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Everyone knows Adele and Katy Perry crushed the music game this year, with some help from Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga and big names like Jay-Z, Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa. Oh, and there were all those "Now That's What I Call Glee" albums. Even your mom knows that, and she only listens to Michael Bublé. (Not hatin', just sayin'.) But what about those underrated musicians who quietly put out albums so good that we practically fell to our knees and turned us into freaking EVANGELISTS? Why did some of our favorite artists and albums get slept on, if we're talking charts and streams and sales and all of those pieces of mainstream music's equation? We were all over these artists. You were too, and so was the internet. So why weren't these artists bigger? We honestly have no idea. (I don't know whether to shake you or just SMDH.) So in honor of those talents and treasures, we here at Buzzworthy gathered up some of our favorite most overlooked artists of 2011. Fortunately there are still two weeks left in the year so you familiarize yourself with these hidden gems so you can at least be civil and lie when someone asks if you were into Anna Calvi or Nicola Roberts this year. You're welcome.

Active Child: Pat Grossi's Active Child project showcases his classical vocal training. He performed in the Philadelphia Boys Choir, and that's evident in his spine-tingly, soulful falsetto that serves as the backbone for his ethereal You Are All I See full-length debut album. And while his lyrics reveal more with earthly yearnings, his voice points to the skies. Coupled with harp melodies, stuttery rhythms and electronic blips and bleeps -- "Diamond Heart" is a perfect example -- the luscious soundscape buoys straight heavenward. -- Althea Legaspi

Allen Stone: You have to wonder after hearing Allen Stone's 24-year-old voice what exactly it was about growing up in the backwoods of Washington that made him so damn emotional. His self-titled sophomore album dropped (and instantly charted) in October, and his direct and confessional lyrics -- listen to "Sleep" THIS SECOND -- combined with his traditional '70s soul sound (influenced by a childhood listening to Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin) makes us think he was born 40 years too late (and should have been signed to Stax). On second thought, that's our generation's gain. No offense, Justin Timberlake, but if you don't get on that music thing fast, you're gonna wake up one morning and find yourself replaced, I sweartahGOD. -- Nicole James

Anna Calvi: OH MY GOD, America. You are making me SO sad right now! England gets it. Why don't you? Seriously, WHAT is wrong with EVERY SINGLE PERSON who hasn't yet listened to Anna Calvi? And if you did listen, particularly to "Suzanne And I" or "Blackout" but don't yet worship at her altar, what is DOUBLY wrong with you? OK, setting aside histrionics for superlatives, Anna Calvi's eponymous debut was easily one of the most fascinating releases of 2011. It landed her on the short list for a Barclaycard Mercury Prize Album of the Year award (which went to PJ Harvey, but STILL). She sounds like Lykke Li and Jenny Toomey on six pots of coffee and packs more theatrics than three Lady Gaga shows combined. But in a good way. She just released a cover of TV On The Radio's "Wolf Like Me," so go listen. I'm holding you personally accountable if you don't.  -- Tamar Anitai

ARMS: Our favorite rockers named for an appendage have risen from the ashes of past indie greats Harlem Shakes (miss you) with Summer Skills, their long-awaited follow-up to 2009's Kids Aflame. It's a catchy, high-energy album about doomed romance and a miserable summer -- we wish we'd had it back in our mega-awkward sleepaway camp days. Just try not to get lost in "Heat And Hot Water," which they generously gave away for free! If life were fair, they'd be as popular as Death Cab For Cutie or Vampire Weekend, so catch 'em now before their tickets cost more than your phone bill. -- David Greenwald

Check out more of Buzzworthy's Most Criminally Overlooked Artists of 2011 after the jump!

