M.I.A.

Maya Arulpragasam may have had a cool DJ/boyfriend, advert-attractive singles, and the best backstory in '05, but without her euphoria-inducing early live performances, her star might not still be rising. Unpolished routines, spotty sound, unpretentious charisma, and boundless enthusiasm added up to an undeniably exciting and new brand of DIY dance-pop. -Jake Lancaster