21 Under 21 -- Today's Hottest Young Musical Talents
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Jordin Sparks
Age: 17
Why She's Hot: Whether or not this teen dream wins 'Idol,' Jordin's perky personality, million-dollar smile and platinum-plated voice are destined to make her a star. Like Simon says, this girl is the real deal.
Fun Fact: Jordin has been singing since she was 18-months old. Her father is former NFL player Phillippi Sparks.
More on This 21 Under 21 Artist
Sammie
Age: 19
Why He's Hot: After his single 'I Like It' exploded in 2000, Sammie did what most people wouldn't -- he dropped out of the music scene to focus on his education. Now, with the hits 'You Should Be My Girl' and 'Come to Me' on the charts, we hope he'll stick around for good this time.
Fun Fact: Instead of punishing him for humming during test time, Sammie's teacher recognized his talent and helped him enroll in a magnet school for the performing arts.
Kat Deluna
Age: 19
Why She's Hot: This Dominican-American performer is a singing, dancing, songwriting triple threat. Kat has fused her classical training as an opera singer with her Caribbean roots and crafted an R&B-and-dancehall-flavored debut album that features Elephant Man on the infectious first single, 'Whine Up.'
Fun Fact: Kat already has some very famous supporters. R&B superstar R. Kelly called her a "prodigy" and the famous Salvadorian singer Alvaro Torres referred to her as a new Selena.
A Change of Pace
Age: Torry (vocals), 20; Adam Rodgers (guitar), 19
Why They're Hot: Led by two underage powerhouses, A Change of Pace is quickly rising in the alternative-rock ranks. The band spent years developing its grassroots following before rocking the '05 Warped Tour. Their latest album, 'Prepare the Masses,' has already earned them well over 100,000 MySpace friends.
Fun Fact: On the eve of their CD release, the band asked fans to send in their phone numbers if they wanted details about the new album. The band members wound up making about 4,000 personal phone calls.
Corbin Bleu
Age: 18
Why He's Hot: Corbin found fame after starring in Disney's massive 'High School Musical' and the recently released movie 'Jump In!' Having just wrapped up the HSM concert tour, he's now looking forward to the release of his debut album, 'Another Side,' in May.
Fun Fact: One of his first acting jobs was as a patient on 'ER.' George 'Dr. Ross' Clooney gave him a shot in his foot. Corbin thought that was cool.
Jibbs
Age: 16
Why He's Hot: This boxer-turned-rapper turned an old-school nursery rhyme into the infectious 'Chain Hang Low.' His brother originally produced the song's beat for another artist, but turned it over to Jibbs once he heard his catchy delivery. Good call, bro.
Fun Fact: While some hip-hop lyrics take a beating in the media, this teen made a conscious decision to record his album ‘Jibbs Feat. Jibbs’ without profanity.
Jonas Brothers
Age: Joseph Jonas (vocals), 16; Kevin Jonas (guitar), 17; Nicholas Jonas (guitar/vocals), 13
Why They're Hot: This musical band of brothers makes irresistibly catchy power-pop that they describe as "music on Red Bull." Recently, Hollywood signed the band and with this label giant behind them, we can expect to see big things from them.
Fun Fact: Their hit 'Mandy' is about a girl that their mother, a sign language teacher, taught to sign so that she could pursue her dream of working with the hearing impaired.
NLT
Ages: Kevin & V, 18; Travis & JJ, 17
Why They're Hot: The four cuties of NLT (Not Like Them) aren't afraid to be exactly what they are -- a "true pop" group. With *NSYNC dead in the water and the Backstreet Boys all but obsolete, the lads are in a prime spot to kickstart a boy-band revival -- and they have the infectious sound and slick moves to make it happen.
Fun Fact: NLT was discovered by entertainment guru Chris Stokes, best known for his hits with Omarion, B2K and Marques Houston (who actually co-manages the group).
Taylor Swift
Age: 17
Why She's Hot: Wise beyond her years, this country beauty co-wrote all 11 tracks on her debut album, which already reached gold status. She recently took home CMT's Breakthrough Video of the Year Award for her 'Tim McGraw' video, and she'll compete with Miranda Lambert and Kellie Pickler for the ACM's Top New Female Vocalist award later this year.
Fun Fact: Taylor couldn't stay out late partying after her big CMT win -- she had final exams the next day. But she will be skipping her junior prom in favor of a tour date with Brad Paisley.
JoJo
Age: 17
Why She's Hot: While most girls her age were getting the first babysitting gigs, JoJo was recording her first platinum album. Last year, she acted in two films, including 'RV' with Robin Williams, and released her sophomore CD, 'High Road,' which she'll be supporting this summer on an American and European tour. And girl can’t even vote yet!
Fun Fact: During her Blackground Records audition for Barry Hankerson, he told her that the spirit of his niece, the late R&B singer Aaliyah, had brought her to him. Spooky!
Keke Palmer
Age: 13
Why She's Hot: You already know "Keke" Palmer from her roles in 'Barbershop 2,' Disney's 'Jump In,' and as the title character in the critically acclaimed 'Akeelah & the Bee.' This summer, Keke releases her debut on Atlantic Records, featuring songs written by the teen herself.
