The Hot New Ladies to Watch in Music

The current musical landscape is always changing. While we may go bonkers for hot musical acts like Gwen Stefani one day, we might go gaga for innovative pop stars like Lady Gaga the next. Here are some of my picks for artists you may like as we near 2009.

If You Like: Funky "hip-pop" acts like Nelly Furtado or M.I.A

You'll Love: Santogold

Santogold, birth name Santi White, is a Brooklyn native who actually made her debut in 2003 with her punk-rock band Stiffed. Five years later, Santogold is evolving from an indie nobody to a mainstream somebody. Her songs began to receive internet buzz in 2007, and she emerged into the spotlight when her song "L.E.S Artistes" was featured on an episode of MTV's "The Hills."

Download: L.E.S Artistes

If You Like: Poppy blonde bombshells like Gwen Stefani and Cascada

You'll Love: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, birth name Stefania Gabriella Germanotta, began her career doing club gigs in Manhattan's lower east side. She did her first open mic night when she was only fourteen. In 2006 she began writing music for artists like The Pussycat Dolls, and is rumored to be writing songs for Britney Spears' upcoming album. Her career was almost derailed by a recent lip synching controversy in Australia, but she has bounced back with her infectious debut single "Just Dance". Other Lady Gaga songs, "Paparazzi" and "Poker Face", have been featured on the CW network's hit show "Gossip Girl."

Download: Just Dance

If You Like: Pop rock girly girls like Avril Lavigne and Pink

You'll Love: The Veronicas

The Veronicas, a pop rock duo comprised of Australian twin sisters Jess and Lisa Origliasso, made their debut in 2005 with their first album "The Secret Life of..." While seeing success overseas in Australia and Europe, the album was a relative failure in the United States. Their sophomore album, "Hook Me Up", released in 2007, is showing potential for being their key to much coveted American success. The infectious "Untouched", a more adult single than previous tracks, is already getting a lot of play in dance clubs and on college radio. While their rise to success has been slow, they are definitely beginning to gain a little more momentum.

Download: Untouched

If You Like: The old Britney Spears

You'll Love: The new Britney Spears

Britney is irreplaceable. While she may have experienced a set back with some - err, unusual behavior - she is back in full force. Let's just pretend that the past two years never happened and enjoy her new album, "Circus", set to debut this upcoming December.

Download: Womanizer