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Stock Watch: Up. Thanks to a series of masterful guest spots on hit songs by everyone from Mariah to Usher to Lil Wayne (she made Kanye and Jay-Z look like her students during her verse on “Monster”), Nicki Minaj was a budding star before she’d ever released an album. No surprise, then, that the wigged wonder went platinum and hit No. 1 with her debut, “Pink Friday.” She is currently cementing her status as pop newest (and weirdest) force on tour with Britney Spears. Latest Album: 2010’s “Pink Friday” Extracurricular Activities: While an internet hoax earlier this week claimed Minaj was dead (#ripnickiminaj was a trending topic), rest assured that Harajuku Barbie is alive and well. In the past few days, she’s debuted a new video for “Where Them Girls At” with Flo Rida and flirted with Justin Bieber at the BET Awards, where she nabbed the trophy for Best Female Hop-Hop Artist. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Who's the Fierce...In the world of pop music, there can only be one queen. It’s one thing to determine who gets to wear the crown. It’s another issue entirely trying to figure out where everyone else falls. Halfway through the year, I decided it was time to do just that. I took the top divas active in music today, sized up their record sales, legacies, current momentum and overall diva-ness and ranked them bottom to top. See who owns the throne in 2011 and who needs to go back to the diva drawing board. —Jeff Royer (Photos: Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
29. Jessie JStock Watch: Down. Even a radio hit (“Price Tag”), super-massive publicity push and high-profile appearance on “SNL” couldn’t turn Jessie J’s debut album, “Who You Are,” into a commercial success in the U.S. The British pop tart has also has a streak of bad luck recently. She broke her foot after falling from the stage during rehearsals, and recently revealed a string of death threats she’s received since hitting it big. Latest Album: “Who You Are” Extracurricular Activities: Down but not out, Jessie J continues to perform while perched onstage in a red velvet throne. That’s the kind of moxie that has made a star of the 23-year-old songwriter, whose credits include Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” —Jeff Royer (Photo: Stuart Wilson, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
28. Lauryn HillStock Watch: Down. So close. It seemed like we were SO CLOSE to finally getting a follow-up to Hill’s first, best and only album, 1998’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” She was finally emerging from that interminable hiatus with a patch of tour dates and festival appearances, including major gigs at Coachella and the New Orleans JazzFest. And then, with anticipation whipped to a fever pitch … Hill announced earlier this month that she’d be taking more time off for the birth of her sixth child. Latest Album: 1998’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” Extracurricular Activities: Hill likes to spend her life raising her kids, and you can’t blame her for that. She has a few unfulfilled touring commitments this summer. After that, who knows when we’ll see her again? —Jeff Royer (Photo: Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
27. Willow SmithStock Watch: Down. But potential: sky-high. The 10-year-old daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith struck gold with the massive party anthem “Whip My Hair.” But the pint-sized mini-diva’s second single, “21st Century Girl,” fell flat, peaking at No. 99. However, with mentors like Jay-Z on her side, Smith has all the wisdom (and time) in the world to grow her career. Latest Album: N/A Extracurricular Activities: Smith’s dad has announced a remake of the classic film “Little Orphan Annie” starring his daughter. Jay-Z is in talks to provide music. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Pool, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
26. Hayley Willi...Stock Watch: Up. The flame-haired frontwoman of Paramore has already survived the fracturing of her band and a mini-scandal thanks to a leaked photo she took of her own mini-Hayleys. She took a big step into diva-dom with her guest vocals on B.o.B’s No. 2 hit “Airplanes.” Now Williams and her remaining bandmates are setting the table for a major comeback with a new single from the “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” soundtrack and the writing of their fourth album. Latest Album: 2009’s “Brand New Eyes” Extracurricular Activities: While working on her band’s comeback album, Williams is occupying herself with magazine fashion shoots, awards show appearances and the recording of a song for the new Muppet movie soundtrack. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Angela Weiss, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
