Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 12, 2025 · Entertainment

From Support Acts to Superstars: Who Opened for Today's Music Giants?

Before the steps of Wembley Stadium were painted with her face, Miss Swift started out supporting American country music band Rascal Flatts in 2006 (Taylor pictured in 2024)

The Shocking Truth: When Opening Acts Outshine Their Headliners

In the cutthroat world of music, it's a rare phenomenon when opening acts surpass their headlining counterparts. But, as our research reveals, some of the most iconic artists today got their big break by supporting other superstars. The question is, what happens when the supporting act becomes the main attraction?

Taylor Swift: From Country Cutie to Global Superstar

From Nashville Tennessee the band recorded six studios albums which were certified platinum or higher but despite their success they have been completely trumped by Swift (pictured in 2006)

We all know Taylor Swift's story - from her country roots to becoming a global phenomenon. But did you know that she started out as an opening act for Rascal Flatts in 2006? Yes, it's true! The country trio, who had already achieved platinum status, couldn't compete with the young Taylor's meteoric rise.

Today, Swift is one of the most successful artists of all time, with a whopping nine more top 10 albums, 57 more top 10 singles, and an astonishing 688% more Spotify listeners than Rascal Flatts. Her Grammy Awards count has reached an impressive 14, including four Album Of The Year wins - the most by any artist.

But what about her personal life? Swift recently announced her engagement to fiancé Travis Kelce on Instagram, sending shockwaves through the media. And, just last week, she dropped her twelfth record, The Life Of A Showgirl, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more music from this pop sensation.

Lady Gaga's first supporting act was for New Kids on the Block back in 2008, when she was coincidentally the new kid on the block herself (pictured performing in London last month)

Lady Gaga: From New Kid on the Block to Poker Face Queen

Remember when Lady Gaga was just a small-town girl with big dreams? It's hard to believe that the pop icon got her start by supporting New Kids on the Block back in 2008. The boy band, who had already sold over 80 million records worldwide, may have thought they were mentoring a new protégée.

Little did they know that Gaga would go on to sell an estimated 124 million records and become one of the greatest artists of all time, according to Billboard and Rolling Stone. Her fanbase, known as "little monsters," is unmatched, with a staggering 4248% increase in search interest compared to her days as an opening act.

The American boy band from Massachusetts had success in the late 80s and early 90s, selling over 80 million records worldwide (pictured 2008)

And it's not just music - Gaga has also carved out a successful acting career, starring in blockbuster films like A Star Is Born, House Of Gucci, and Joker: Folie à Deux. Who knew that a small-town girl from New York would become a global superstar?

Ed Sheeran: From Snow Patrol to Solo Sensation

Who could forget Ed Sheeran's journey from supporting Snow Patrol in 2012 to becoming one of the world's most successful solo artists? The singer-songwriter, known for his catchy tunes like "Shape Of You," has achieved an impressive eight more top 10 singles and five more top 10 albums than his former headliners.

But before Ed Sheeran's rise to chart stardom the songwriter was the support for Snow Patrol on their 2012 tour (pictured in 2022)

But what about his personal life? Sheeran recently released his eighth studio album, Play, which debuted at number one in the UK. And, just last year, he match-made band member Johnny McDaid with long-term partner Courteney Cox - talk about being a good Samaritan!

The Weeknd: From Florence + The Machine to Global Superstar

You may remember The Weeknd's early days as an opening act for Florence + The Machine in 2012. But what you might not know is that he went on to achieve four Grammy Awards and 20 Billboard Music Awards, selling over 75 million records worldwide.

The Northern Irish-Scottish band are most notably known for their hit single Chasing Cars, yet since touring with the band Ed has gone on to claim eight more top 10 singles and five more top 10 albums than the headline act (pictured in 2012)

His record "After Hours" became the most streamed R&B album in history, and his tour set a new record for the highest-grossing R&B tour. Who knew that this young singer from Toronto would become one of the world's top artists?

Billie Eilish: From Florence + The Machine to Young Superstar

Remember when Billie Eilish was just a teenager supporting Florence + The Machine in 2018? It's hard to believe that she went on to achieve global superstardom, winning Apple Music's Artist of the Year twice and bagging an Academy Award and two Grammys for her contribution to the Barbie soundtrack.

