Something is happening in pop land. A change is taking place. After the Britney-style ditties, squeaky clean pop divas and the teenage pop stars that dominated the past decade, it appears a new category of pop icons is emerging who are trying to push the limits of the genre into a whole new direction.

This new group clearly surfaced at tonight's American Music Awards when Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert delivered performances that stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Sure, Kelly Clarskon was vocally strong, Whitney Houston was touching, Green Day was solid, Carrie Underwood was flawless, Rihanna was out there, Jay had swagger, Shakira was bold, Timbaland delivered the beats, Nelly was Pucci, Taylor Swift stayed up late to give "thank you" speeches, but nothing was as mind-blowing (there I said it) as the performances of Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert.

Even though Lady Gaga did not win any AMA awards, her performance tonight was Oscar worthy. She performed "Bad Romance" and "Speechless," starting off appearing as something that is best described as an eerie human/animal hybrid raised in the spotlight of a disco ball. The singer took the act to a whole new level of shock and awe when smashed the window of a glass box to get to her piano to perform "Speechless." If that wasn't enough, the piano then caught fire while violin players wearing gas masks surrounded her. Just surreal.

And then there was Adam Lambert. He's a bit like a male Lady Gaga with his fine sense for theatrics. Tonight, the San Diego showman broke with his wholesome American Idol past for once and for all. In a frantic S&M inspired set, he strutted up and down the stage like a dominatrix focusing more on giving people a show to remember than on vocal perfection.

The moment that will have ABC programmers worried came in the last few seconds of the show when Lambert kissed his male keyboard player full on the mouth. This was definitely no wardrobe malfunction, and it may be censored from the show's West Coast airing. If it is not, this will be a huge step in the right direction for network TV. That in itself would be a major accomplishment and a television history milestone brought on by Lambert.

And here's something I have noticed. Now that Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert are taking risk and injecting their show with a heavy dose of concept and performance art (whether it works or not), I can't help to notice that other artists are attempting to follow their lead (Rihanna, Shakira). More reason for me to believe that Gaga and Lambert are blazing a new trail in pop land. What did you think of tonight's AMAs?

Salvador Santana is mostly known as the son of GRAMMY Award-winning Carlos Santana and poet/lyricist Deborah Santana. But this 26 year-old San Franciscan is more than just the son of celebrated parents. Trained at Cal Arts, he's a gifted singer/songwriter who has a love for the keyboard that is his primary instrument.

Early next year, he will be releasing his debut CD, "Keyboard City," which incorporates his love for electronica and hip hop while also featuring some Latin influences to stay true to his upbringing. Check out the lush "Under The Sun" that is a bit of a homage to his free and loving San Francisco upbringing. Under the sun life is always a little better.

Salvador Santana "Under The Sun"

Are you ready for yet another "Bad Romance" remix? The remixes just keep on coming and are nicely helping to promote the entertainer's upcoming new "The Fame Monster" CD, which drops on Tuesday. Scottish dance music upstart Grum sprinkles their own little stardust over "Bad Romance" to create something that sounds more like an '80s-inspired electro pop tune. Very good. In fact, this is my favorite together with the Starsmith remix of "Bad Romance." Download it here. What do you think?

Looks like pop has found herself a new darling.

In my effort to combine the sweet with the crunchy on this blog, check out Jason Derulo's super slick new single "In My Head." It's a perfect pop confection that follows the smash "Watcha Say," which is storming up the charts around the world. "In My Head" was written by Jason together with JR Rotem and produced by JR Rotem for his Beluga Heights imprint. Just as "Watcha Say," this new ditty is very well produced and is oh-so-very catchy. Try not to bop your head when this hits the speakers.

Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" has inspired a busy crowd of remixers who have all put their own spin on the song. One of the remixers who comes with the strongest point of view is Electrolightz.

The track starts choppy and brash with Gaga strutting her vocals confidently along before moving into overdrive with its savvy new electro arrangement. This remix lets Lady Gaga crossover from pop to downtown electro with a hip hop edge in the coolest way. She can do whatever she wants. Remember she's "a freak bitch, baby" and she is werking it.

