showcased the emotional power of the music, helping it gain momentum even after its initial release.

The song’s popularity only grew over time, especially as new generations discovered it through movies and television.

Its slow-burning rise made it one of the most enduring hits in rock history.

This track eventually became Journey’s signature song, solidifying their place among the greats.