Selena Gomez

Justin Bieber may still be in her undeserving clutches, but it’s okay to like Selena Gomez, kids. Consumer force-feeding by Disney’s marketing geniuses has certainly given Gomez a fiscal advantage in life, but it’s also put her at the mercy of the mass media’s firing range. Her simpleminded songs written by a small army will surely pop up in a movie trailer every once in a while, but they’re really no different from the other toothless drivel on the airwaves. What should keep her fans from parting once more serious puberty strikes is Gomez’s charm and capable comedy chops. As long as audiences continue to find her cute and relatable, she’s got enough talent to keep her face on the tabloids for some time.

Updated 08/01/2011