25. RobynStock Watch: Up. After being marketed as a blasé pop singer in the 1990s (she scored dance-pop hits with “Show Me Love” and “Do You Know (What It Takes)”), Swedish chanteuse Robyn reinvented herself as what Spin calls “the premier purveyor of intelligent, emotional dance-pop.” After releasing the acclaimed “Body Talk” trilogy on her own Konichiwa label, Robyn is breaking through once more as the summer-long tour mate of Katy Perry. Latest Album: 2010’s “Body Talk” Extracurricular Activities: Even when she’s not onstage, Robyn is still wowing fans. She recently performed at set for passengers at JFK Airport. She has been engaged to mixed martial artist Olof Inger since 2008. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Mike Coppola, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
24. Miley CyrusStock Watch: Down. The former “Hannah Montana” star is having an awkward transition into adulthood, to say the least. Since 2009’s mega-hit “Party in the U.S.A.,” Cyrus has been making more news for her bad behavior than her music. Lap dances, pole dances, videos of her smoking salvia from a bong … ugh. However, she’s still on 18, so there is plenty of time for her to grow up and move on. Latest Album: 2010’s “Can’t Be Tamed” Extracurricular Activities: After a string of movies and a hosting gig on “SNL,” Cyrus has returned to music. Her massive Gypsy Heart tour wraps on July 2. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Christopher Polk, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
23. Jennifer Lop...Stock Watch: Down. While she found success with her new gig as “American Idol” host, J.Lo has failed to rekindle her music career. Her single “On the Floor” peaked at No. 3, but the tepid song was plagued by equally tepid reviews. Meanwhile, her new album “Love?” has moved a dismal 183,000 copies in nine weeks. To make matters worse, things aren’t going particularly well in her other vocation – acting. Her most recent movie, “The Back-Up Plan,” received terrible reviews. Now reports are surfacing that Lopez may not return for a second season of “Idol.” Latest Album: “Love?” released April 28 Extracurricular Activities: It looks like Lopez may be returning her focus to acting. The once-powerful diva has signed on to two new movie projects, an action thriller co-starring Jason Statham, “Parker,” and the comedy “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” alongside Cameron Diaz. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Tim Whitby, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
22. Kelly Clarks...Stock Watch: Holding steady. Clarkson has been quiet as a mouse on the pop charts since releasing her 2009 album, “All I Ever Wanted.” Her follow-up album, which has been in the can for months, has been repeatedly pushed back (it’s now slated for a September 2011 release). How has she compensated? By further expanding her fan base with a No. 1 country collaboration with Jason Aldean. Watch for her to skyrocket on this list once her album drops. Latest Album: 2009’s “All I Ever Wanted” Extracurricular Activities: Apart from a few spot performances on awards shows and in shopping malls, Clarkson has been a bit camera-shy. One can only assume she’s been indulging one of her main hobbies – watching reality TV and writing screenplays. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Jason Merritt, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
21. Mary J. Blig...Stock Watch: Up. The hype machine is once again revving up for one of music’s most enduring and emotionally raw divas. Blige is readying the release of her 10th album, “My Life 2: The Journey Continues,” slated for September. Latest Album: 2009’s “Stronger with Each Tear” Extracurricular Activities: When not endorsing products (Blige has cross-promoted with Apple, AT&T, American Express, Reebok, Chevrolet, Pepsi, Coca-Cola and many more), Blige has been testing out her acting abilities. The singer recently signed on for the musical “Rock of Ages” alongside Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough and Alec Baldwin. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Jason Merritt, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
20. Kylie Minogu...Stock Watch: Up. Minogue is a diva survivor, and only seems to get stronger as each year passes. In 2010, her album “Aphrodite” hit No. 1 in the UK exactly 22 years after her debut, “Kylie,” hit No. 1 (on the strength of that ubiquitous 1980s hit “The Loco-Motion.” In March of this year, she became the first artist in the history of the Billboard Dance charts to have two songs in the Top 3 simultaneously. Latest Album: 2010’s “Aphrodite” Extracurricular Activities: The tireless Kylie seems to spend most of her time churning out new dance hits and growing her global brand. In 2010, research company Millward Brown named her the “most powerful celebrity in Britain.” —Jeff Royer (Photo: Mark Metcalfe, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
