Lady GaGa

Lady GaGa was bored with pop music. Then she discovered her inner exhibitionist.

The 22-year-old New Yorker has been hailed as the "future of pop" for her catchy dance tunes and racy stage attire. Like Madonna before her, Lady GaGa (real name: Stefani Germanotta) is quickly becoming an icon for the gay community. Nor is she afraid to perform in her underwear. Earlier this summer, she turned heads with Just Dance, featuring Colby O'Donis (and a video cameo by Akon) and last month, she released The Fame, her debut. Singles like the mirror ball anthem Beautiful Dirty Rich and the Christina Aguilera-meets-Fergie jam Poker Face have made her a critical hit as well as an underground sensation.

A former singer-songwriter, Lady GaGa made the transition to dance-pop while performing in New York's underground club scene. The brunette-turned-platinum-blonde got her cred on risqué performances that combined heavy metal, fire and lots of skin. In 2005, Lady GaGa was signed by Def Jam, only to be dropped in less than four months. She remained upbeat and eventually scored a songwriting deal with Interscope. Last year, after penning tracks for Britney Spears and Pussycat Dolls, Lady GaGa signed with Akon's Kon Live imprint.

The Lady, whose name is inspired by the Queen song Radio Ga Ga," makes it clear she's not interested in staying an underground darling: "I know when I signed with a major label, my job [was] to write a hit pop song and play the game."

See: myspace.com/ladygaga