15 Photos Showing How Much Favorite Stars Have Changed In 20 Years
Time takes its toll on everyone
Some people don’t recognize a favor, and in the celebrity world, that’s basically the whole plot. These “then and now” photos take favorite stars from early 2000s red carpets and Disney-era moments to full-on global stardom, and the change is wild to see.
It gets complicated fast because the faces are only half the story. Lindsay Lohan’s 2002 spotlight, Katy Perry’s 2008 pop era, Khloé Kardashian’s reality glow-up, Selena Gomez stepping out of Wizards of Waverly Place, Taylor Swift owning the charts, and Lady Gaga turning every appearance into a visual event all collide with two decades of cameras, trends, and constant public scrutiny.
Keep your eyes on the details, because one “and now” photo can tell a whole different story.
1. Lindsay Lohan (2002 And Now)
Lindsay Lohan is an American actress, singer, songwriter, and businesswoman. She is known for her roles in films such as The Parent Trap (1998), Mean Girls (2004), Freaky Friday (2003), Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005), and more. She has also released two studio albums, Speak (2004) and A Little More Personal (Raw) (2005).
Getty2. Katy Perry (2008 And Now)
Katy Perry is known for her pop music career, multiple chart-topping hits, colorful costumes, and energetic live performances. She is also recognized for her activism and philanthropy, supporting causes such as LGBT rights and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Getty3. Khloé Kardashian (2008 And Now)
Khloé Kardashian is known for her role on the reality television show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, her fashion sense and style, her fitness journey, and her relationship with NBA player Tristan Thompson. She is also recognized for her philanthropic work and her book, Strong Looks Better Naked.
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4. Selena Gomez (2008 And Now)
Selena Gomez is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and producer. She is known for her role as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place, her multi-platinum albums Revival and Stars Dance, and her appearances in films such as Ramona and Beezus, Monte Carlo, and Spring Breakers.
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5. Taylor Swift (2008 And Now)
Taylor Swift is known for her chart-topping pop songs, successful album sales, multiple awards, highly publicized relationships, and philanthropic work. She has sold more than 50 million albums and 150 million singles worldwide and is the recipient of 10 Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and several other accolades.
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6. Lady Gaga (2009 And Now)
Lady Gaga is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her unconventionality, provocative work, and visual experimentation. She quickly rose to fame with the release of her debut studio album, The Fame (2008), which was a critical and commercial success. Gaga is noted for her flamboyant costumes and fashion styles, as well as her advocacy for various social causes. She is also known for her chart-topping pop hits, such as "Just Dance," "Poker Face," "Bad Romance," and "Born This Way."
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7. Jennifer Lopez (2003 And Now)
Jennifer Lopez is a multi-talented entertainer and businesswoman. She is best known for her music, acting roles in films such as Selena and Maid in Manhattan, and her dance moves. She is also a judge on the TV show American Idol. Additionally, Lopez has had various endorsement deals with brands such as Gillette, L'Oreal, and Nike.
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8. Rihanna (2005 And Now)
Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, and actress who has achieved significant success in the music industry. She is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 250 million records sold worldwide. She is best known for her hit singles such as "Umbrella."
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This is similar to the situation where someone refused to cover a friend’s concert ticket after luxury shopping left her broke.
9. Britney Spears (2002 And Now)
Britney Spears is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She is among the most successful and influential pop icons, having sold over 100 million records worldwide.
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10. Beyoncé (2003 And Now)
Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, and entrepreneur. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
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11. Gwen Stefani (2005 And Now)
Gwen Stefani is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She has won three Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. She has also appeared as a judge on the singing competition show The Voice.
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12. Miley Cyrus (2009 And Now)
Miley Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. She rose to fame playing the role of Hannah Montana in the Disney Channel series of the same name. As a singer, Cyrus is best known for her chart-topping hits such as "Wrecking Ball," "We Can't Stop," and "Party in the U.S.A."
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13. Nicole Richie (2004 And Now)
Nicole Richie is an American fashion designer, author, actress, and television personality. She is best known for her role in the Fox reality television series The Simple Life.
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14. Paris Hilton (2004 And Now)
Paris Hilton is an American socialite, businesswoman, and media personality. She is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton Hotels. She first gained media attention as a socialite when featured in the reality television series The Simple Life.
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15. Christina Aguilera (2004 And Now)
Christina Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a teen pop star and has since become a multi-platinum recording artist and one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
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When you compare Lindsay Lohan in 2002 to what she looks like now, it’s hard not to notice how the spotlight has aged with her.
Katy Perry’s 2008 colorful era and her current look show how quickly reinvention became part of the job.
Khloé Kardashian and Selena Gomez both hit their peak in the same late-2000s wave, but their “and now” photos capture totally different paths.
Taylor Swift’s 2008 era and Lady Gaga’s 2009 debut years prove that style changes, but the main character energy never really leaves.
Overall, the fashion trends of the 2000s have significantly influenced today's style and will continue to do so in the future. Clearly, the decade has had a lasting effect on how we dress, and the influence of celebrities has been a major factor in this.
As fashion trends continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the style of the 2000s continues to influence current trends.
Nobody expects a “then and now” photo to hit this hard, but these stars make it impossible to look away.
After you see how Lindsay Lohan changed in 20 years, read Reddit’s take on lending money to a friend who has a history of not repaying debts.