The phrase “all of these artists were discovered on YouTube except” introduces a comparative exercise. It establishes a context where a group of musical performers gained initial recognition through the YouTube platform, while explicitly signaling that one member of the group found success through alternate means. For example, if a discussion covers Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Tori Kelly, and Ed Sheeran, the statement implies that one of these artists was not primarily discovered via YouTube, distinguishing their path to fame.
This type of comparative statement highlights the significant role YouTube has played in the music industry as a platform for talent discovery and dissemination. It implicitly acknowledges the diverse avenues through which artists can achieve prominence, underscoring that while YouTube is a powerful tool, it is not the sole determinant of success. Historically, traditional routes such as record label scouting and radio airplay held sway; however, the internet has democratized access and enabled artists to bypass these gatekeepers.
