3 Child Artists Who Carried Their Success Into Adulthood

Child artists and stars aren’t always doomed for a downfall. When an artist makes it big as a young teenager, questions about their readiness for the recognition and worries about the longevity of their career often arise. However, many singers have been able to overcome that stigma, turning early success into a long-standing career.

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Keep reading for three child artists who made it young and managed to find continued success as they aged.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber was discovered by Scooter Braun when he was just 13. The manager happened across Bieber’s YouTube videos, specifically one where he was singing Ne-Yo’s “So Sick.” After a trip to Atlanta to record some demos, Usher also got in on the action.

Bieber was signed shortly thereafter and released his debut single, “One Time,” in 2009. His first EP, My World, followed later that year. Bieber soon became the first solo artist to have four singles chart in the top 40 of the Hot 100 before the release of his debut album.

Success continued in the years that followed, with Bieber selling an estimated 150 million records worldwide and winning two GRAMMYs. His latest album, SWAG, came out in July 2025.

Miley Cyrus

As the daughter of successful country artist Billy Ray Cyrus, it’s no surprise that Miley Cyrus wanted to start her career young. The performer auditioned for Hannah Montana when she was 13, and wound up landing the leading role on the Disney Channel series.

She went on to release a record as her character in 2006. Three years later, “The Climb” was a surprise hit off the soundtrack of the Hannah Montana movie, and Cyrus’ other song, “Party in the U.S.A.,” also charted.

When Cyrus departed Hannah Montana in 2011, her success didn’t slow. Rather, Cyrus wound up reinventing herself as a grown-up pop star with Bangerz in 2013. Today, she’s a two-time Golden Globe nominee and a two-time GRAMMY winner. Her latest album, Something Beautiful, was released in May 2025.

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes broke onto the scene when she was just 13 with her debut single, “Blue.” She released her debut album of the same name in 1996, and it peaked at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

The following year, Rimes won two GRAMMYs, becoming the youngest solo artist ever to win at the ceremony.

Rimes’ success continued in the years that followed. To date, Rimes has released 17 LPs, won four ACMs, one AMA, and one CMA Award. Rimes, who has also been nominated for five additional GRAMMYs, also found success as an actress appearing in movies and TV shows, including the upcoming 9-1-1: Nashville.

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