19. Jill ScottStock Watch: Up. Philly soul singer Scott is currently celebrating the first No. 1 album of her career, bumping both Lady Gaga and Adele from the top of the charts with “The Light of the Sun.” The album follows a four-year musical drought for Scott during which she focused on raising her 2-year-old son, fighting a wicked legal battle with her former record label and weathering a divorce. Latest Album: “The Light of the Sun,” released June 21 Extracurricular Activities: The multi-talented Scott is also a New York Times best-selling poet and acclaimed actress. In 2010 she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie for her role in the Lifetime movie “Sins of the Mother.” —Jeff Royer (Photo: Charley Gallay, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
18. Janet Jackso...Stock Watch: Up. Jackson is in the midst of her largest world tour yet in support of her album “Number Ones,” which, as the title suggests, contains a staggering 33 of her chart-topping hits. Latest Album: 2009’s “Number Ones” Extracurricular Activities: When not repackaging her music for mass consumption, Jackson has been busy with projects ranging from producing a Barbie doll modeled after herself to writing a new self-help book (which topped the New York Times Best Seller list) to signing a film production contract with Lionsgate. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
17. MadonnaStock Watch: Down. Madonna has sold 300 million worldwide and will forever be synonymous with pop diva-dom. But her place in today’s pantheon of divas is tricky. She inspired virtually everyone on this list (cough, “Born This Way,” cough), but hasn’t done much in the past few years to keep their dirty claws off her crown. Instead, Madge has devoted her time to opening Hard Candy gyms, managing her Material Girl clothing line and trotting her 24-year-old boyfriend in front of the paparazzi. Latest Album: 2008’s “Hard Candy” Extracurricular Activities: In addition to the pursuits listed above, Madonna directed her second film, “W.E.,” which was picked up for distribution earlier this month by the Weinstein Company. Unfortunately, reviewers who’ve screened the movie thus far have hardly been able to contain their bile. On the up side, her manager recently confirmed that Madonna will be returning to the recording studio in July to being work on her 12th full-length album. She may yet reclaim the No. 1 diva spot. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
16. Carrie Under...Stock Watch: Up. As of May, the country superstar is now the top earner of all time among “American Idol” alumnae, having sold more than 12 million albums and 18 million digital tracks. While she hasn’t release and album since 2009’s “Play On,” Underwood has stayed in the spotlight through high-profile appearances on a number of awards shows and the 2011 “Idol” finale. Latest Album: 2009’s “Play On” Extracurricular Activities: Underwood has done more acting than singing recently, having made her debut in the world of sitcoms (on an episode of “How I Met Your Mother”) and movies with the April release of “Soul Surfer.” In 2010, she married hockey star Mike Fisher. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
15. Alicia KeysStock Watch: Up. Keys just marked her first decade of diva-dom with a 10th anniversary edition of her debut album, “Songs in A Minor.” The new mom was also immortalized this week with her own statue at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum of New York. Latest Album: “Songs in A Minor” reissue, out June 28, 2011 Extracurricular Activities: When not tending to her son Egypt with producer Swizz Beats, Keys has stayed busy developing live-action and animated projects for Disney and co-producing a Broadway play, “Stick Fly,” which begins previews in November. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
14. Miranda Lamb...Stock Watch: Up. It’s been a banner year for Lambert. The country star has dominated the awards show circuit, pulling in the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, the Academy of Country Music awards for Top Female Vocalist and Single, Song and Video of the Year and the CMT Music Award for Female Video of the Year, all for “The House that Built Me.” She also became one half of country music’s new power couple with her marriage to country stud and “The Voice” coach Blake Shelton. Latest Album: 2009’s “Revolution” Extracurricular Activities: Lately, Lambert’s favorite pastime has been picking up new hardware for her mantel – and for her ring finger. She recently debuted a new musical project, a girl group called Pistol Annies, and is working on both an album for that group and a fifth solo album of her own.—Jeff Royer (Photo: Jason Merritt, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
