Before They Were Stars: The X Factor Judges and Hosts Before The Fame

Here is little Britney Spears in a school pic around the time of her stint on The New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993. Britney grew up in Kentwood, Louisiana, but attended the nearby Park Lane Academy in Mississippi. At school, she had friends, but she thought everyone was too cliquey. When Britney was 10, she was also a contestant on Star Search. But she lost to 12-year-old Marty Thomas... er, “Marty, WHO?” Now, Spears is on top of the pop charts and even dishing out advice and praise to wanna-be Britneys!

Now: Whoa! Has it really been over 15 years since BSpears signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album “...Baby One More Time” in 1999? Amazing, considering her current co-host on X Factor Demi Lovato was only a five years old at the time Spears recorded her monster hit album and chart-topping songs. At age 30, Spears made her highly anticipated debut as a judge on the singing competition show in 2012, and was an instant boost to the show’s ratings! Although some have criticized her critiques as generic and perhaps too forgiving, sweet Britney seems to always stick up for the underdog and try to build up any contestant that Simon may tear down with words of encouragement. Seems like Brit is still the well-meaning girl from a small town. Maybe it’s that she sees something of herself in the struggling up-and-coming new talent.

Then: A young Khloe Kardashian, along with her family, attended an event for the release of a family-friendly video back in the mid-90s. Only 11 years old in this photo, the young Khloe had no way of knowing she and the Kardashian Klan would take over our TVs, become pop culture sensations, and succeed in so many future business ventures.

Now: A self-proclaimed single lady, Khloe shocked everyone when she met, fell for and quickly shacked up with now-husband Lamar Odom. Looks like she's all grown up! The two lovebirds star in their own reality show Khloe and Lamar—a spin-off from her family's original reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Her new co-hosting role on X Factor is her first "non-reality" show media job, and she has already garnered tons of praise—and (ahem), one memorable live wardrobe malfunction due to a VERY sheer shirt. One of her most memorable moments was putting her "boss" Simon Cowell in the hot seat, asking him what he would have done differently when he was critiquing the choices of another judge/mentor for their contestant. Simon says he hired her for her great personality and boy was he right—Khloe has already stolen the show!

Then: Here's proof that Mario Lopez never had to work for his good looks and ever-so-cute dimples—exactly the qualities that landed him his standout role on TV's Saved By The Bell for so many years, before he eventually moved on to be a host on Extra.

Now: Mario was brought onboard to X Factor as co-host with Khloe Kardashian. He brings years of hosting experience to the reality show; he’s hosted the entertainment magazine TV show Extra, and was once even in the running to be Kelly Ripa's co-host as well. He has already won praise for his ease on the stage—and he’s easy on the eyes as well. The X Factor is not the first time Lopez has appeared on TV with a Kardashian: He was a guest at Kim K's lavish televised wedding to Kris Humphries in 2011!

Then: Demi grew up in the spotlight, having been a Disney child star after being on the kid show Barney and Friends at age 10. Here is Demi as a teen still, with fellow former teen star and friend Selena Gomez at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards.

Now: After an eating disorder and an unhealthy lifestyle landed her in rehab in 2010, Demi, now in her 20s, has landed on top and in great health, to mentor contestants on the X Factor. While Demi is a decade younger than her other famous co-host Britney Spears, she is not afraid to speak her mind and express herself alongside host and recording industry executive L.A. Reid and her prickly boss Simon Cowell. Let's not forget, young Demi brings a lot to the table, too, in terms of success in the music industry: she had a number 1 hit on the Billboard Pop chart with her song 'Give Your Heart a Break.' The new judge once told the press: "I was nervous at first, because it's not like I have the experience that [fellow judges] L.A. [Reid], Simon [Cowell] and Britney [Spears] have, but, I know how hard people have to work to get to where they want to be." And seems Britney Spears is already her number one fan: "Even though she's really young, she has such a sophistication about her," Spears has said and even confessed: "She's much cooler than me."

Then: This Brit is known for his tight black T-shirts and his very honest demeanor. But Cowell hasn’t always been the all-powerful producer. At EMI, he actually worked his way up from the mailroom to an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) representative. He had only begun to scratch the surface of his major talent.

Now: Cowell has been honored with a BAFTA for his contributions to entertainment. He was a judge on the massively popular American Idol, Britain’s Got Talent, and the British and American versions of The X Factor. As if that’s not enough, he also has his own record label. We can’t wait to see what new talent he finds on this new hit!

Then: Former L.A. Laker cheerleader Abdul was one of the most popular recording artists of the 1980s and 1990s, and she famously danced with the animated MC Scat Cat in the “Opposites Attract” video. She experienced a career resurgence when she joined Cowell as a judge on American Idol in 2002. (She left the show in 2009.)

Now: Eventually after many music industry name were rumored to be joining the show, Cowell's selected his colleague Paula Abdul to join him as a judge for “The X Factor.” Eventually, she was replaced in January 2012, but has kept busy over the years guest-starring on TV shows like Drop Dead Diva, working on her QVC jewelry line, and running dance and cheerleading camps across the country.

Then: The former chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group has produced some of the biggest names in music, including Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Mariah Carey. His prolific career has netted him three Grammy awards and 33 number-one hits.

Now: Reid’s vast experience with all types of musicians and groups is a huge asset for this inaugural season of The X Factor. The songwriter and producer definitely has an eye for major talent, so keep your eye on his favorites during the finals!

Then: The Hawaii-born and Kentucky-raised Scherzinger is a multitalented threat: singer, dancer, and actress. After appearing on Popstars, she was chosen to headline the super-successful pop group the Pussycat Dolls, which jump-started her mainstream career.

Now: Prior to joining the judges’ panel on The X Factor, Scherzinger has won Dancing with the Stars, dueted with some of the music industry’s greatest stars, and starred in the recent Hollywood Bowl production of the musical Rent. She’s sure to bring a fresh eye to the final group of competitors.