Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul actually got her first taste of fame as a cheerleader. After graduating with honors and cheering for Van Nuys High School, she was picked up by the Los Angeles Lakers. She would eventually become the head choreographer, which was what led to her discovery by none other than The Jacksons.
When her cheerleading days came to an end, she already had a record deal. Paula released two highly successful albums in the 1980s and eventually found herself in a seat between Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell. She was one of the original judges until the end of the seventh season.