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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees come from four distinct categories including performers, non-performers, early influences, and side men. For the purposes of this evaluation in which four current and new artists will be analyzed, emphasis will be placed on artists and/or groups that may potentially be nominated in the "performers" category in the future. In order for an artist or group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they must have released their first album within the past 25 years, with an evaluation made on the "influence and significance of the artists' contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll" (Induction Process, n.d.).

One of the most popular new artists currently in the spotlight is Canadian artist, Justin Bieber. Bieber's debut album, My World, was released in November 2009 and was certified platinum in the U.S. two months later. Moreover, Bieber was able to promote himself and his music before the release of his debut album and was the first solo artist in Billboard history to have four singles among the top 40 before his album was even released. Bieber was also able to turn his current success into box office gold through the release of the documentary/concert film, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, which not only further promoted him as an artist, but also demonstrated the appeal of Bieber beyond the scope of the musical realm (Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, 2010).

Moving across the border to the U.S., it can be argued that Lady Gaga has also had an impact on music and society. Lady Gaga, nee Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, released her first studio album, The Fame, in August 2008. Like Bieber, Lady Gaga has had a great appeal success in the realm of popular music. While her debut album was full of synthpop influenced hits such as "Just Dance" and "Poker Face," Lady Gaga's subsequent albums have advocated equality and acceptance in society, especially when it comes to current social issues such as bullying and issues affecting the LGBT community. Moreover, Lady Gaga is able to express her artistic vision beyond the realm of music and become a fashion icon through the wild ensembles that she puts together. It is likely that in the future, the controversies that arise from Lady Gaga's music, artistic expression, and