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In the spirit of our first annual Readers' Choice Awards, we decided to weigh in on the best artists of the year. So rounding out our year-end coverage are four more short lists. Best Female and Male Vocalist are awarded for specific talent, based on an artist's album and/or concert performance in the year 2003. Best Solo Artist is given to any one person who exemplified any combination of songwriting, performance, conduct, and impact. Best Band or Group similarly looks at the whole package for any artist consisting of two or more members.

Listen to this versatile young woman sing (or speak for that matter) and try to remember that she's still in her late teens. One track she's bopping like a tween pop idol, the next she's croon-rocking like Gwen Stefani. Her real strength, however, is heard during the soulful R&B songs. And she's not just preaching to the choir; Orrico also had tremendous success in the mainstream market in '03.

Unquestionably one of our day's finest vocalists. She nails it again with a live recording that's electrifying and soul stirring from beginning to end—exactly what you'd hope for from such a talent on such an album. There's nothing studio manipulated in this performance, and yes, Mullen's "Redeemer" is still as moving as it ever was.

Out of the Grey's more vocal half has long been considered one of the finest voices in Christian pop. In 2003, Denté gave one of her most tender performances yet with her solo debut, Becoming. Unfortunately, it's going mostly ignored. Trust us—this is good adult contemporary from a gifted singer/songwriter.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. It may not have recaptured her glory days, but after listening to Simple Things, thousands of fans still found themselves waxing nostalgic over Grant's soft and familiar voice. The world seems righter now that this legendary Christian artist is back where she belongs, singing pop again.

An oft underrated vocalist, the enduringly faithful and popular music minister filled out the year with even more seemingly tireless touring while turning in a fine theatrical debut in !Hero: The Rock Opera. The fact that St. James made the list without releasing an original album in 2003 speaks well of her gifts.

Surprised? I think we were too, but man, can this guy sing. More powerful than the usual whiny rock singer. More controlled than a warbling Kevin Max. Able to leap giant Bono-like vocal ranges in a single bound. "Look! Up in the sky! …" Eh, just buy one of downhere's albums and hear Martel for yourself.

There was a time when most considered Foreman a mediocre alternative rock vocalist at best. Go back over Switchfoot's discography and listen to how this guy's developed since. For that matter, watch him deliver in concert and try to come away unaffected. Foreman told us it all stems from his passion for the band's message. We believe him.

We're all familiar with dc Talk's smooth and velvety third, and he continues to shape his voice in his new band, ranging from rock to pop standard—his Nat King Cole-styled croon for "The Christmas Song" is near perfect. But his biggest accomplishment for 2003 is his impressive turn in the lead role of !Hero: The Rock Opera. (So, Michael, have you thought of doing more theater?)

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