After the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation discontinued its drama training courses in the early 1990s, Star Search became one of Channel 8's main sources to scout for talent, which was met with several successes where many "alumni" have embarked their career with Mediacorp after the competition, whereas certain contestants deemed better may also be awarded a contract after competition ended.
From 1999 to 2003, the show took the format of a knockout competition where the male and female champions and first runners-up from each country will go to Singapore compete for the overall champion prize in their respective genders; however, when the show returned for a ninth season in 2007, the champions per gender and its international tournament format was abolished, reverting back to the traditional format while retaining international contestants till this day.
The title is composed by Iskandar Ismail and lyrics provided by veteran Chen Jiaming.
There are different segments to test the contestant in several areas, as scores are weighed and factor towards it to determine the result.
They are judged by a panel consisting of both local and foreign celebrities such as Anita Mui, Chow Yun-fat, Alfred Cheung, Andy Lau, Stephen Fung, Simon Yam, Carina Lau, Raymond Lam and Sandra Ng, and since the 1990s, former alumnus, such as the first season winner Zoe Tay also accompanied as a judge, a mentor or an advisor, depending on the season.