The 5 Most Shocking Pop Star Makeunders

We’re used to catching pop stars at their most glamorous, when they’re wearing full-out makeup, skintight spandex, blown out hair, and basically anything else that normal humans can’t get without a full-on team of hairdressers, makeup artists, and wardrobe consultants. So this means that when these singers dress down–for acting roles, alter egos, or personal breakdowns–they really dress down. Here are five of the most shocking makeunders we’ve seen among the pop singers of today. Which one do you think is the most, uh, drastic?

Katy Perry
Normally, Katy channels the pinup doll look to a tee, but as a prison attendant on Raising Hope, she looks positively ghastly. Is that the hint of a mustache? A carrot top rat’s nest? At least she still looks like she has a sparkling… personality.

Lady Gaga
Gaga’s alter ego, Jo Calderone, is the complete opposite of the polished, albeit wacky, Mother Monster. Greasy hair, coupled with a vicious snarl and a shirt that’s probably sweat-stained, makes for a serious downgrade from Lady Gaga’s 10-inch heels and spacey headwear. But, hey, when you dress that crazy, the only way to shock people is to totally underwhelm!

Mariah Carey
It’s hard to believe that the queen of butterflies and sparkles could go from diva to downtrodden social worker by removing some makeup and stepping away from the blowdryer. For her role in Precious, Mariah took a serious risk. And even if it didn’t pay up in looking cute, at least she got serious accolades for her acting skills.

Britney Spears
This transformation was all Brit Brit. 2007 was a tough year for Ms. Spears, considering she shaved her head, hit some cars with an umbrella, and altogether went a little crazy. Thankfully, she’s back to her lovely self again, shiny hair and all.

Vanessa Hudgens
There are many reasons that this transformation shocks us. For one thing, we’re used to seeing Vanessa with washed hair. For another, we’re used to seeing Vanessa with eyes that don’t look dead. As a troubled teen in Gimme Shelter, her character wears a permanent scowl, and based on her appearance, we can’t really imagine feeling good in that state either.

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