Love how Electroligthz totally rebuilt this track into something that is very different than the original, but still as good. What do you think?

I'm totally loving this new track from Sia. It packs such a vibrant new sound. The song will give you a jolt of energy every time she kicks into the chorus. It sounds like the Aussie singer has something good to celebrate and is in a really good place. You can just tell from this track. "You've Changed" is taken from her 2010 record, "We Are Born," which was produced by The Bird & The Bee's Greg Kurstin. Sia sure sounds like reborn. Refreshed and reinvigorated. You gotta love.

Sia "You've Changed

Temposhark returns with a "gothy" video for their excellent new single "Bye Bye Baby." The song is taken from the group's new album, titled "Threads," which will be released February 2010. The song marks the return to Temposhark's beginnings with its emphasis on pulsating electronic beats and synths.

After singing that the "world does not revolve around you," Temposhark lead man Rob Diament wants to make sure the message gets across for once and for all. On "Bye Bye Baby," he is in full control with kick-in-your-face, snappy lyrics like "It's too late for me to care anymore. It's so over. In the palm of your hand no more." Yeah, you better not mess with Diament when he gets agitated like that.

The video was directed by Ben Charles Edwards who recently worked on the mini film The Town That Boars Me, which featured Kelly Osborne, Sadie Frost and Sophie Ellis Bextor. Rob Diament was eager to work with Edwards after seeing that film. "His style reminds me of hammer horror or Tim Burton or Ed Wood even," he writes me. "It was incredible to work with him - put some eye liner on and hairspray my hair up!"

"I really like the dark atmosphere created, it's a nice feel for the song, which even though sounds very pop and fun, is quite dark lyrically," he adds. (The single will be out on Monday. Download it here.)

The new year is almost upon us and with it comes a whole bunch of new artists pitching for space on your playlists. Into this maelstrom of Ellie Goulding, Reni Lane, Janelle Monae, Mini Viva and many others steps the prodigiously talented Sky Ferreira.

She's 17, from L.A. and gearing up to unleash her self-proclaimed "revolutionary pop album" on the world. It's chock-full of planet-sized potential hits, co-written by Sky in collaboration with the likes of Bloodshy & Avant, Greg Kurstin, Paul Epworth, Dallas Austin, Nicole Morier and Linda Perry. Not too shabby for your very first outing.

So who is this very special new talent? Her story really started when she wrote her first song at age 15  after an internet break-up. She describes that first song as her version of "Careless Whisper" in outer space. Interested in both music and fashion, Sky eventually set her sights on making music and reached out to hit maker Bloodshy on MySpace. He answered her message and decided to take her under his wing.

One of the most striking feats about Sky Ferreira is her gut-wrenching vocal delivery. Trained in gospel and opera, she has a vocal range similar to Mariah Carey and Leona Lewis, but she mixes in a whole lot more spunk and gusto. Head over to her MySpace page to get a taste of Sky. You must hear the '60s-inspired "Femme Fatale" that was produced by Greg Kurstin and shows off Sky's confidence and unique style that contrasts nicely with the pop tarts she's surrounded with.

Also, listen to her acoustic cover of Miike Snow's "Animal." Would you guess she's only 17 years-old? It sounds she lived the lifes of many and speaks from direct experience. Sky Ferreira is a name you need to remember. What do you think of Sky?

Check out this trashy electro revamp of Ellie Goulding's breakthrough single "Under The Sheets." Be warned though. This sounds nothing like the sweet and sleek original. Oklahoma's Kids At The Bar add some filthy electro stylings resulting in a banging dancefloor work out. Crunch it.

Ellie Goulding "Under The Sheets" (Kids At The Bar Remix)

America, get ready for V.V. Brown! The British soul-pop artist is gearing up to release her debut LP, titled "Traveling Like The Light," in the the U.S. on February 9, 2010 on Capital Record. The album is filled with catchy tunes that hold a steady middle between throwback R&B and contemporary pop - an unexplored muscial territory that VV likes to refer to as "do wop indie."

