Carly Rae Jepsen Songs: See Her, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga & Others Before They Blew Up (VIDEO)

WATCH: See Carly Rae, Katy Perry & More Before They Were Pop Stars

Carly Rae Jepsen may have the No. 1 song in the U.S. -- not to mention one of the catchiest hooks in the history of music -- but before she was telling guys to call her maybe, she was just another singer/songwriter hoping to get lucky on a reality singing competition.

In 2007, she placed third in the fifth season of "Canadian Idol," and it wasn't long until the Canadian songstress signed to a label and released her indie pop debut album, Tug of War, in September 2008. Three years later, she would ditch her guitar for a catchy synth.

But Jepsen isn't the only pop star to ditch her acoustic roots for a chance at cracking the Top 40. Before Katy Perry had whipped cream cannons in her bra, she went by Katy Hudson and released a self-titled gospel rock album in 2001.

Click through the gallery below to see what other pop stars started off as acoustic jammers.

Before They Were Pop Stars

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