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Related Content Katy Perry Is MTV's Best Artist Of 2011, Adele Wins MTV's Best Song Of 2011!, 30 Seconds To Mars Named Best Live MTV Performances Of 2011, Skrillex Named MTV's Best EDM Artist Of 2011!, The Year In Pop Music In AWESOME Animated GIFs!, Buzzworthy's Favorite Breakthrough Bands Of 2011, The Funniest Music Videos Of 2011, The Biggest Pop Music Trends Of 2011, Follow Buzzworthy On Twitter

Tags Active Child, Allen Stone, Anna Calvi, ARMS, Austra, Best Of 2011, Big Troubles, Darren Hayes, EMA, Gold Panda, Icona Pop, Jessie And The Toy Boys, Melanie Fiona, Minks, Nicola Roberts, North Highlands, Sunday Girl, Tennis, The Head And The Heart, The Sound of Arrows, Tiffany Page, Wynter Gordon

Credit: Splash News

Jennifer Lopez arrived at "American Idol" auditions yesterday in Califorinia, and the mom of two thought it'd be a great time to show off her tanned, toned arms. Because yes, nearly a week before Christmas is the perfect time to bust out the sleeveless dress. I'm sorry, but you people in L.A. have no idea what real life is! (Or maybe I'm just jealous of your forever sunny lives. Tough call.)

If you're keeping track, not only is Jennifer Lopez gorgeous (duh), talented and supersweet as a judge and mentor on "American Idol," but we're reminded once again by this photo that the 42-year-old can probably beat you up. Where does she find the time?! I guess when you've danced your way through as many music videos as J. Lo has (as evidenced by her upcoming greatest-hits album!), there's likely to be some residual effects.

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Tags Jennifer Lopez, Star Spotting

Credit: Getty Images

+ Katy Perry thanked MTV for her Artist of the Year title, saying it's "validating" and "pretty cool."  "I've had a fantastic year, a great tour and a great run, and you guys have been so a part of it and such a big reason why," she said. (MTV News)

+ Watch Florence + The Machine's dramatic performance of "Spectrum," which was augmented with elegant choreographed ballet, from last night's "X Factor" semifinals. (Neon Limelight)

+ Selena Gomez made a fan's wish come true. Ryan Seacrest received a request from the tutor of 13-year-old Hana, who has a fatal genetic disease; Hana hoped to meet Gomez. Seacrest got a hold of Gomez, who dropped what she was doing to meet with Hana. (Neon Limelight)

+ 50 Cent's SMS headphones will help feed those in need, with proceeds donated to charity. "For every pair of these headsets that are sold domestically and online through SMSAudio.com, 250 meals will be provided by Feeding America," he said. (MTV News)

+ Madonna, Trent Reznor and Mary J. Blige are among the artists nominated for this year's Golden Globe musical categories. Peep the full list here. (Billboard)

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Tags 50 Cent, Buzz Bites, Florence + The Machine, Katy Perry, Madonna, Mary J. Blige, Selena Gomez, Trent Reznor

Credit: Splash News

We were kidding about Justin Bieber having the most powerful connections in the world when he got a bro-hug from President Obama, but dude's not playing -- he even gets full-on access to Batman's wheels! Technically it's a tricked-out Cadillac CTS-V that looks like the superhero's Batmobile, but it's not AT ALL nerdy because Justin's driving it. (Wink, wink.) It beats showing up to the party in your parents' '97 Dodge Caravan.

The "Mistletoe" singer was snapped wearing a svelte ensemble to match his equally sleek matte black car while arriving to a bowling alley in L.A. last night. We can't even begin to imagine the mayhem that ensued when people discovered Bieber throwing strikes only a few lanes down from their own, but the more important question: Did Justin rent or bring his own bowling shoes? If he rented and we owned that alley, we'd never spray the inside of those heartthrob-rented kicks again -- then start the bidding ungodly high on eBay. Gross? Yes. Smart? Absolutely.

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Tags justin bieber, Star Spotting

Credit: WireImage

It's easy being Young Jeezy. That's the subject of the MC's latest video, "Nothin," in which he shows "up at the spot with the choppas," "cleared the block" and "made it from the bottom to the top," all like nothin'. We're sensing a theme!

