Remembering that Total Request Live (better known as TRL ) no longer exists is enough to make all Millennials 10 years older. But this month, the iconic MTV series will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its premiere in September 1998, making us all feel truly ancient. Before YouTube and streaming platforms, TRL was a way to watch music videos from our favorite artists from the late 90s to early 2000s and track how popular their new music was, ranking first in fan voting Top 10 countdown showing certified hits.
TRL played a major role in the rise of music icons like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, and nearly every member of boy bands like *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. But it's also a surprising hotspot for A-list actors, who will stop by the scenic MTV Studios in New York's Times Square to play whatever movie or TV show they're starring in at the time—many of which have been featured in TRL legend was forgotten. Nearing the end of its decade-long run, the show also helped bring many Disney stars and teen idols into the mainstream, proving that the power of TRL recognition never fades even in its final stages.
To celebrate the legacy and history of this beloved show, here are 12 more celebrities you totally forgot about TRL's glory days, from today's biggest country pop stars to actors from your favorite movies and TV shows. (No, we're not including the 2017 reboot.)
Taylor Swift
It's easy to forget that Swift was the star of "TRL" since she only started appearing at the end of the show, but she quickly became part of the show's legacy. In fact, she was part of the star-studded "Total Finale Live" special.
miley cyrus
There's a reason Cyrus is a VMA icon: She laid the foundation early. In the years before TRL ended, the singer appeared regularly on TRL , guest-starred alongside Disney Channel alum Ashley Tisdale, and premiered her "7 Things" there music video.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Well, Pitt and Jolie never actually appeared on TRL together (which was a missed opportunity to promote Mr. and Mrs. Smith ), but they did appear separately on the show to mixed reactions. Pitt met with fans (who apparently ignored his pose in this photo), while the audience seated behind Jolie looked bored out of their minds. audacious in the extreme!
Gisele Bundchen
Yes, Bundchen appeared on TRL in 2006 when she was a Victoria's Secret model. I couldn't tell you why she was in the studio gardening, but she was on the show anyway and that's all that matters.
john travolta
No one said "How are you, kids?" Like the sight of Travolta (especially dancing in this photo) on TRL, this actually happened twice in one year.
Sandra Bullock
The Oscar winner was clearly inspired by 2000s red carpet fashion icon Ashley Tisdale during a visit to TRL Studios. That's what it is; I don't make the rules.
Matthew McConaughey
McConaughey was probably on TRL to promote whatever movie he was starring in at the time, but he got extra props because he remembered that MTV focused on music first and was in the studio playing some bongos with lucky fans. Maybe MTV should take a hint.
harry potter children
TRL has never had cuter guests than teenage Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, who appeared in 2004 to promote the third Harry Potter film. Watson wore this exact same outfit when she and Radcliffe appeared on TRL UK alongside the final member of the trio, Rupert Grint. Yes, TRL UK was a thing that did exist at one point.
Keanu Reeves and the cast of "The Matrix"
In 2003, Reeves appeared alongside the cast of The Matrix , including Jada Pinkett Smith and Laurence Fishburne. Everyone is too formally dressed for TRL Studios, but what else would you expect from The Matrix crew?
Natalie Portman
Portman's appearance at TRL Studios isn't too shocking. Even more surprising is that the Oscar winner appeared in a brief clip on TRL and was more angsty than any rocker featured in the countdown video. (This was to promote her 2005 action film V for Vendetta , but still).
Gossip Girl Cast
Witnesses: Serena van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf and Lonely Boy making out and fighting in the TRL studio. Well, it was actually played by an actor, but close enough. No matter what, the queen bees of Constance Billiards would be proud.
Grande Ariana
Well, technically Grande never appeared on the original TRL . But she did bring the show back in 2014 for a one-night special called Total Ariana Live in 2014, premiering her "Break Free" video and performing her hit song "Problem" 's stripped-down version and answered fan questions. The atmosphere in the studio was back to 2005. She may not be part of the TRL generation, but she fits right in.
