Exclusive: ABC Special Flashes Back on Superstars' Early Years
ABC's Rediscovered will flash back on an even younger Justin and Britney.
Did you know that Britney could really belt 'em out when she was a wee one?
Viewers will be presented with proof positive as part of Rediscovered, an ABC special airing late next month and hosted by former child stars Donny and Marie Osmond, TVGuide.com has learned.
Rediscovered is primarily fashioned as a showcase for five people who as kids had stars in their eyes but went on to lead "regular" lives. They then are given the chance to perform in front of an audience at the famed Orpheum Theatre, vying for a $50,000 prize as well as "an additional surprise."
But the real draw for pop-culture junkies will be the chance to witness the onset of the careers of several familiar faces wowing the entertainment world we know now. Matt Casella, a veteran casting director whose "finds" include Britney, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell and JC Chasez, is an executive producer of the hour-long special, and as such he will unveil audition tapes — some nearly 20 years old — of those half-dozen destined stars.
The footage of Britney singing at age 9, I am told, is "absolutely amazing," while a young JT serves up quite the showstopper, too.
Rediscovered airs Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 9 pm/ET.