8 Stars Who Refused To Let Rejection Stop Them From Following Their Dreams!

Jacob, Tori, and more!

Along the journey to success, there are many moments of failure. Every one of us – even celebrities – have experienced rejection at some point or another.

Here are ten singers who got turned down by reality competition shows like American Idol and The X Factor, but instead of quitting, they became even more determined, and used the rejection to fuel their passion for performing.

1. Long before he stumbled upon social media superstardom, Jacob Sartorius auditioned for “America’s Got Talent.” The 13-year-old rapped all the way through his audition that we wish was on YouTube! While Jacob didn’t make it through, he saw it as a positive experience because it made him realize how much he loves performing onstage!

Just a couple years later, Jacob’s on his way to becoming a household name. His debut single, “Sweatshirt,” hit the top 10 on iTunes, and have you seen his photo shoot with YSBnow? 😉

2. Tori Kelly auditioned for “American Idol” in 2010, when she was just 16 years old. Simon described her voice as “annoying.”

Fast forward a few years – Tori’s album “Unbreakable Smile” debuted at #2 on the US Billboard 200 and, in 2015, she was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys!

3. Jacob Whitesides auditioned for “The X Factor” when he was just 14 years old. “I didn’t make it far in the show,” he says. “I didn’t feel prepared yet. But it was a really good learning experience for me.”

Jacob is now signed to Double U Records, a label he owns himself! He’s collaborated with Kelly Rowland and has over 20 million YouTube views.

4. Todrick Hall auditioned for “American Idol” in the show’s ninth season. He made it into the Top 24, but was eliminated a few weeks later.

Since then, Todrick has performed on Broadway and YouTube. With over 2.5 million subscribers, even Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have acknowledged his videos, and he performs all over the world.

5 & 6. Ricky and Emery auditioned for “The X Factor” as solo artists in 2013. They were grouped together with John Klaasen, but the trio was cast off after their first live performance of “Lovebug.”

After John suddenly left FIYM, Ricky and Emery forged on without him, eventually welcoming Emery’s cousin, Liam, into the fold. Now the guys are crushing it touring all over the world.

7. NYC native Sophie Beem auditioned for Season 2 of “The X Factor,” but didn’t make it into the live shows. She’s now signed to a major label, just toured with Charlie Puth, collabed with Fetty Wap, & has a mentor in Beyonce. Sweet!

8. Amber Riley was rejected from “American Idol” in 2009. “To be turned down from [the show] was my lowest moment,” she says. “I cried all the way back to LA.”

But shortly after that, Amber won the life-changing role of Mercedes on “Glee.” Since then, she’s placed first on “Dancing with the Stars,” played the Good Witch in NBC’s live performance of “The Wiz,” and is currently starring as Effie in “Dreamgirls.”

And those are 8 reasons why you should never, ever stop believin’ in both yourself and your dreams! xoxo, #TeamYSBnow