Sheryl Crow's first big break came as a backup singer for which artist?

Sheryl Crow’s first big break came as a backup singer for Michael Jackson. She successfully auditioned for Jackson’s Bad world tour, an opportunity that put her on major stages before her own recording career took off.

Crow had already worked as a music teacher, jingle singer, and session vocalist in Los Angeles. The Bad tour, which ran from 1987 into 1989, was a major global production supporting Jackson’s first solo tour following the success of his album Bad. Crow’s work as a backing vocalist gave her valuable experience performing for enormous international audiences.

After the tour, Crow continued developing as a songwriter and studio musician. Her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, was released in 1993 and became a breakthrough success, helped by songs such as “All I Wanna Do,” “Strong Enough,” and “Leaving Las Vegas.” The album earned her three Grammy Awards.

The question asks about Crow’s first major break, not her first musical job. She had already built experience through teaching, commercial jingles, and session work; Jackson’s tour was the high-profile opportunity that introduced her to a worldwide audience.