Watch my video interview with V.V. in which talks more about her music, album and coming to America.

In anticipation of her full-length release, the MTV Logo Award nominee has digitally released "The Attic" EP, which includes "Game Over," "Quick Fix," along with "Crying Blood (Andrew Weatherall Remix)," and an acoustic performance of "Shark in the Water" (that is a must hear).

Check out an acoustic cover of The Rolling Stones' classic "Miss You" that V.V. Brown covered for BBC's Radio 2 Live Lounge an injected with a soul-stirring, vintage vibe. Very good. V.V. has the goods to go places. (Click here to download "The Attic" on iTunes.)

V.V. Brown "Miss You" (Rolling Stones Cover)

Can I just say that I love this chick! Anouk never ceases to amaze.

Check out the brand-new video for her new single "Woman" that is taken from her spectacular new album "For Bitter Or Worse." Anouk is a few months pregnant and her hapiness shows in this vibrant new video that shows once again how Anouk neatly blends style with substance with her larger than life vocals. She's on fire. Give the Dutch some love and enjoy Anouk. Watch her new video here.

It's so good to hear that the very talented Kaz Gamble is back with something new. After hitting the scene together with Sisely Treasure as the spunky and poptastic Cooler Kids a few years ago, things looked very bright for the pop duo. They went on tour with Erasure, received reviews in major music pubs and even had their own float during New York's gay pride in 2003. But their rise to fame hit a road block when they became the victim of label politics and their Dreamworks Records folded.

But good music and talent will prevail.

Kaz and Sisely continued as the duo BoyGirl independently. Then thing got a little quiet again. But voila! I received an email with a brand-new track from Kaz's new project (once again a duo, he must like that). This new pop act to watch is Gamble & Burke, a teaming between Kaz and and new vocal partner Burke.

Check out a demo of "Isolated" a funky, soul-pop stomper with a few kicky electro-tinges that is mighty good and super delicious. So glad that he still has the hotness in his fingers to work the sound board and crank out exciting new pop (aka funky Bboy soul). Bring us more of this, Mr Gamble. (Also watch the fun new video of "Isolated" that featured rick James & Eddie Murphy.)

Gamble & Burke "Isolated"
Gamble & Burke "Let's Go Together"

Everyone wants to be remixed by Kissy Sell Out.  But after doing some amazing tricks with records from Dragonette, Chromeo, Calvin Harris and Mark Ronson, the British "electro-pop musical prodigy" has been touring and playing major festival in Europe this year to promote his debut artist album "Youth."

Check out a guilt-free MP3 of "Apple Jelly" to get a taste of his music. His sound is electro-pop of the crunchy kind. It sound home-made but really well put together. It gives me a little bit of that Go Team vibe that packed a similar punch and was just as authentic.

  Kissy Sell Out "Apple Jelly"

After successfully creating a buzz and chart success in the U.K. with their debut single "Left My Heart For Tokyo," Mini Viva is gearing up the release their follow up single "I Wish" on December 14 on Geffen/Interscope Records. "I Wish" was penned and produced by Brian Higgins of Xenomania, the team that also has produced for Kylie Minogue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. That gives you an idea of the dynamite we're dealing with here.

"I Wish" brings more of the fraiche and fun pop that makes them one of the coolest new pop acts on the scene. The song is mid-tempo ballad that tells the story of a tragedy of a love just out of reach set to an immaculate beat - the sound of dancing your heartache away. Just what good pop needs to do. check out the video below.

With the success of "Viva La Hova" and "Southerngold," mash up artist Terry Urban is giving away  the first single from his new remix album "Lady Stardust" which mashes up the greatest hits of Lady Gaga and David Bowie. Terry writes me that "a remix project like this needed to be done with such similarities between the two pop icons." The album will be released for free download Friday, November 20. In the meantime, download a mash up of Bowie's "Let's Dance" and Gaga's "Just Dance" right here. It is mostly Gaga sprinkled with a little Bowie. Really curious what the rest of the album brings. "Ziggy Alejandro"?