7 British Pop Stars That Americans Are Missing Out On

It's time you started paying attention to what people are listening to across the pond.

1. Cheryl Cole

Chezza should be huge here. She has everything a major pop star needs: looks, hooks, and personal life worth gossiping about. But somehow, despite the best efforts of will.i.am and Simon Cowell, she’s a virtual unknown in the states. It’s time to fix that! Take some time to listen to her best single “Fight For This Love” and submit an application for a stan card today.

2. Rita Ora

If there were any fairness in the world “I Will Never Let You Down” would be the song of the summer. It’s sunny. It’s catchy. It’s got a fun, colorful video. It’s basically perfect. Unfortunately, America is only vaguely aware of Rita Ora’s existence. Maybe you've heard she broke Rob Kardashian’s heart. Or that she’s Jay Z’s side chick. (Don’t worry, she’s addressed this — she wouldn’t dare disrespect Bey like that.) But it's unlikely that you've actually heard her music. Let’s stop the madness and give “I Will Never Let You Down” the summer love it deserves.

3. Nicola Roberts

Alright, advanced study time: Nicola Roberts and Cheryl Cole were in the majorly successful girl group Girls Aloud together. (Think Spice Girls: The Next Generation.) After the group broke up in 2009 they both embarked on solo careers. While Cheryl embraced the mainstream wholeheartedly, Nicola took a quirky route. Her music is a little goofy, a little off-beat and a lot of fun. Once you listen to her self-esteem anthem "Beat of My Drum" you won't be able to get it out of your head.

4. Foxes

Louisa Rose Allen snuck past America’s defenses when she paired up with Zedd for their megahit “Clarity” and now it’s time we give the girl her due. Whether it’s a gloomy ballad or a dancefloor banger, Foxes’ big, gloomy voice infuses the track with an irresistible urgency. Exhibit A: The second single from her debut album “Let Go for Tonight.”

5. Paloma Faith

A flame-haired soul singer with a decidedly retro aesthetic? We’ve done this before, America! You’ve let Adele into your hearts, it’s time to make room for Paloma Faith. What makes Paloma different is how she mixes her smoky vocals with modern production. Whether she’s working with Pharell or Diane Warren, her songs defy easy categorization. Start your new Paloma playlist with her biggest single “Only Love Can Hurt Like This.”

6. Florrie

She’s a model. She’s a singer. She’s a drummer. She’s someone who should definitely be on your radar. Equal parts Britney Spears and Meg White, Florrie’s music manages to be both cool and approachable at the same time. Want proof? Watch the adorable music video for her single “Live a Little.”

7. Ella Henderson

A former X Factor contestant, Ella is about to blow up and you can get in on the ground floor. Her excellent first single “Ghost” was just released. Listen to it today and impress all your friends when she inevitably tries to make it in America.