Previously Seen: "American Idol"
Expected Breakout Role: "Sparkle"
Why: The sixth winner of "American Idol," Sparks scored three top 10 hits between 2007 and 2009, but has been hitless since. She appeared on Broadway for 12 weeks in the Tony Award winning musical "In The Heights," but "Sparkle" is her first big screen role.  Starring opposite Whitney Houston in the legend's final performance, the period remake could give Sparks' sagging career the boost it needs. If she's actually good, of course.

- Gregory Ellwood