Before the success of California Girls, Katy Perry supported No Doubt on their 2009 tour (pictured in July 2025)

Her debut album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" debuted top of the US Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart, cementing her status as one of the most talented young artists today. And did we mention that she headlined Glastonbury in 2022? Talk about making a statement!

Rihanna: From Gwen Stefani to Music Icon

We all know Rihanna's incredible journey from supporting Gwen Stefani back in 2005 to becoming one of the world's top artists. But what you might not know is that she went on to sell over 75 million records worldwide and achieve nine Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and 13 American Music Awards.

The American rock band who launched Gwen Stefani had mass success with their singles Don't Speak and Just A Girl (pictured in 2000)

Her last album "Anti" may have been released in 2016, but we're still talking about this super-talented singer. And did you hear about her surprise pregnancy announcement during the Super Bowl halftime show? Talk about making headlines!

Noah Kahan: From Ben Folds to Solo Sensation

Who could forget Noah Kahan's journey from supporting Ben Folds in 2017 to becoming one of the hottest new artists today? His hit single "Stick Season" went viral on TikTok, catapulting him to mainstream success and earning him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

Known for his hits Blinding Lights and Save Your Tears, The Wknd began as a support act for Florence + The Machine when he joined on her 2012 tour (pictured last month)

This talented singer-songwriter has also headlined BST in Hyde Park and Glastonbury this year. And did we mention that he addressed his biggest crowd ever with a heartfelt message about his journey? We're loving the humility of this rising star!

Sabrina Carpenter: From The Vamps to Pop Sensation

We all know Sabrina Carpenter's story - from supporting Taylor Swift on her Eras Tour in 2023 and 2024 to becoming one of the hottest new artists today. But what you might not know is that she started out as an opening act for The Vamps back in 2017.

Florence achieved a number one hit with Spectrum (Say My Name) with Calvin Harris in 2012 and was the first British female to headline Glastonbury in the 21st century (pictured in 2024)

Today, Carpenter has achieved multi-platinum singles and topped the US Billboard 200 with her sixth studio album "Short N' Sweet." Her recent Grammy wins for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance prove that she's here to stay. And did we mention that she headlined BST in London this summer? Talk about making a statement!

Chappell Roan: From Vance Joy to Rising Star

We're loving the story of Chappell Roan, who got her start by supporting Vance Joy on his 2017 tour. But what you might not know is that she went on to achieve global success with hits like "Good Luck, Babe!" and headlined Reading and Leeds Festival and Primavera Sound this summer.

Billie was also a protegee of Florence's after supporting her on her High As Hope Tour in late 2018 until January 2019 (pictured at the Grammy's in 2025)

This talented singer-songwriter has also taken home the Grammy for Best New Artist - a testament to her hard work and dedication. And did we mention that she addressed her fans at Glastonbury this year? Talk about making waves in the music industry!

In conclusion, these stories show us that it's never too late to shine - even when you start out as an opening act. Whether it's Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, or Billie Eilish, these artists have proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

And let's be real - we can't get enough of their music, fashion, and personal lives. Who knew that supporting acts could become the stars of the show?

Ri-Ri had strong female footsteps to follow in after learning from the best when she supported Gwen Stefani back in October 2005 (pictured at the Superbowl in 2023)

The Sweet Escape hitmaker had a young Rihanna join her on her first solo tour following her departure from No Doubt (pictured in 2024)

From growing up on a tree farm in Vermont, Noah first opened for American singer-songwriter Ben Folds back in 2017 (pictured in July)

Ben found fame as the frontman and pianist of the alternative rock trio Ben Folds Five from 1993 until 2000 when he went solo (pictured in 2008)

Prior to the Taste hitmakers tour with Taylor Swift, she started out supporting The Vamps in 2017 (pictured in March)

The British boyband, who are currently on a hiatus to pursue solo projects, had their first number one on the UK Albums Chart with Night and Day in 2017 (pictured in 2014)

Prior to her mainstream success Chappell Roan joined Australian singer Vance Joy on his 2017 tour (pictured in February)

If you are unfamiliar with the name Vance Joy you will most definitely be familiar with his 2013 hit Riptide which entered the top ten of the charts in the UK, US and Australia (pictured in 2022)