10 celebrities who tried their hand at music: From Robert Downey Jr to Kim Kardashian
10 celebrities whose music careers hit a sour note
While some celebrities seamlessly transition between different mediums in the entertainment industry, a few have found it tough to make a mark in the music industry. Here are 10 notable personalities who tried their hand at a music career, with varying degrees of setbacks.
Kobe Bryant
The late Kobe Bryant was not only a Lakers player but was also part of a rap group called CHEIZAW, signed to Sony Entertainment. However, his debut 16-track album 'Visions' faced setbacks, and Bryant shifted his focus back to his NBA career. Bryant released the album's debut single 'K.O.B.E.' with Tyra Banks during the 2000 NBA All-Star Game.
Tyra Banks
Victoria's Secret supermodel Tyra Banks briefly ventured into music and films with appearances in the late Kobe Bryant's 'K.O.B.E.' and Disney's 'Life-Size'. Banks released her debut single, 'Shake Ya Body', the music video for which Banks filmed as part of a challenge on cycle 2 of 'America's Next Top Model'. Despite the catchy song, Banks didn't pursue a full-fledged music career.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson released two albums in 2008 and 2009, one as a solo project and another in collaboration with Pete Yorn. While she showcased her singing talent, Johansson didn't continue her music career beyond 2009. David Bowie and members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs collaborated with her on her debut album, 'Anywhere I Lay My Head'.
Robert Downey Jr
Known for his acting prowess, Robert Downey Jr released his 10-track debut album, 'The Futurist', in 2004. Despite his musical talent, the album didn't achieve commercial success, and he didn't release another album.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian dropped the single 'Jam (Turn It Up)' in 2010 but later expressed regret. She acknowledged her lack of vocal prowess and questioned her decision to venture into singing. Kardashian said on 'Watch What Happens Live' in 2014 that she regretted releasing the song. "It's definitely a memory and it was a fun experience. We gave the proceeds to a cancer organization," she said. "But if there's one thing in life that I wish I didn't do ... I don't like it when people kind of dabble into things they shouldn't be. And that I don't think I should have. Like, what gave me the right to think I could be a singer? Like, I don't have a good voice," she admitted.
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling formed the group Dead Man's Bones, releasing a self-titled album in 2009. Despite showcasing musical talent, the group hasn't released another album, and Gosling's primary focus remains acting. The actor's lack of musical experience notwithstanding, Gosling demonstrated his vocal prowess in the 2016 Academy Award-winning film 'La La Land.'
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow released two cover singles in 2000 but didn't pursue a full-fledged music career. Paltrow showed off her vocal chops in the film Country Strong' (2010), where she played a country singer named Kelly Canter, and also during a stint on 'Glee'.
Tom Hardy
The actor admitted to rapping in his teens and recorded unreleased tracks. An old mixtape surfaced on Reddit in 2018, showcasing Hardy's early foray into music.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan showcased her musical talent in films like 'Freaky Friday' and 'Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen'. Her debut album 'Speak' achieved some success, but subsequent releases didn't fare as well. She only reached No. 20 on the charts with her second album, 'A Little More Personal (Raw)'. She released a single in 2008. But after that, her music career stalled and died.
Shaquille O'Neal
NBA star Shaquille O'Neal released four albums during his music career. While O'Neal found some success, his music aspirations didn't reach the same heights as his basketball career.
