Adam Levine illustrates relationship between TV and a singer's career

March 3, 2013 at 9:58PM
Adam Levine
Adam Levine (Margaret Andrews — ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

TV makes the radio star. Whether it's a scripted series, a reality show or a talent contest, being a regular on television is an ideal way to ignite a singer's career.

From Andy Williams to Miley Cyrus, music stars have benefited from the exposure of their personalities and songs on television. With the rebounding Maroon 5 — thank you, "The Voice" — performing Monday in St. Paul, we thought it was a good time to rate just how much impact TV has had on certain stars' recording careers. Weekly series had off-the-charts ramifications on the pop charts for the Monkees and Cher, but not Sonny.

Adam Levine

"The Voice," 2011-present

Maroon 5 had been absent from the Top 10 since 2007, but since its frontman landed on "The Voice," the band has landed four consecutive Top 10 hits, including No. 1 songs "Moves Like Jagger" and "One More Night."

The Monkees

"The Monkees," 1966-68

A made-for-TV band, the Pre-Fab Four had a magical three-year run, including "I'm a Believer" and "Daydream Believer," and a surprisingly solid after-life.

Sonny & Cher

"Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," 1971-74, "Sonny & Cher Show," 1976-77

His music career died but her solo career soared with "Half Breed" and "Dark Lady."

Ricky Nelson

Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," 1952-66

America watched him grow up on TV, where he made his singing debut in 1957 and then had a seven-year run of Top 10 hits.

Miley Cyrus

"Hannah Montana," 2006-11

The Disney Channel's biggest star became a truly household name with hits on the radio ("The Climb," "Party in the U.S.A.") and the silver screen.

Rick Springfield

"General Hospital," 1981-83

Already a rock star in his native Australia, this pretty boy used a daytime soap to boost his U.S. profile and lay the groundwork for "Jessie's Girl."

Reba McEntire

"Reba," 2001-07

Careerwise, her sitcom was more of a detour. The consistent country star has scored No. 1 tunes in four consecutive decades.

Dionne Warwick

"Solid Gold," 1980-81, '85-86

Clive Davis and TV boosted her comeback because "That's What Friends Are For."

Jennifer Lopez

"American Idol," 2011-12

"Idol" reminded America that J-Lo is a music star, but she didn't back it up with much beyond "Dance Again."

about the writer

about the writer

Jon Bream

Critic / Reporter

Jon Bream has been a music critic at the Star Tribune since 1975, making him the longest tenured pop critic at a U.S. daily newspaper. He has attended more than 8,000 concerts and written four books (on Prince, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan). Thus far, he has ignored readers’ suggestions that he take a music-appreciation class.

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