In case you missed it, though, the track's title keeps popping up in a screen-filling drop-shadow font straight from a Def Jam intern's Microsoft WordArt collection. Other text that appears: "Rewind," "Lady Friends," (Jeezy is a gentleman) "Get Your's" (Jeezy! Learn about apostrophes!), "Going Hard" and "Nice Ring." It's basically "Sesame Street" for hustling.

The rapper gets around, too, playing poker, hanging out by himself on a rooftop, rapping in a lens flare-filled basement, robbing a safe -- you know, typical Friday night. Young Jeezy's TM 103: Hustlerz Ambition drops on Tuesday, three years after 2008's "The Recession," and we're blaming the bad economy on the Jeezy drought. How have we hustled this long without him? "One thing I was taught is you don't rush greatness," he told MTV's "RapFix Live," and we can't argue with that.

Pick up the new jawn and you'll get the accompanying documentary "A Hustlerz Ambition," where we're sure he'll drop more gangsta words of wisdom (and hopefully some cooler fonts).

+ Watch Young Jeezy's "Nothing" video.

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The year-end list to end all year-end lists has finally been revealed (#humblebrag) -- MTV has officially named their Best Artists of 2011! And just like we did for the Best Songs of 2011, Buzzworthy Managing Editor Tamar Anitai and I sat down with a few colleagues to discuss the tight race. Check out what we had to say (and politely not say) on the Best Artists of 2011 debate.

Justin Bieber rounded out the top 10 as his record-breaking 3D movie "Never Shout Never" and top-selling Christmas album Under The Mistletoe kept his momentum going from 2010. Lil Wayne and Supermom Beyonce scored high as well, while Rihanna found love at No. 6. Lady Gaga and Adele held out for the ladies in the top five, and Kanye West and Jay-Z's Throne collaboration landed them at No. 4.

But it was Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry who went head-to-head for the No. 1 spot. Even though "Super Bass" was the song that made Nicki a certifiable household name, in the end it was Katy Perry who was just a (pink) hair more inescapable this year -- she's still pumping SIX singles from her alllllmost Michael Jackson-record-breaking 2010 album Teenage Dream. We know what you guys are thinking: "Yesterday 'Firework' came in at No. 10 on MTV's Best Songs of 2011 list. How can Katy Perry be the Best Artist of 2011?!" Well, therein lies the genius of Ms. Perry. And our argumentative skills.

+ All this week, MTV will reveal the best artists, songs and movies of the year. Come to MTV News each day to see more big reveals and check out more of MTV's Best of 2011 music, TV, movies, and news coverage.

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Tags Adele, Best Of 2011, Beyonce, Drake, Jay-Z, justin bieber, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna

Now that you've got the invite to MTV's "NYE In NYC 2012" official New Year's Eve celebration, live from the MTV Studios in Times Square, with performances by Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Jason Derulo, Mac Miller and J. Cole, hosted by Demi (yes, she's pulling double duty) and "Teen Wolf"'s Tyler Posey, it's time to get the party started by voting for the ultimate new year's dance anthem.

One of the hot dance songs below will be featured in a special new year's surprise during the show. We can't tell you what that surprise will be (that's why it's a surprise), but we're giving you a say in picking MTV's new year's dance jam. So vote for your favorite song from 2011 -- from Britney's postapocalyptic "Till The World Ends" to Pitbull's dance floor-filler "Give Me Everything" to Rihanna's bittersweet "We Found Love," featuring Calvin Harris. Tune in to MTV on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 11 p.m. ET to see the winning song in action. You've got until Thursday, Dec. 29, at noon ET to vote.

+ Vote for your favorite song of 2011 for MTV's 'NYE In NYC 2012.' Tune in New Year's Eve to see which song won!

