Every year, only a select few entertainers in the fields of film, television and music manage to "break out" and make a big splash in the mainstream. In 2011 names like Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain conquered the film world, while on TV folks including Peter Dinklage and Melissa McCarthy made an impact (though the latter enjoyed success on the big-screen as well). As for music, groups like LMFAO and Foster the People reached the heights of popular success on the charts.

Now, in anticipation of the year ahead, the HitFix editorial staff bring you nine individuals we think have a good chance of reaching a similar level of fame in 2012. These are the actors and musicians we believe possess that extra something - the indefinable "It Factor" - that will bring them widespread recognition over the course of the next 12 months. While most people don't know their names yet, come December the following nine entertainers could just prove to be inescapable.