Fun Fact: Her parents gave all their children "L" names -- Loreal, Lauren, Lawrence and Lawrencia. Lauren was later given the moniker "Keke" by her older sister.
Paolo Nutini
Age: 20
Why He's Hot: Have you seen his photos?! The handsome Scottish-Italian singer moved to London at 17 and quickly scored gigs supporting UK breakout artists Amy Winehouse and KT Tunstall. His debut album, 'These Streets,' hit in January and catchy tunes like 'New Shoes,' plus his current tour, are establishing him one of pop's hottest new artists.
Fun Fact: While visiting the Lone-Star State, Paolo intended to get Texas stars tattooed around his right forearm. He ran out of money halfway through, so he ended up with only three.
Joss Stone
Age: 20
Why She's Hot: After a much-needed makeover (New sound! New hair!), Joss has put her do-as-they-say past behind her and reemerged as an independent performer with a soulful, contemporary edge -- and she's garnering a slew of new fans out of it.
Fun Fact: Joss called Lauryn Hill's mother every day for a month in an attempt to get the elusive singer on her new CD. And it worked!
Panic! At the Disco
Ages: Ryan Ross (guitar), 20; Brendon Urie (guitar/vocals), 19; Jon Walker (bass), 22; Spencer Smith (drums), 19
Why They're Hot: Signed while still in high school by Pete Wentz, these Vegas dudes' debut album, 'A Fever You Can't Sweat Out,' went platinum and they're still riding high. Set for a summer concert tour, including prestigious UK festivals Reading and Leeds, the boys recently realized the dream of every young rocker when they were featured on the cover of February's issue of Rolling Stone.
Fun Fact: What's on the band's rider? PBJ, Capri Sun and '90s alternative hits.
Vanessa Hudgens
Age: 18
Why She's Hot: Last year, the entire 'High School Musical' cast got a shout-out on this list. But since then, Vanessa has emerged as a shining star in her own right with her breakout CD, 'V.' In August, she'll reprise her role as Gabriella in 'HSM2,' meaning that the Disney dynamo will be more unstoppable than ever.
Fun Fact: Vanessa's first acting gig was in the controversial 2003 film 'Thirteen.' Ironically, she was already 15 at the time.
Bow Wow
Age: 20
Why He's Hot: Haters who thought that Bow Wow would fade away after the "Lil" novelty wore off have been silenced. Now that he's grown, Bow Wow is more successful than ever; he still drops hit after hit and he's even popping up on the silver screen now. He's well on his way to being rap's undisputed top dog.
Fun Fact: Last year, Bow Wow started his own record label, LBW Entertainment. 'Remember/Sincerely,' his first hits CD, will be released on the label later this year.
Hilary Duff
Age: 20
Why She's Hot: Talk about a makeover! Kellie has gone from 'American Idol''s country bumpkin to a bona fide bombshell. Her first album debuted at No.1 on the country charts and has spawned two big radio hits. She's also signed a development deal with Fox to star in her own sitcom.
Fun Fact: Kellie, who famously talked about her fears of seafood on 'Idol,' told us in her See Hilary Duff at Sessions
Kellie Pickler
Age: 20
Why She's Hot: Talk about a makeover! Kellie has gone from 'American Idol''s country bumpkin to a bona fide bombshell. Her first album debuted at No.1 on the country charts and has spawned two big radio hits. She's also signed a development deal with Fox to star in her own sitcom.
Fun Fact: Kellie, who famously talked about her fears of seafood on 'Idol,' told us in her Read Kellie Pickler's AIM Interview
Chris Brown
Age: 17
Why He's Hot: In less than two years, he's racked up two Grammy awards, a platinum album, and film roles in 'Stomp the Yard' and the upcoming 'This Christmas.' Even Oprah got hooked by his boyish charm after he appeared on her show in response to countless requests from younger viewers.
Fun Fact: Chris' manager also helped Ne-Yo secure a record deal with Def Jam, and the two singers have been good friends ever since.
Miley Cyrus
Age: 15
Why She's Hot: She's the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, but Miley made her own name as the lead in the Disney TV series 'Hannah Montana.' The show's first episode reached over 5 million viewers -- the biggest audience ever for a Disney Channel premiere. This summer, Miley will release her own album -- and she helped write each of its 12 tracks.
Fun Fact: The 'Hannah Montana' soundtrack debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, beating out new albums by My Chemical Romance and John Legend for the top slot.
Rihanna
Age: 19
Why She's Hot: Thanks to her inescapable '06 hits 'SOS' and 'Unfaithful,' Rihanna went from a mere Jay-Z protégé to an undeniable, chart-topping R&B powerhouse that made even Beyoncé break a sweat. Her upcoming CD, 'Good Girl Gone Bad,' features almost every hit-maker in the game (Ne-Yo, Timbaland, Will.i.am, Ceee-Lo) and it's destined to push this Barbados beauty past the boiling point. You go, girl.
Fun Fact: She's still a kid at heart, and never travels anywhere without her trusted 'Hello Kitty' blanket. How cute!
