Best & Worst 2008: Breakout stars

Russell Brand

He was already a star in Britain, but comedian Russell Brand rocked America in 2008. After a scene-stealing role in Judd Apatow’s “ Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” Brand went on to host the Video Music Awards. Even though he incensed some audience members by mocking the Jonas Brothers’ purity rings, critics applauded Brand’s hosting skills, and rumor has it he will host the show again next year.  (Max Nash / AFP / Getty Images)

David and David

“American Idol” proved its star-making power yet again in 2008 with the creation of at least two new stars: “Idol” runner-up David Archuleta and “Idol” winner David Cook. With his boyish good looks, goofy demeanor and angelic voice, David Archuleta – dubbed “The Chosen One” by my colleague Richard Rushfield – seemed groomed from birth to compete on “Idol.” David Cook, by contrast, was not a front-runner when the season began but rose in America’s esteem through a mix of old-school rocker-angst and innovation. Both Davids’ debut albums have sold impressively.  (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)

Leona Lewis

Even if you don’t know her name, chances are you’ve had her song stuck in your head at some point over the year. “Bleeding Love” dominated the airwaves in 2008, and Lewis sang it on numerous television shows. The British songstress first garnered attention in Britain in 2006, when she won “The X Factor” and became judge Simon Cowell’s protégé. In April, with the U.S. release of “Spirit,” Lewis became the first British solo artist whose debut album began at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.  (Vince Bucci / Getty Images for AMA)

M.I.A.

The globe-trotting political activism of electronic artist M.I.A. has been a cult fave for years. Both her albums -- 2005’s “Arular” and 2007’s “Kala” -- reached the Top 200 on the U.S. pop charts. But the operative word is “cult.” It wasn’t until comedy “Pineapple Express” used her tune of revolution “Paper Planes” in its commercial that M.I.A. became a mainstream entity – one who scored a Grammy nom for record of the year.

And her momentum isn’t slowing. Her new label, N.E.E.T, recently released the soundtrack to “Slumdog Millionaire,” in which she has a song.  (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

Robert Pattinson

Is it the British accent? His alleged negligence of personal hygiene? Could it be his total cluelessness over how to maneuver in his newfound fame? Or is he just the lucky bloke who got cast as hottie teen vampire Edward in “Twilight”? (Answer: All of the above.) And the 22-year-old Pattinson won’t be disappearing back into obscurity any time soon. He and “Twilight” costar Kristen Stewart start filming the sequel, “New Moon,” in March.  (Richard Drew / Associated Press)

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks is not exactly a new face on the scene, but with five movies (“ Role Models,” “W.,” “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” “ Meet Dave,” “Definitely, Maybe”) and a huge television movie (“Commanche Moon), she was definitely a big prescence on screen in 2008. With so many projects, it’s no wonder that she also made the talk show rounds. She also took on a producing role in the upcoming Bruce Willis- Ving Rhames sci-fi thriller “The Surrogates.”  (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Christian Siriano

It’s true. We never want to hear the word “fierce” as a substitute for “awesome” again. Not at least for, like, five years anyway. But that doesn’t mean we don’t love us some of the hot mess that is Christian Siriano, the “Project Runway” winner who captivated Heidi & Co. with his sleek and billowing designs. Of all the show’s champs, the spiky-haired, bespectacled fashionista is least likely to be forgotten.  (Kevin Winter / Getty)

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, was quite possibly the most famous and infamous character on television in 2008. Her surprise pick as John McCain‘s vice presidential running mate and her subsequent speeches opened up a floodgate of political scrutiny and comedic fodder. Most popular was Tina Fey‘s impersonation of the politician on “Saturday Night Live,” which became an event in and of itself. But other factors -- an investigation into firings leveled by the governor, her love of guns and hunting, her foreign policy views, and her teenage daughter’s pregnancy -- all contributed to the hockey mom’s persona and media presence.  (Al Grillo / Associated Press)