The reality TV talent show has been appointment viewing for decades, and each long-running series has a legion of devoted fans who hope to catch a glimpse of the next superstar. No matter what the talent is that is on display, the greatest talent shows bring out the best and the brightest.

From singing staples like American Idol, to variety shows like America's Got Talent, the best talent shows are capable of making stars. Though there have been plenty of great ones over the years, only the best left an impression on audiences and are still talked about today.

Little Big Shots (2016–20)

Steve Harvey Hosting Little Big Shots

While many talent shows feature performers at the top of their game and peak of their craft, Little Big Shots instead decided to focus on the next generation of superstars. Each episode featured talented youngsters who wowed the host with their special skills and unique views of the world.

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Steve Harvey hosted the show for the first three seasons, and his witty banter with the children was one of the highlights. Unlike other talent shows that are all about judgment, Little Big Shots was a showcase of talents that was all about encouragement instead of harsh criticism.

The Sing-Off (2009–14)

Pentatonix The Sing-Off season 3

Singing shows are a dime a dozen, but The Sing-Off added a unique spin to the tired competition reality format. Teams of a cappella singers compete for a large cash prize and are judged by a host of different musical artists from a spectrum of genres.

Eschewing the pop-focus of many singing shows, The Sing-Off was not afraid to dip into other genres, and the winners often reflected that. Most known for launching the career of Pentatonix, the show exhibited some of the best vocal talent around, and the viewers got a quality show week in and week out.

The X Factor UK (2004–18)

Dermot O'Leary Host of X Factor UK

Yet another hit on Simon Cowell's impressive resume, The X Factor had all of the familiar trappings of the singing based talent show. Contestants from around the UK audition to compete to earn a large cash prize and a recording contract with one of Britain's premier labels.

Like its predecessor American Idol, many of the winners went on to be stars, and even a few runners up had successful careers. The judges were often what made the show click, and Cowell was usually joined by a host of other industry professionals who could properly mentor the contestants.

Songland (2019–20)

Judges from the reality singing competition series Songland sitting in their chairs, including John Legend and Ryan Tedder

Though it didn't last long, Songland really emphasized talent, especially compared to other singing reality shows. Putting the focus on songwriters, Songland pitted talented wordsmiths against each other to see who could write the next big hit song.

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Lacking any of the over-the-top antics of other reality shows, Songland instead tried to show the challenges and triumphs of the people who write the best songs in the world. The show was judged and mentored by important figures in music production, and it offered fans a chance to see how their favorite music is really made.

So You Think You Can Dance? (2005—present)

So You Think You Can Dance Judges tWitch JoJo Siwa Matthew Morrison

As the name suggests, So You Think You Can Dance? is an open challenge to the world's best dancers to put their talents on display. Through a series of auditions, contestants are whittled down to the very best where they must perform a wide variety of different dance styles in order to win the audience's vote.

As with any talent show, SYTYCD? is known for its amazing winners and its very controversial eliminations as well. There is no faking the talent on display, and the skill level is often higher than many of its contemporaries when it comes to the raw ability that is on the show's stage each week.

Britain's Got Talent (2007–present)

Britain's Got Talent judging panel

Despite its similarity to the American version of the show, Britain's Got Talent has a unique twist that sets it apart in a very British way. Contestants from all walks of life audition with their individual talents in order to win a cash prize and a chance to perform for the British Royal Family at the Royal Variety Performance.

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Not relying on only one type of talent, the show welcomes all disciplines and it has resulted in a mixed bag of winners and popular runners up. Though singers tend to do the best, the series has also featured dancers, magicians, and a host of other odd-ball acts that make the program memorable.

American Idol (2002–present)

Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard sing duet in American Idol

Though it was far from the first, American Idol revolutionized the talent show format and has inspired every series that followed it. Singers from around the country audition for the hope of becoming the next American Idol and securing a lucrative recording contract.

American Idol was a cultural touchstone in the early years of the 2000s, and its popularity brought it to the heights of TV ratings. Though it has faded in the ensuing decades, American Idol's best winners are still remembered today, and several have become legitimate music superstars in their own right.

Star Search (1983–95)

Ed McMahon standing beside the Star Search symbol, smiling with his hand up.

Before American Idol or America's Got Talent, there was the pop culture phenomena known as Star Search. Hosted by Ed McMahon, the show featured talented young artists from a variety of disciplines who were broken up into age groups to determine individual winners.

Unlike later competitions, each category had separate champions, and the winners had to compete week to week to stay on the show. In the end, the overall winners were crowned and awarded a large cash prize as well. A wealth of celebrities got their start on Star Search, and few shows have been able to match its overall quality of contestants.

The Voice (2011–present)

John Legend, Ariana Grande, Blake Shelton, and Kelly Clarkson on The Voice season 21

Putting the emphasis on the singing, the aptly title show The Voice found a way to cleverly spin the already tired singing talent show format. Singers compete each week for a chance to win a large recording contract, and are mentored by one of the judges who hopes to win the competition as well.

The coaching aspect sets The Voice apart, and there is an overall more positive vibe to the show. The judge's personalities are on full display, and they often help to make the show as entertaining as it is each week. Though it exists in the shadow of series like American Idol, The Voice has nevertheless managed to carve out a niche for itself in the talent reality show world.

America's Got Talent (2006–present)

americas-got-talent-judges-four-xs

The show affectionately referred to as AGT broadened the horizons of the TV talent show by opening the doors to literally any talent. Contestants from around the country audition with their unique individual talents in the hopes of becoming the winner and securing the massive cash prize.

The audition process has lent itself to some of the most hilarious, and exciting acts of all time, and the sheer variety of the show keeps fans coming back each year. The series has had a revolving door of different celebrity judges, and each bring their own flair to the program. Unlike shows which limit themselves to one talent exclusively, America's Got Talent truly lives up to its name by showing anything and everything.

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