The rules are simple; 30 or under, making a difference, working hard at the business of show, and keeping private lives well…private. These five individuals, should be shown off for their braveness in refusing to be the rehab cliché. So, who made the grade?

By: Kindah Mardam Bey 

January 7, 2008 

This AnEVibe list, of the Top Ten Stars Bound For Great Futures, was inspired by something Leann Rimes on some country awards televised show said. Rimes stated ‘For those of you keeping tabs, I’ve been in this industry for over a decade now. One marriage and no arrests.’ It was a healthy moment.  

Originally this had been an article about the top 5 successes and the top 5 failures in the realm of young entertainers, but it became increasingly obvious that the failures were way too easy to spot. In fact, with daily updates on the whereabouts of such poorly misguided creatures of the spotlight, it was concluded that the successes should be showcased as they receive so few props.  

The rules are simple; 30 or under, making a difference, working hard at the business of show, and keeping private lives well…private. These ten individuals (five from acting, five from music), in no particular order or ranking, should be shown off for their braveness in refusing to be the rehab cliché. 

TOP 5 YOUNG STARS IN MUSIC BOUND FOR A GREAT FUTURE….. 

LeAnn Rimes (DOB: August 28^th 1982. Age: 25) – It’s only fair that the inspiration for this list actually be on the list, but it is her merits that do actually place Rimes on this list. She isn’t just a one-time-married-no-police-record star, Rimes is also a strong supporter of The Children’s Miracle Network which is a charity that helps children’s hospitals. Rimes has also wrote children’s books with her husband Dean Sheremet. Rimes is making a strong comeback in the music industry after her ten year career milestone, 17 studio albums, a Greatest Hits collection and now her newest albums Whatever We Wanna and Family.  Rimes has had very little controversy and most of it has been regarding protecting her career and finances during her under age years. Possibly the greatest appeal to Rimes is that she looks happy, healthy and content with her herself and her life. 

Josh Groban (February 27^th 1981. Age: 26) – If you haven’t heard Josh Groban’s Christmas album this festive season, its probably because you didn’t enter a single department store or turn on a television. Groban’s success is large and it will only get larger as time goes on. He’s a big hit with critics and fans alike, other legendary singers want to work with him (Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Barbara Streisand, to name a few), and his newest album was considered this years `favourite, favourite, favourite thing` by Oprah. Besides a glowing success in music, Groban is also a strong advocate for many charities, and was appointed the Official Ambassador for Nelson Mandela`s 46664 Foundation. Groban also has his own charity called The Josh Groban Foundation that seeks to help children through education, healthcare and the arts. Most recently, last September, Groban donated $150,000 to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for music education. Alas, if that wasn’t enough, Josh Groban has a gale-force of fans known as the Grobanites that have setup their own charitable efforts on Groban’s behalf. We have heard very little about Groban’s private life, apparently he dated a girl for a couple of years and then didn’t date her anymore (how shocking!), but on the whole Groban’s celebrity is focused towards his music and charities; now that is original! With such an all-rounder resume, it will be nice to see where Groban’s successes lead him.   

Avril Lavigne (September 27^th 1984. Age: 23) – A few months ago punk rocker Avril Lavigne was on a radio show stating that ‘people are obsessed with celebrities and they’re obsessed with them failing and doing bad. Personally, I haven’t failed. I haven’t done anything wrong. I feel like I’ve worked really hard and I’ve accomplished a lot. I know a lot of people are getting DUIs and freaking showing their crotches in paparazzi pictures and going to jail and doing all this crazy stuff and falling. I personally think I’ve kept myself together pretty good. There’s a lot of negativity and I have a record out right now. It’s unfortunate that anytime there’s ever big news, it’s always negative.’ She makes a valuable point about celebrity being wrapped in a negative lash back these days. Aside from such perceptive comments, Lavigne has also chalked up a rather normal life considering she is known as a loud punk rocker. Lavigne is married to Deryck Wibley (Sum 41) who seems to be equally even-keeled despite his also edgy exterior. She is involved in the charities Make Some Noise, Amnesty International, AmericanCPR.org, Camp Will-a-Way, Music Clearing Minefields, U.S. Campaign for Burma, Make-a-Wish Foundation and War Child. At times, Lavigne has garnered some controversy or other, but it has been normally mild in nature, and she has always been forthcoming about her own perspective on the situation. Lavigne is taking small film roles as well as still promoting her 2007 CD release ‘The Best Damn Thing.’ 

Kanye West (June 8^th 1977. Age: 30) – Whether you are a fan of Kanye West or not, his ability to exercise the freedom of speech and thought is second to none in the music world. West has a strong voice and a lot to say. In 2005 West’s second album Late Registration came in like a lion with socially conscious tracks such as ‘Diamonds From Sierra Leone,’ which is about the illegal diamond trade. West has been outspoken about rap songs, which sometimes have a lot of homophobic content, and how this attitude can change within the field. He is a participant in such events as Live Earth and also instigated a World Water Day rally. At 30 years old, West is our oldest addition to this list. At times West seems to court controversy with his arrogant attitude and feet first responses, but he is pushing youth to think, question and voice concern.  

Skye Sweetnam (May 5^th 1988. Age: 19) – On the other end of the spectrum, Canadian born Skye Sweetnam is our youngest member to the list of singers bound for a great future, and the only teenager. Perhaps you have heard of Skye Sweetnam, but most likely you won’t have, unless of course you were afflicted to see Britney Spears last tour, as Sweetnam was the opening act. She’s a ‘plucky’ young woman whose first album Noise From The Basement was a well acclaimed debut, throwing her towards the realm of Avril Lavigne talent as opposed to the pop artists like Spears or Aguilera. Her second album Sound Soldier, which came out in 2007, has shown that Sweetnam has a strong presence and a positive attitude that she projects. Sweetnam says “My role model? I grew up with a lot of cool music teachers... I look up to women like Madonna cuz of her business style and not just celebs. I like strong women who can change the world and inspire to change the world." Sweetnam seems to me to be the Cindy Lauper type in music; we all thought Lauper was a second-rate Madonna, but over the years, we’ve discovered how authentic Lauper really is. Sweetnam will develop a strong persona over time that will be positive and will propel her forward.   

To read about the TOP 5 YOUNG STARS IN HOLLYWOOD BOUND FOR A GREAT FUTURE: CLICK HERE                                                                       

Did we miss someone who you think is a star in Hollywood bound for a great future? As an AnEVibe registered user you can e-mail. let me know your choice, and why. If AnEVibe agrees with your choice we’ll add your Star to the list! REGISTER, AND/OR E-MAIL AnEVibe.

Josh in Leeds, England thinks that Jack Osbourne should be included. Josh writes "Jack Osbourne hasn't sung a note, but he should be in the Music section of the Young Stars going places article. As his Dad and sister is in Music. Jack's done drugs and lived the Hollywood lifesyle, but now he's cleaned himself up and is helping other young people clean up as well. The TV show Adrenaline Junkie shows how Jack tries really hard to push passed his problems, which helps a lot of other kids his age get through things as well. So I think Jack Osbourne is a great example of young people doing something useful."  -- We couldn't agree more Josh!