13. PinkStock Watch: Up. On the heels of back-to-back hit singles (“Raise Your Glass” hit No. 1, while “F***in’ Perfect” hit No. 2), Pink gave birth to her first child, a daughter, in early June. Latest Album: 2010’s “Greatest Hits… So Far!!!” Extracurricular Activities: Pink is a hardcore supporter of PETA and various human rights organizations. Since her daughter has her too busy to perform, Pink’s done most of her lashing out with a pen, most recently in the form of an open letter to paparazzi who’ve been stalking her baby. The singer is replacing Brittany Murphy as the voice of Gloria in “Happy Feet 2,” slated for release in November. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Handout, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
12. Ke$haStock Watch: Up. After obliterating the charts with a steady string of pop hits (her first six singles have gone Top 10), Ke$ha has proven herself as a bona fide pop star. But with the global success of Britney Spears’ “Till the World Ends,” which Ke$ha wrote, the “Tik Tok” singer is reinforcing the fact that there is so much more to her than just sleaze. Latest Album: March’s remix EP, “I Am the Dance Commander + I Command You to Dance” Extracurricular Activities: When not onstage, Ke$ha spends her time tweaking her, um, colorful image by making out with random dudes in public and blasting Conan O’Brien in the face with her glitter gun. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Jemal Countess, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
11. Nicki MinajStock Watch: Up. Thanks to a series of masterful guest spots on hit songs by everyone from Mariah to Usher to Lil Wayne (she made Kanye and Jay-Z look like her students during her verse on “Monster”), Nicki Minaj was a budding star before she’d ever released an album. No surprise, then, that the wigged wonder went platinum and hit No. 1 with her debut, “Pink Friday.” She is currently cementing her status as pop newest (and weirdest) force on tour with Britney Spears. Latest Album: 2010’s “Pink Friday” Extracurricular Activities: While an internet hoax earlier this week claimed Minaj was dead (#ripnickiminaj was a trending topic), rest assured that Harajuku Barbie is alive and well. In the past few days, she’s debuted a new video for “Where Them Girls At” with Flo Rida and flirted with Justin Bieber at the BET Awards, where she nabbed the trophy for Best Female Hop-Hop Artist. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
10. Christina Ag...Stock Watch: Up. After a disastrous 2010 and an even worse start to 2011 that included the flubbing of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, a tumble on the stage at the Grammys, a plagiarism lawsuit, a silver screen flop with “Burlesque” and a painful public divorce, Christina Aguilera seems to be rising from the ashes like a phoenix with a four-octave range – thanks in large part to her new gig as judge and vocal coach on hit show “The Voice” Latest Album: 2010’s “Bionic” Extracurricular Activities: Aguilera has plans to release a sixth fragrance, Secret Potion, later this year. But fans of Xtina’s music have no need to worry: In May, the diva revealed that she is recording a new studio album. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
9. Selena GomezStock Watch: Up. Gomez has been absolutely inescapable over the past few weeks, in part because she’s dating an equally inescapable boy: Justin Bieber. She has also landed her first legitimate pop hit, “Who Says,” and, at the age of 18, seems to be ready to shake off that Disney Channel image and come into her own as a pop star. Latest Album: “When the Sun Goes Down,” out June 28, 2011 Extracurricular Activities: Now that she’s wrapped the final season of “Wizards of Waverly Place,” she can focus more on her other avocation: Making out with Justin Bieber. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Christopher Polk, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
8. RihannaStock Watch: Down. The Barbadian diva seems to be a magnet for negativity over the past few weeks. She caught flak for her “Man Down” video, in which she shoots an attacker in the head; she’s been sued twice for plagiarism related to her “S&M” video; she’s fallen off the stage; Cee Lo bailed from her tour; and she got dragged into yet another awkward moment with Chris Brown at the BET Awards. As always, however, a rebound is inevitable. Latest Album: 2010’s “Loud” Extracurricular Activities: Rihanna, who has always been noted for her philanthropy, is organizing a concert for tornado relief in Birmingham, Ala., for July 11. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Mike Coppola, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
7. Mariah CareyStock Watch: Up. She’s got a five-octave range and has notched more No. 1 hits than any solo artist in history – only the Beatles have more. And no matter how many missteps she makes (“Glitter,” “Charmbracelet”), she always bounces back (“Precious”). 2009’s “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” was one of the poorest-reviewed and lowest-selling albums of Carey’s career, yet she’s as popular as ever, due in part to the much-publicized birth of her twins. Latest Album: 2010’s “Merry Christmas II You” Extracurricular Activities: At the moment, Carey spends most of her time changing the diapers of her two-month-old babies, Monroe and Moroccan. However, hubby Nick Cannon has revealed that Mariah is already working on a new record inspired by her pregnancy. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
