Gabriella Cilmi

Spotted at the age of 13 belting out the Rolling Stones during Melbourne's Lygon Street Festa, then whisked off to London where a master plan to storm the gates of diva-dom was hatched, Gabriella Cilmi delivered her international calling card, "Sweet About Me," in 2008, drenching the track in old-for-her-tender-years soul, and establishing herself as a vocal talent worthy of comparison to Amy Winehouse. Debut album Lessons to Be Learned not only showcased her rich, husky pipes with traditional fare like "Sanctuary," but also — with "Don't Wanna Go to Bed Now" — anticipated her transition to electro-pop goddess on follow-up Ten: "On a Mission" and "Hearts Don't Lie" find her glittering with stardust, spicing up the space disco. Our choice Cilmi selection also includes a crisp cover of new wave classic "Echo Beach," and a taste of her skills in a live acoustic setting.