1. Tiffany
Tiffany shot to fame in the late ’80s with her mall tour and the infectious hit “I Think We’re Alone Now.” Teenagers packed shopping centers to see her perform, and suddenly she was everywhere, from magazine covers to MTV. Her fresh-faced image and catchy pop sound made her one of the biggest teen idols of the decade. For a while, it seemed like Tiffany was unstoppable.
But fame came fast and faded just as quickly. By the early ’90s, her star power had dimmed as musical tastes shifted. While she has continued to perform and release music here and there, she never recaptured that same level of chart-topping fame. To many, she remains frozen in time as the mall pop princess of 1987.
2. Debbie Gibson
Debbie Gibson was only a teenager when she became the youngest female artist to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single with “Foolish Beat.” She had a string of hits including “Only in My Dreams” and “Lost in Your Eyes,” making her one of the defining voices of ’80s pop. Gibson’s girl-next-door charm gave her an edge over more polished pop acts, and she quickly built a loyal fan base.
As the ’90s rolled in, though, her popularity waned. She dabbled in acting and Broadway, and while she never disappeared completely, her pop dominance was over. Today she’s remembered fondly by fans who grew up with her music, even if younger generations might only know her name in passing.
3. Martika
Martika made a big splash with her 1989 hit “Toy Soldiers,” a haunting ballad that climbed to number one. Before that, she was known as a cast member on the TV show Kids Incorporated, where she showcased her bubbly energy and vocal talent. With her debut album going platinum, many expected a long and successful career.
But her second album failed to take off, and she stepped away from the spotlight not long after. Martika did some songwriting in the ’90s, even co-writing tracks with Prince, but never regained her solo fame. These days, “Toy Soldiers” lives on as a nostalgic staple for anyone who grew up in the late ’80s.
4. Stacey Q
Stacey Q is remembered for her quirky fashion, bubblegum energy, and her biggest hit, “Two of Hearts.” The song became a dance-floor favorite in 1986, and she quickly became a recognizable face on MTV. Her mix of synth-pop and new wave vibes seemed tailor-made for the decade.
Still, she never managed to follow up with another major hit. While she appeared on shows like Full House and The Facts of Life, her music career fizzled out. She occasionally resurfaces to perform at retro concerts, but for the most part, Stacey Q remains a one-hit wonder tied forever to “Two of Hearts.”
5. Samantha Fox
British model-turned-singer Samantha Fox stormed the charts with her 1986 single “Touch Me (I Want Your Body).” Her bold image and dance-pop style made her stand out during an era of synth-heavy hits. Fox leaned into her sex-symbol status, which both fueled her fame and limited her in some ways.
By the early ’90s, her music career had slowed, especially in the U.S. She continued to have a presence in Europe, but her global superstardom faded. Looking back, Fox is remembered as much for her persona as for her songs, a true product of ’80s pop culture.
6. Falco
Falco was an Austrian singer who brought European flair to ’80s pop with his international hit “Rock Me Amadeus.” It was the first German-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100, making Falco a unique standout in the American market. His theatrical style and mix of pop and rap elements made him feel ahead of his time.
Still, Falco never repeated that success in the States. He remained popular in parts of Europe, but for American fans, he became a one-hit memory. Tragically, he died in a car accident in 1998 at the age of 40, cementing his place as one of the more mysterious pop figures of the decade.
7. Rick Astley
Rick Astley’s deep voice and boy-next-door look made him an instant star with his 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up.” The song topped charts worldwide, and Astley quickly became part of the Stock Aitken Waterman hit-making machine. He had several hits during the late ’80s, cementing his place in pop history.
However, Astley chose to step away from the spotlight in the early ’90s. He later became famous again thanks to the internet “Rickrolling” trend, which gave him a surprising second life in pop culture. Still, his original rise and fall in the ’80s is what fans remember most.
8. Jody Watley
Jody Watley first rose to fame as part of the group Shalamar before breaking out as a solo artist in the mid-’80s. Her self-titled debut album in 1987 brought hits like “Looking for a New Love” and “Don’t You Want Me.” She won a Grammy for Best New Artist, proving her impact at the time.
While she had more hits into the early ’90s, her momentum eventually slowed. Watley never fully disappeared, but she didn’t maintain the same mainstream presence. Today, she’s celebrated for her contributions to dance-pop and fashion, but her peak moment is firmly tied to the late ’80s.
9. Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
With songs like “Head to Toe” and “Lost in Emotion,” Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam were pioneers of Latin freestyle pop. Their fusion of R&B, dance, and pop made them a major force in the mid-to-late ’80s. Lisa Lisa’s powerful voice and relatable lyrics struck a chord with fans.
But like many freestyle acts, their popularity declined in the ’90s. While Lisa Lisa pursued some solo projects, the group’s prominence faded. They left behind a legacy of danceable hits that still bring back memories of roller rinks and high school dances.
10. Terence Trent D’Arby
Terence Trent D’Arby burst onto the scene in 1987 with his debut album Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby. The record went multi-platinum and earned him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Songs like “Wishing Well” and “Sign Your Name” showcased his versatility and charisma.
Despite the massive hype, his later albums didn’t connect the same way. He legally changed his name to Sananda Maitreya and shifted away from mainstream pop, choosing a more personal artistic path. While he continues to make music, he’s no longer the household name he was in the late ’80s.
11. Taylor Dayne
Taylor Dayne made waves in the late ’80s with powerhouse vocals on hits like “Tell It to My Heart” and “Prove Your Love.” She had a big voice, big hair, and an even bigger presence on the charts. Her songs were staples at clubs and on the radio, making her one of the defining female pop voices of the time.
But by the mid-’90s, her career had cooled. She transitioned into acting and later into reality TV appearances, but the pop superstardom of her early years never returned. Still, her late ’80s singles remain beloved by fans who can’t resist singing along.
12. Billy Ocean
Billy Ocean was one of the most successful pop stars of the ’80s with hits like “Caribbean Queen,” “Suddenly,” and “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car.” His smooth voice and catchy melodies made him a fixture on both radio and MTV. Ocean’s music had a joyful, feel-good quality that defined much of the era.
By the early ’90s, however, he stepped back from the industry to focus on family life. While he occasionally returned with new music or performances, he never regained the pop dominance he once had. To fans, he remains a beloved voice of the ’80s, tied to an era of vibrant, carefree hits.
