Adele

There are all kinds of reasons why a singer wouldn’t want to be known as “the new Amy Winehouse.” But pro or con, that’s the tag that’s been placed on British soul crooner Adele, whose Etta James-influenced vocals have so far brought her huge success at a young age. (Her debut album’s title, 19, was also her age when she recorded it three years ago.) Most of the dates on this tour are sold out—thanks, no doubt, to the success of Adele’s sophomore effort, 21, and its unsinkable, Billboard-topping scorcher, “Rolling In The Deep.” So obviously she’s getting the notice she deserves from us Yanks, as well.

Updated 05/31/2011