If you are not a triple threat artist, breaking into the pop genre can be a bit taxing. Yes, typically a triple threat entails being a singer, dancer and actress, but when just discussing the music industry, you should take out actress and insert theatrical performer. A theatrical artist means something a bit bigger than just being a dancer; it means incorporating acting qualities throughout a show or concert. For example, when an artist genuinely cries while singing a ballad. Get It? This substitute is entirely necessary because let’s face it how many singers actually have acting chops? Sorry, Justin Timberlake and Beyonce, but “Friends With Benefits” and “Austin Powers: Goldmember” don’t quite cut it and your subpar roles in “The Social Network” and “Dream Girls” don’t either.

Moving back on track to the title of this post, singer/songwriter and dancer, Alex Young, could be the next pop artist to redefine the new qualities to be a triple threat. Starting out as a regular on “Sesame Street”, Young then released her debut album, “Amazing” and is now back with her new single, “Don’t Play with Me”, which is available on iTunes. You can also check out the music video for the single, which Sheryl Murakami (Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Nelly Furtado, Diddy) choreographed. It looks like Ms. Young is in the right hands.

You should take note that “Don’t Play With Me” is only the beginning for Young. So, if this track or video doesn’t sit well with you, don’t file her off into the one hit wonder section. She has the vocals and moves to be the next pop sensation, but more importantly she has a spark that if it is well honed will catapult her straight into the theatrical performer category, alongside Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry.

For more Young convincing, you can check her out opening for Cee Lo Green on December 28th at 8pm in St. Petersburg, FL at the Mahaffey Theater.

by Lonnie Nemiroff