1. Mickey Thomas
Mickey Thomas seemed destined for stardom when he joined the band Starship in the early ’80s. His powerful vocals on hits like “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” made him a fan favorite. However, despite the success of the band, Thomas never achieved the level of solo recognition many had expected. The rapid shift in the music scene toward more synthetic sounds and rock’s decline in popularity during the late ’80s didn’t do him any favors.
While he remained a respected figure within Starship, Thomas’s solo career never truly took off. Some critics argue that his deep, soulful voice was perhaps too classic for the changing music landscape. As the era of hair metal and pop rock took hold, Thomas’s style felt a bit out of sync. Although he’s still active in music today, the superstardom he once seemed poised to achieve eluded him.
2. Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul was a force to be reckoned with in the late ’80s and early ’90s, thanks to her infectious pop hits and dance moves that captivated audiences. Her debut album, Forever Your Girl, produced hits like “Straight Up” and “Cold Hearted,” and she became a household name. With her success as both a singer and choreographer, she appeared to be on track for a long and thriving career in the spotlight.
However, Abdul’s career faced a steep decline after the initial success of her early albums. Though she continued to release music, her later albums didn’t resonate with listeners in the same way. By the mid-’90s, her commercial success had faltered, and she made a transition into television, ultimately becoming a judge on American Idol. While she remains a pop culture icon, her early superstardom didn’t last, and she never quite regained the musical prominence that she once had.
3. Taylor Dayne
Taylor Dayne had the voice, the looks, and the early success to be a major pop star of the ’80s. Her hit “Tell It to My Heart” was a dance anthem that made waves across the charts. With her sultry voice and impeccable pop sensibility, she was primed for superstardom. However, as the ’80s progressed, her music seemed to lose its edge, and she struggled to maintain her early success.
By the early ’90s, Dayne’s career hit a rough patch. Though she continued to release music, none of her new tracks gained the same commercial success. Despite her powerful voice and ability to dominate dance floors, she couldn’t quite break into the upper echelon of pop stardom. Today, she remains a beloved ’80s icon, but the superstardom that once seemed inevitable slipped away.
4. Tiffany
Tiffany burst onto the music scene in 1987 with her smash hit “I Think We’re Alone Now,” becoming one of the most recognizable teen pop stars of the era. With her girl-next-door appeal and catchy tunes, she quickly became a favorite among young fans. However, despite her initial success, Tiffany’s career struggled to maintain the same level of attention after her debut.
After her sophomore album, Tiffany’s fame began to fade as the pop music landscape shifted. She faced challenges with image changes, shifting musical trends, and the typical pressures that young pop stars often experience. Though she later reinvented herself in country music, Tiffany never quite returned to the spotlight in the way many expected. She’s still active in music and remains a beloved figure from her ’80s heyday.
5. Nik Kershaw
Nik Kershaw’s “Wouldn’t It Be Good” was one of the most unforgettable synth-pop anthems of the ’80s, and his career seemed on a meteoric rise. He had the perfect blend of catchy songs, sophisticated synth arrangements, and a unique voice. Kershaw even gained critical acclaim, but somehow, the superstardom that his music suggested never materialized.
Despite releasing a string of successful singles, Kershaw’s albums never truly connected with the mainstream audience. As pop music moved further toward the mainstream and away from the synth-heavy sound of Kershaw’s early work, his star began to dim. Though he maintained a steady career, the massive fame that once seemed within his reach slipped away. Kershaw remains a cult figure in ’80s music but never achieved the commercial success his talent deserved.
6. Jody Watley
Jody Watley was one of the standout stars of the ’80s, with her debut solo album propelling her into the spotlight. Hits like “Looking for a New Love” and “Real Love” showcased her smooth voice and ability to blend R&B with pop, making her one of the most promising new artists of the decade. Yet, despite her initial success, Watley faced challenges in maintaining the momentum of her early career.
As the ’90s approached, the music industry was becoming saturated with new stars, and Watley’s brand of smooth R&B began to feel less fresh. Though she continued to release music and tour, she never reached the stratospheric heights that many expected based on her early work. Watley remains respected in the music world, but superstardom has remained just out of reach.
