Most rockers are content to court fame by mimicking the punk-pop sound du jour, but 20-something Val Emmich has enough belief in his skills to deliver a gutsy vocal (think millennium Billy Idol), alongside full-on rock instrumental colored by a singalong hook that should fill the Jonas Brothers with envy: immediate but crunchy enough to be cool. Earlier this decade, Emmich's "Privacy Attracts a Crowd" video made him the first unsigned artist to appear on MTV's "TRL." Epic followed—and failed to deliver—so now indie bluhammock releases debut full-length "Little Daggers" in September. Meanwhile, his pretty face prompted Got Milk?, Burger King and AT&T Wireless ads, then acting gigs on "30 Rock" and "Cashmere Mafia." But you ain't seen nothin' yet: This fall, Emmich is cast as a musician neighbor and potential love interest of "Ugly Betty" on the smash ABC series. Start the countdown: By year's end, Emmich will not only command the charts but is destined to be among 2008's breakout celebs. People magazine might take notice now for its annual "Sexiest Man Alive" issue. —Chuck Taylor