6. Britney Spear...Stock Watch: Holding steady. Brit-Brit has had a roller-coaster year. “Femme Fatale” hit No. 1 and yielded two monster singles in “Hold It Against Me” and “Till the World Ends.” Her rocky personal life seemed to be leveling out, and fans were declaring a full return to form. She even smiled in concert! But there’s still something troubling about that “dead in the eyes” look she gives in interviews, the vacant lip-synching during performances. She has come a long way from that hideous 2007 VMA appearance, but there’s still a piece missing from the puzzle. Latest Album: March’s “Femme Fatale” Extracurricular Activities: Spears is spending the summer lap-dancing her way around the world on tour with Nicki Minaj. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
5. Taylor SwiftStock Watch: Holding steady. Swift is currently on a massive victory lap for her “Speak Now” album – earlier this week, she played to 100,000 people in two days in Foxborough, Mass. The 21-year-old was also named this week to Forbes’ Highest Paid Musicians list, nabbing the No. 13 spot based on her $45 million earned last year. Latest Album: 2010’s “Speak Now” Extracurricular Activities: When not busy getting her heart broken by some young Hollywood heartthrob (Joe Jones, John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhaal), Swift has dabbled in acting, modeling (including a stint as CoverGirl) and philanthropy. In 2012 she will costar in a movie version of Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax.” —Jeff Royer (Photo: Isaac Brekken, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
4. Katy PerryStock Watch: Up. Perry’s new single “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” has been charging towards No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. If it hits its mark, Perry will become the first female artist in history to have five chart-toppers off one album (last year’s “Teenage Dream”), and the first artist to achieve that feat since Michael Jackson. Latest Album: 2010’s “Teenage Dream” Extracurricular Activities: In between shooting fireworks from her chest in her videos and getting banned from “Sesame Street,” Perry has been spending time with new hubby Russell Brand and acting. She voices Smurfette in next month’s reboot of “The Smurfs.” —Jeff Royer (Photo: Neil Lupin, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
3. AdeleStock Watch: Up. The British chanteuse owns both the biggest record of the year (“21”) and a No. 1 song (“Rolling in the Deep”). She’s so successful that even her previous album, 2009’s “19,” has climbed back into the Top 40, and is still on the rise. Latest Album: “21” Extracurricular Activities: After being sidelined with a case of laryngitis, Adele is busily rescheduling dates of her sold-out North American tour. She is also rumored to be working on a massive collaboration with Jay-Z. When you’re on a hot streak like Adele’s, there is no rest for the weary (or super-sick). —Jeff Royer (Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
2. Lady GagaStock Watch: Down. Gaga took a hit this week when she was sued for an alleged scam involving bracelets she was selling to raise money for Japan's earthquake relief efforts. Regardless of the claim’s legitimacy, Gaga is sure to rise above it as she has the dozens of scandals before it. Latest Album: “Born This Way,” which in May became the first album to sell a million copies in its first week since 2005 Extracurricular Activities: Lady Gaga has devoted most of her non-stage time to the advancement of gay culture and rights. In June she gave a 20-minute speech in front of hundreds of thousands at the massive Europride event, during which she joked, "On a gay scale from 1 to 10, I'm a Judy Garland ****ing 42." —Jeff Royer (Photo: Dave J Hogan, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
1. BeyonceStock Watch: Up. Beyonce just made history once again as the first female headliner of England’s Glastonbury Festival, which drew more than 170,000 fans this year. The milestone show came just weeks after a stunning, career-defining performance at the Billboard Music Awards, after which she was presented with the Billboard Millennium Award. Latest Album: “4,” out June 28, 2011 Extracurricular Activities: Between hyping her new album and jetsetting with husband Jay-Z, Beyonce doesn’t know the meaning of “free time.” But that didn’t stop her from reworking her song “Get Me Bodied” for First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign against child obesity. After debuting the new track, “Move Your Body,” Queen Bee even made a surprise stop at a Harlem Middle School for some impromptu exercise alongside dozens of starstruck kids. —Jeff Royer (Photo: Dave Hogan, Getty Images)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
