Chris Brown

With his handsome looks and slick, Michael Jackson-inspired dance moves, Chris Brown became one of the biggest R&B stars of the 2000s. He seemed very close to achieving pop mega-stardom -- until an ill-timed domestic abuse scandal nearly destroyed his career. Born in Virginia, Brown honed his rapping and singing skills as an adolescent. After his family moved to New York, a label bidding war ensued. Released on Jive Records in 2005, "Run It!" became the 16-year-old Brown's first No. 1 hit. His subsequent self-titled debut included two more Top 10 hits. He solidified his stardom with 2007's platinum Exclusive, which featured "Kiss Kiss," "With You" and "Forever." That same year, Brown got to show off his excellent krumping skills on Stomp the Yard, and he landed a role in This Christmas. But his high-profile romance with fellow "pop&B" star Rihanna ended in disaster when he assaulted her on the evening before the 2009 Grammy Awards. Lingering negative public opinion ensured that his third album, 2009's Graffiti, would be a flop. In 2010, Brown made an impressive comeback with "Deuces," and defying all odds, 2011's F.A.M.E. became his first No. 1 album.