Pop Stars From The 80s And Where They Are Now

#1 Cyndi Lauper – Then

Cyndi's career was odd to say the least. Between her and Madonna, they ruled music video in the 80s. Her smash singles "Time After Time," "She Bop" and of course 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" made her a pop sensation. Not only was she responsible for hit after hit, but she was also found on the arms of Lou Albano, the famous wrestling manager.

#2 Cyndi Lauper – Now

Lauper has established herself as a pop culture icon selling over 50 million albums and 20 million singles. Inducted into the Hall of Fame for songwriters, Cyndi has never stopped recording new music or touring. People just stopped buying and listening. Her latest CD, "Detour" infuses country, 80s pop, and modern rock and has been highly praised. composed music for the Broadway musical Kinky Boots with Harvey Fierstein. She also is an activist for the LGBT community, campaigning for equality through various charities and gay pride events around the world.

#3 George Michael – Then

He first discovered fame as a musician when he and school friend, Andrew Ridgeley, formed the pop group, Wham! Success came fast and furious with their first album, 'Fantastic' (1983) hitting the number one spot. In the bands 5 year existence they racked up four number one singles and two number one albums, including "Wake Me Up Before Yo Go-Go." But George wanted a solo career.

#4 George Michael – Now

His debut album 'Faith' (1987), and the single of the same name, both achieving instant and international success. The album has since been certified Diamond. George still enjoys his notoriety. Although, he mainly just lives a comfortable life because of his success. Was arrested in early 1998 at a public restroom in Beverly Hills for committing a lewd act in front of an undercover police officer. He released the single 'December Song' in 2008 as a free download: his hope was that purchasers would donate money to charity.

#5 Paula Abdul – Then

Her breakout video "Straight Up" featuring her dancing with a cat was an MTV favorite. In the 80s, Paula went from being a cheerleader to a choreographer. Then, she broke through and became one of the most popular singers of the era with many hits under her sleek belt.

#6 Paula Abdul – Now

In 2001, after an absence from the music scene for a bit, Paula reappeared on television as a co-host on American Idol. When she left the series she went on to get a gig on So You Think You Can Dance as a judge. She's secured a name for herself as one of the best popular choreographers available.

#7 Jon Bon Jovi – Then

Musician and actor Jon Bon Jovi is best known as the lead singer and founder of the rock band Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi was the ultimate rock star in the 80s. Powered by songs like Livin' on a Prayer and Wanted Dead or Alive, they sold in excess of 14 million copies, putting their first album in the same league as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

#8 Jon Bon Jovi – Now

He's still doing his music but he went solo in 1989. But, he has branched off into other things like doing some acting as well as starting a restaurant franchise where patrons pay what they want even if that means they have nothing to pay. He starred in TV shows like Ally McBeal and in the movies in Moonlight and Valentino and The Leading Man.

#9 Bryan Adams – Then

Canadian rocker showed up on the scene with nothing but ripped jeans and a guitar. He climbed his way to the top and rocked us all with hits that are still played today. His albums "Cuts Like a Knife" and "Reckless" won him Grammy awards. He had several top hits including the number one duet "I Finally Found Someone", a duet with Barbra Streisand for her movie, The Mirror Has Two Faces.

#10 Bryan Adams – Now

Still in music, he has also taken his skills a different way. He started a career in photography where he has distinguished himself. On top of that, he has entrenched himself in Charity work.

#11 Bonnie Tyler – Then

She hit the scene in the early 80s with the song "It's A Heartache"and then a few years later came back strong with "Holding Out For A Hero" and "Total Eclipse Of the Heart." That was a hit millions of people loved, adored, and knew every word.

#12 Bonnie Tyler – Now

She won three Grammies and then her career faded a bit. She remains active in the music industry having toured all over the world, including with the singer Meat Loaf, and performed at Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones' wedding. Also, she has become a successful business woman. She has somewhat resurrected her career with a "Best Of" tour.

#13 Kenny Loggins – Then

His early songwriting compositions were recorded with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1970, which led to seven albums, performing as the group Loggins and Messina from 1972 to 1977. Kenny Loggins had a signature voice that defined the 80s. He had many great hits and most of them were in movies such as Top Gun and Footloose. Loggins recorded so many successful songs for film soundtracks that he was referred to as "King of the Movie Soundtrack".

#14 Kenny Loggins – Now

Kenny continues to produce movie hits. He also tours when he feels like it and enjoys his life of solid legendary status. Loggins is now a member of Blue Sky Riders, a country music trio also featuring Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman. The 2016 parody film Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie features an original song from Loggins, entitled "The Art of the Deal," written specifically for the film.

#15 Janet Jackson – Then

Janet was born with into stardom with her famous brothers who paved the way. The youngest child of the Jackson family, she began her career with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976 and went on to appear in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Fame. But, she was a hit herself with the many songs that made the 80s memorable.

#16 Janet Jackson - Now

She was a star on the radio and on MTV but she had her heart in acting. Several acting and music stints like the album Rhythm Nation and Control brought her new fame in the late 90s. Janet has maintained her significance throughout the years apart from her brothers and of course, her most famous one. Her little rendition with Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl halftime show was memorable enough.

#17 Sheena Easton – Then

Another 80s icon who owes her success to multiple videos aired on MTV, Sheena Easton was a protege of Prince when she released "Morning Trian" and became a superstar. Her biggest claim to fame being the Academy Award nomination for "James Bond: For Your Eyes Only."

#18 Sheena Easton – Now

Sheena took a break to raise a family. Then, she resurrected her career with a live tour in 2013 as well as a new release of four of her past albums and "Greatest Hits" collection.

#19 Lionel Richie – Then

Lionel was huge in the 80s. He split from The Commodores to take on a solo career, which made him as huge of a hit as anyone back then. Songs like AllNight Long, Walking On The Ceiling, and "Hello" made him a force to be reckoned with as far as catchy pop tunes went.

#20 Lionel Richie – Now

Lionel is still a huge hit. His songs are timeless and everybody can sing along with just about every one of them. He can sell tickets at his performances throughout the world including when he did the Glastonbury Festival in the UK. He's released three albums since2008 and performed "Jesus is Love" at Michael Jackson's memorial service.

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