Star Search
Definition
A pioneering American television talent competition series that aired from 1983 to 1995, hosted by Ed McMahon, where amateur performers vied for fame in categories like singing, dancing, comedy, and acting, launching careers for stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Informally, any rigorous hunt or scouting process for emerging talents, celebrities, or 'stars' in entertainment, business, or other fields.
Examples
After dusting off VHS tapes of Star Search, I declared my karaoke nights the modern equivalent—minus the national TV humiliation.
Hollywood agents treat every open mic like Star Search, but swap the spotlight for a spreadsheet of rejection stats.
My dog's TikTok dances are pure Star Search material; if only Ed McMahon were around to hand out those golden trophies.
In the corporate world, the annual talent review feels like Star Search for spreadsheets—searching for that one Excel wizard who shines.