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Tags Afrojack, Alexandra Stan, Benny Benassi, Britney Spears, Calvin Harris, Chris Brown, deadmau5, Demi Lovato, Flo Rida, J. Cole, Jason DeRulo, Jennifer Lopez, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, LMFAO, Mac Miller, Martin Solveig, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, Poll, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Swedish House Mafia

Right at the start of 50 Cent's "Wait Until Tonight" video, a sweet little flutter of harp strings signals that we're slipping into a dream sequence -- and what a steamy dream it is. A super-smooth slow jam that samples R&B legend Bobby Womack's "If You Think You're Lonely Now," the third cut from "The Big 10" mixtape has Fitty fantasizing about all the sexy-time fun he's got planned for his girl once she gets home.

And it's not hard to see what's got him all hot and bothered: "Wait Until Tonight" stars flame-haired model/video vixen Diana Escotto (aka Mizz DR), who looks just as fly in huge hipster glasses and comfy blue jeans as she does dancing around 50 Cent's flat in cherry-red lingerie.

Directed by Jackson Smith, the beautifully shot "Wait Until Tonight" gives us many a glimpse into '50s daydreams, which both include a face-sucking session atop his bed and a solo soak in the tub for Diana (with dozens of red rose petals clouding the water, of course). Finally, after stopping for some street food and hailing a cab in killer heels, Mizz DR returns home to find her man innocently munching on a green apple. So cute that 50 Cent can make time for a healthy snack, even in the midst of all that sexy scheming.

+ Watch 50 Cent, "Wait Until Tonight."

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We talk a lot here at Buzzworthy about the dudes we write about and how much we want to hang out with them. Solo. In an intimate setting. With low lighting. So we figured, let's just take this thing all the way and make them the seventh-grade locker pinups we want them to be! For the perpetual seventh-grader we actually are.

With a little help from Photoshop, we added some stickers and doodles and little whatnots to photos of our favorite Buzzworthy dudes for our BUZZWORTHY BOYFRIENDS PHOTO GALLERY! Like this classy photo of Joe Jonas wearing a bow tie -- we slapped a Lisa Frank bear on there right next to a cartoon hot dog. Because duh! Those are all things we express exactly how we ultimately feel for Joe Jonas... Actually, don't read into that too much.

Take a look at some our Bop magazine-inspired photos of our favorite guys below, and check out more Buzzworthy boyfriends at the BUZZWORTHY BOYFRIENDS PHOTO GALLERY. And, OMG, call me later because I have something to tell you about Erica. You'll never believe what happened in gym class!!! XOXO, LYLAS!

Credit all photos: MTV

Sure, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine's IRL girlfriend is a Victoria's Secret model, but I never let that stop me before -- I have a 401(k) plan and great jokes. And I still wear my retainer on most nights of the week. Call me, Adam!

+ Check out more Buzzworthy Boyfriends after the jump, and see all the dudes we want to date at our BUZZWORTHY BOYFRIEND PHOTO GALLERY!

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Tags 30 Seconds To Mars, Adam Levine, Bruno Mars, Cody Simpson, Diggy Simmons, Drake, J. Cole, Jared Leto, Joe Jonas, Mac Miller, Maroon 5, Mindless Behavior, Photo Galleries, Wiz Khalifa

Foster The People is MTV.com's Posted artist for the gift-giving month of December, and we've got more goods for you to unwrap! Last week, the indie rockers chatted about the success of "Pumped Up Kicks" and divulged secrets on writing the ultimate lyrics. We even sweetened the deal with the premiere of their new video, "Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)."

First up, a video clip of Foster The People dishing about staying original. "I never try to write the same song twice. If I'm writing a song and I'm enjoying it, then I know other people will enjoy it as well." The band continues about not wanting to re-create previous hits: "Hopefully we'll have 20 other songs that have the same life span that 'Kicks' has had."

FTP also let us in on one of their more hilarious goals: having their songs serve as a soundtrack to "The Dog Whisperer." The band admits that it's one of their favorites TV shows and openly pitches the idea to the show's host. We'd actually prefer if the show was about whispering Foster The People tunes to the dogs! Just us?

Catch more Foster the People videos at Posted.MTV.com all month long.

+Watch Foster The People discuss original songwriting below, and check out more videos after the jump.

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Tags Foster The People, Posted, video