5 Pop Starlets on the Rise: Meet the Music Industry’s Most Promising (and Confusing) Newcomers

The world of pop-music can sometimes be a confusing place.

VIDEOS: MTV VMAs: Video of the Year Nominees

Sure, you know your way around a Katy Perry track or two, but can you name Christina Perri’s latest tune? How about the difference between Nikki Jean and BC Jean? The Hollywood Reporter is here to help.

STORY: Katy Perry Ties Michael Jackson’s Historic Billboard Hot 100 Record

From the labels, to singles and previous gigs — THR has compiled the need-to-know basics on five of pop music’s most promising (and confusing) newcomers.

Christina Perri

Label: Atlantic Records
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Birthday: Aug. 19, 1986
How she was discovered: Her debut single, “Jar of Hearts,” was featured on a June, 2010 episode of So You Think You Can Dance after a friend introduced the track to show choreographer Stacey Tookey. Perri was signed to Atlantic Records by July, though Roadrunner Records continued to promote “Jar of Hearts” on the radio.
Worth Noting: Her older brother, Nick Perri, formerly played guitar with the band Shinedown.
Album: Lovestrong, Released May 10, 2011
Singles: “Jar of Hearts,” “Arms”

Jessie J

Label: Lava Records
Hometown: Redbridge, London, England
Birthday: March 27, 1988
How she was discovered: After studying at the BRIT School, she earned success as a songwriter for other performers. Her MySpace page caught the eye of Lava president Jason Flom, and she was signed after a successfully U.S. showcase.
Worth Noting: She co-wrote the Miley Cyrus hit, “Party in the USA” and her debut single, “Do it Like a Dude,” was originally penned for Rihanna. Jessie J will be seen as the MTV Video Music Awards house artist during the Aug. 28 awards ceremony.
Album: Who You Are, Released April 12, 2011
Singles: “Do It Like A Dude,” “Price Tag”

Nikki Jean

Label: S-Curve Records
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Birthday: August 25, 1983
How she was discovered: Nikki was previously a member of the Philadelphia-based indie group, Nouveau Riche, and was featured on the Glow in the Dark Tour with Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Rihanna and N.E.R.D.
Worth Noting: Her debut album’s lead single, “Steel And Feathers (Don’t Ever)” was co-written by Bob Dylan. She also worked with Burt Bacharach and Carole King on the album.
Album: Pennies In A Jar, Released July 12, 2011
Singles: “Steel And Feathers (Don’t Ever),” “My Love”

BC Jean

Label: J Records
Hometown: San Diego, California
Birthday: April 22, 1987
How she was discovered: Jean and her mother moved to LA, where she began collaborating with songwriters and producers within her apartment building. After sending producer Toby Gad a message on MySpace, the two met and began writing songs together in New York.
Worth Noting: She co-penned Beyonce’s hit single, “If I Were a Boy,” with Gad.
Album: Not yet titled or released
Singles: “Just a Guy,” “I’ll Survive You,” “Anyone”

Cher Lloyd

Label: Syco / RCA
Hometown: Malvern, Worcestershire, England
Birthday: July 28, 1993
How she was discovered: Lloyd appeared on the UK’s The X Factor and was chosen as one of three girls to be mentored by Cheryl Cole.
Worth Noting: While Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera’s ode to The Rolling Stones’ frontman “Moves Like Jagger” climbs the US charts, Lloyd is heating up the UK charts with her debut single, “Swagger Jagger.” While the names are deceptively similar, the songs couldn’t be more different.
Album: Not yet titled; Set for a Nov. 2011 release.
Singles: “Swagger Jagger”