Kendra Brea Cooper
This year's best new act rookies are in the lucky position of being able to snag some stage presence tips from the best live show veterans.
Part of the new group of girl pop stars who come through with an edge, Charli XCX is no stranger to the business. She started young, penned the hit "I Love it" for Icona Pop, and tied her hit song "Boom Clap" in with one of the biggest movies of the summer. These new girls, Lorde, Haim, and Charlie, aren't the airbrushed picture of perfection we're used to seeing come out of the pop world. They come with rough edges, and apologize for none of them.
Sam Smith comes off as an introverted deep thinker, and his songs reflect it. There is no need for Sam to add anything extra to his performance, his amazing voice covers it all.
Kiesza has a multi-talented background in music, and it shows. She has spent many years studying her craft, and now the world gets to see what this bright musician is capable of.
With a voice that could break glass, Ariana Grande is a powerhouse. She's making a name for herself on the music scene and on the animal rights front with her food choices and call to boycott Seaworld.
5 Seconds of Summer have a solid fan base behind them, because their timing on the music scene was perfect. They weren't suddenly discovered, their fans had them in mind even before first sight. Fans know it when they see it, and lucky for 5SOS, the time is here and now.
Katy Perry's live shows are a world all their own. Multiple character changes, talented backup dancers, and a well crafted narrative, all have Katy taking her audience through her musical soul.
Rolling Stone has named Bruno's live act as one of the best on stage. His high energy and charm, mixed with pyro and a great band, make this show wildly entertaining.
Justin Timberlake is no stranger to the stage. He knows exactly what his audience wants because they've likely followed him since his N'Sync days. He has been able to comfortably change his image over time, and that is no easy feat.
Beyonce's live shows are brilliant. Even during her songs at award shows, she never fails to make a statement. She knows the power of a platform.
One Direction's shows aren't anything like the old school boy band shows we used to see. They harmonize in between goofing around, interacting with the audience, and letting their personalities shine through. There are no tight bits of choreography here, and we're totally cool with that.
Pop culture and all that ideology sitting in the blind spot. Also crafts.
