1. Justin Timberlake from NSYNC
Top 3 Billboard Hot 100 hits: “Sexyback,” “What Goes Around…Comes Around,” “My Love”
Before Justin Timberlake became a solo musician and world-renowned actor, he was one of the five members of NSYNC. The boy band formed in 1995 and released music until 2002, the year they finally called it quits. However, they recently performed some of their top hits together at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.
2. Nick Jonas from The Jonas Brothers
Top 3 Billboard chart hits: “Jealous,” “Chains,” “Close”
Whether you loved Nick, Joe, or Kevin, almost everyone remembers the Jonas Brothers. The Disney-bred band of brothers were notorious for their roles in Camp Rock, as well as the TV show JONAS (which was relatively short-lived, much to our dismay). However, after the Jo-Bros officially split in 2013, Nick Jonas rocket-launched his solo career and is still creating awesome singles in 2016. Joe Jonas also gets some creds for starting another band, D.N.C.E., for which he provides lead vocals.
3. Zayn Malik from One Direction
Top Billboard Hot 100 hit: “Pillowtalk”
Perhaps the greatest band break-up of this generation comes to us from One Direction. Who could’ve ever predicted that the five X-Factor contestants would ever stop making music together after almost six years together? Although they are all individually talented, One Direction suffered a massive blow when Zayn Malik left to pursue his own career. After all, there is heavy speculation that Zayn’s leaving contributed to the band’s “hiatus.” Regardless, Zayn’s solo projects are everything we could’ve ever hoped for. (And have you heard the “Back to Sleep” remix he’s in with Chris Brown and Usher? WOW.)
4. Michael Jackson from The Jackson 5
Top 3 Billboard Hot 100 hits: “You Are Not Alone,” “Black or White,” “Man in the Mirror”
Before Michael Jackson was a star on his own, he had a little help from his brothers, otherwise known as The Jackson 5. Admittedly, Michael was young when the Jackson’s started putting out music in 1964, but how else would he have gained enough recognition to launch his super successful solo career? Hee-hee!
5. Paul McCartney from The Beatles
Top 3 Billboard Hot 100 hits: “Another Day/Oh Woman Oh Why,” “No More Lonely Nights,” “Spies Like Us”
The One Direction split of our grandparents generation was The Beatles split. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison made music together for ten years in the 60s and 70s before going their separate ways. All four of them eventually went solo, but Paul McCartney is still making and performing music to this day! He is legendary, to say the least.
6. Niall Horan from One Direction
Top Billboard Hot 100 hit: “This Town”
Now that One Direction is on “hiatus,” Niall Horan has finally stepped out of the shadow of his fellow bandmates to make his own music. He recently released “This Town” which is so pure and sweet, much like Niall himself. However, we’re still waiting patiently for a single from Harry Styles…
7. Beyonce from Destiny’s Child
Top 3 Billboard Hot 100 hits: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “Irreplaceable,” “Check On It”
Queen Bey wouldn’t hold her crown without Destiny’s Child, the girl group where it all started. Destiny’s Child made music from 1997 until 2006, with each member pursuing solo projects on the side in the later years. Although each were fairly successful, none of them top Beyonce.
Body photos courtesy of E! Online. Thumbnail photo courtesy of BET.