17 Celebs On American Dreams & The Famous People They Portrayed

NBC giveth and taketh. American Dreams ran for 3 glorious seasons (2002-2005) and while the show provided dramatic story lines and characters, it also featured current pop music stars and celebs who played the singers of the 60's. Here's some of the most memorable portrayals.

1. Michelle Branch as Lesley Gore

The first guest musician on the show (episode 2) she performed Gore's "You Don't Own Me".

2. Usher as Marvin Gaye

Before he joined NBC's "The Voice" he sang "Can I Get a Witness".

3. Jason Mraz as Dion DiMucci

Barely recognizable without a fedora on.

4. Ashanti as Dionne Warwick

Also from the first season, she sang "Walk on By".

5. Kelly Clarkson as Brenda Lee

She did double duty, performing "Sweet Nothin's" on season 2 and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" on season 3.

6. Jennifer Love Hewitt as Nancy Sinatra

Remember when JLove was a singer?

7. Third Eye Blind as The Kinks

The "Jumper" band was on season 1.

8. Kelly Rowland as Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas

Didn't need Queen Bey to be on TV.

9. Lil' Kim as Shirley Ellis

Yup. Lil' Kim.

10. Nick Lachey as Tom Jones

Spot-on perm.

11. LeAnn Rimes as Connie Francis

The country star sang "Where the Boys Are".

12. Bonnie McKee as Janis Joplin

Seen in this clip singing "Summertime"

13. JoJo as Linda Ronstadt

The little powerhouse was only 14 when she performed an audition scene on the show.

14. Nick Carter as Jay from Jay and the Americans.

There were 4 other members in this band as well, but you didn't care to bring the rest of BSB? Cold, Mr. Carter. Cold.

15. Wayne Brady as Jackie Wilson

Took a break from the stages of "Whose Line" to belt out "Baby Workout".

16. Hilary and Haylie Duff as The Shangri-Las

Aren't they missing one? Or are they hoping the motorcycle distracts from that fact?

17. Annddd Paris Hilton as Barbara Eden

Yup. This happened.

18.

*On a separate note...if someone knows how I can get my hands on the series epilogue that never aired...that would be greatttt.