UPDATE 1
Cascada - Having represented Eurovision for Germany this year with
"Glorious", Cascada have continued to reign over Europe with their catchy dance tunes. Cascada have also reminded of their past 7 years in the music industry with a collection of their best songs featured on
"The Best of Cascada" and
"Acoustic Sessions".
Selena - Going solo has really show us that Selena pop princess potential. Selena has reinforced electro-pop and dance music into the pop scene and has changed what may have seemed generic music into a style of her own which I've truly appreciated in her album
"Stars Dance".
Britney - No matter how big Lady GaGa and Katy Perry comeback to the pop scene, Britney always seems to float back elegantly snatching the crown away from her rivals. Personality oozes out of
"Britney Jean" and listening to her songs are such a pleasure.
Avril Lavigne - Having disappointed me with
"Here's to Never Growing Up", Avril had made up for it with one of her best songs
"Rock N Roll" and her self-titled album
"Avril Lavigne". Out of all the artist's this year, Avril has brought fun, rock and a reminiscence of the old days I grew up in <33.
Natalia Kills - This girl is not afraid to overstep the boundaries in pop culture. This sexy pop diva has comeback with sexy videos, emotional songs and truly good music. Natalia's music really does feel personal and listening to
"Trouble" has proved this.
Kana Nishino - This angelic pop diva has the most calming songs ever. Her styles reminds me of candy as her voice always sounds so sweet and cheerful and her image of an innocent girl captures the vulnerability. Her 'best' album
"Love Collection ~pink~ and ~mint~" is a collection of her best songs from the last few years, and definitely worth a listen to introduce new listeners to J-pop.
Ayumi Hamasaki - The rest of the nominees are up for a tough competition with the Empress of Pop. Having won for the last three consecutive years, it is likely Ayu will be crowned champion again. Her
"LOVE again" surpasses her previous efforts and she's recently returned the the J-pop scene with party popping songs such as
"Feel The Love".
Namie Amuro - Namie is another pop diva who is always nominated in this category. I never really cared for Namie as hip-hop has never appealed to me. However lately she seems to redefine J-pop with pop jamming hits. Outselling her peers such as Koda Kumi and Ayumi Hamasaki, Namie has snatched the crown as the Queen of J-pop. Listen to
"FEEL". Such perfection.
Che'Nelle - A newcomer for me! This woman's voice is so powerful, and her power pop gems in album
"Aisheteru" reflect this. I love
"Burning Love" and if she continues to release songs like this, she'll soon take over Ayumi as my favorite J-pop artist.
Miwa - Miwa has come out the blue, and I am so grateful that I listened to the song
"Smile". It is by no far my favorite songs, however the unique style has reminded to be appreciate the different styles of J-pop. So I downloaded her album
"Delight" and it has become one of my favorite albums of the year.
VOTE!!!
Beautiful.
Not really into non-US groups/artists, though.
I'm okay with either Godmasaki or Namisus winning 