Chris Brown

When a 16-year-old Chris Brown became the first male solo artist to debut at No 1 in the Billboard charts for over 10 years with single Run It, a new teen pop idol was found. Filled with sugar sweet harmonies and soulful R&B, debut album Chris Brown (2005) sold over 2m copies in America and drew comparisons with a young Michael Jackson. The hits continued with Kiss Kiss, With You and Forever and second album Exclusive (2007) enjoyed both critical and commercial success. But, just as the fame seemed to be reaching its height, an ugly bust-up with girlfriend Rihanna caused a huge media storm. With his reputation in tatters, Brown was charged with felonious assault of Rihanna and was sentenced to five years probation, violence counselling and six months community service. A low-key response to his third album Graffiti (2009) suggested the public had yet to forgive him.