Lindsay Lohan is just the latest in a string of celebrities who have crossed over from the movies into music–or vice-versa. The teen actress, who became a household name after her starring role in the movie “Mean Girls,” just released her first CD. RedEye takes a look at how Lohan and her competitors stack up against one another in the race toward superstardom.
THE J-LOMETER
How our list of celebs measure up to J.Lo, the undisputed Queen of Crossover Success.
(1= Who are they? 10= The real deal)
THE STAR
LINDSAY LOHAN
Actress turned singer
CLAIM TO FAME
This year’s “Mean Girls” performance made LiLo
a bona fide star.
CROSSING OVER
On Tuesday, she released her first album, “Speak.”
QUIT DAY JOB?
No. She’ll be in the tabloid rags no matter which career she chooses–might as well cash in on both.
TRIPLE THREAT?
No fragrances or books yet, but she’s the face of Dooney & Bourke handbags, and her dad could probably beat you up.
J-LOMETER SCORE
J.Lo proved that good looks can go a long way, and Lindsay’s got ’em. 7
THE STAR
HILARY DUFF
Actress turned singer
CLAIM TO FAME
Gained her fame in 2001 as “Lizzie McGuire” on the Disney Channel before staring in 2003’s “Agent Cody Banks.”
CROSSING OVER
Her debut album in 2003 sold more than 3 million copies. Her second album dropped in September.
QUIT DAY JOB?
No. Tween fans seem to love this goodie-goodie in everything she does.
TRIPLE THREAT?
Has a line of merchandise at Target.
J-LOMETER SCORE
She’s an empire all right, but she’s not that sexy. 6
THE STAR
EMINEM
Rapper turned actor
CLAIM TO FAME
Controversial rhymes made him famous in 1999’s “The Slim Shady LP.”
CROSSING OVER
First movie role came in 2002’s “8 Mile,” in which he played–a big stretch–an aspiring rapper from Detroit.
QUIT DAY JOB?
No. It’s hard to say if people would like him in a different role.
TRIPLE THREAT?
Has a record label, a Sirius Satellite Radio show and a clothing line.
J-LOMETER SCORE
People love Em, unless they’re from the red states. 7
THE STAR
JAMIE FOXX
Actor turned singer
CLAIM TO FAME
Joined cast of “In Living Color” in 1991 and played comedic roles until 2001’s “Ali.”
CROSSING OVER
Featured with Twista and Kanye West on the hit single “Slow Jamz” and has an album on the way.
QUIT DAY JOB?
No. With Oscar buzz for “Ray,” he can afford to experiment.
TRIPLE THREAT?
He’s also a classically trained pianist who played piano in “Ray.”
J-LOMETER SCORE
He’s not there yet, but there’s definite potential. 6
THE STAR
BEYONCE KNOWLES
Singer turned actress
CLAIM TO FAME
One-third of Destiny’s Child. Her solo album, “Dangerously in Love,” was a huge critical and popular success in 2003.
CROSSING OVER
Played Foxy Cleopatra in “Austin Powers in Goldmember” and starred in last year’s “The Fighting Temptations.”
QUIT DAY JOB?
No. Everybody is ready for her jelly.
TRIPLE THREAT?
Has deals with Tommy Hilfiger and a high-profile hip-hop romance with Jay-Z, plus a clothing line in the works.
J-LOMETER SCORE
Beyonce is J.Lo’s disciple–minus the short, weenie husband. 9
THE STAR
QUEEN LATIFAH
Singer turned actress
CLAIM TO FAME
Burst onto the scene as a rapper with positive, pro-women messages on her 1989 debut, “All Hail the Queen.”
CROSSING OVER
Starred in 1993 sitcom “Living Single” and was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the movie “Chicago.”
QUIT DAY JOB?
Yes. She’s a huge box-office draw. Her most recent album of R&B classics didn’t appeal to her core fans.
TRIPLE THREAT?
She’s president of her own record label, a movie producer and a spokeswoman for Curvation, a line of intimate apparel.
J-LOMETER SCORE
She’s got a Grammy and an Oscar nomination. Even J.Lo can’t claim that. 9
THE STAR
BRITNEY SPEARS
Singer turned actress
CLAIM TO FAME
She hit us “One More Time” in 1999.
CROSSING OVER
Played the challenging role of a girl who wins a recording contract in 2002’s “Crossroads.”
QUIT DAY JOB?
Maybe she should just retire–she’s already had her greatest hits, and it’s her prerogative, after all.
TRIPLE THREAT?
Has a fragrance line, “Curious,” and is a doting wife.
J-LOMETER SCORE
She’s gaining on J.Lo at the altar. 7
THE STAR
WILL SMITH
Rapper turned actor
CLAIM TO FAME
“Parents Just Don’t Understand” won the Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff the first ever rap Grammy in 1989.
CROSSING OVER
The “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” debuted in 1990. His big screen debut came as an alien-fighter in 1996’s “Independence Day.”
QUIT DAY JOB?
No. Someone has to get jiggy with it.
TRIPLE THREAT?
A family man married to the fabulous Jada Pinkett-Smith.
J-LOMETER SCORE
He’s the bootylicious diva’s male equivalent. 10
THE STAR
P. DIDDY
Singer turned actor
CLAIM TO FAME
The longtime producer’s debut album, “No Way Out,” hit No. 1 in 1997 and won two Grammys.
CROSSING OVER
Took small roles in the movies “Made” and “Monster’s Ball” before starring in Broadway’s “Raisin in the Sun.”
QUIT DAY JOB?
Yes. Isn’t it enough that he pays someone to hold an umbrella over his head?
TRIPLE THREAT?
Runs a hip-hop empire including a record label, clothing line, ad agency and restaurant. Also famously ran a marathon.
J-LOMETER SCORE
She was just Jenny from the Block before he made her a star. 8
THE STAR
ASHLEE SIMPSON
Actress turned singer
CLAIM TO FAME
Started on the small screen with a regular role as Simon’s girlfriend on “7th Heaven.”
CROSSING OVER
Released her album “Autobiography” this summer, and outsold her sister’s. Will star in the movie “Wannabe” next year.
QUIT DAY JOB?
No. She’s mastered the art of being the little sister, why mess it up?
TRIPLE THREAT?
Yes, if you consider belching on demand a threat. And lip-synching on “live” TV.
J-LOMETER SCORE
It’s hard to imagine anyone copying her mullet or buying her clothes. 4
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Who’s next?
Many celebrities have already made the jump from music to acting or vice-versa. But there are many more where they’ve come from. Check out these other stars who are getting ready to cross over. Who will succeed? Who will flop? Stay tuned. You know we will.
50 Cent 50, whose next album–“The Valentine’s Day Massacre”–drops Feb. 15, 2005, is set to make his movie debut in “Locked and Loaded,” about a kid who turns his back on a life of crime to launch a successful music career.
Gwen Stefani
After releasing her first solo album, “Love, Angel, Music, Baby” on Nov. 23, the No Doubt singer will make her film debut playing Jean Harlow in “The Aviator,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie opens Dec. 25 in Chicago.
Ashanti
Her next album, “Concrete Rose,” drops Tuesday, just a month before she’ll star in “Coach Carter.” It’s a movie about a real-life basketball coach (Samuel L. Jackson) who benched his undefeated basketball team for poor academic performance.
Usher
Apparently the success of “Confessions”–the year’s biggest seller with more than 7 million units sold–wasn’t enough for the R&B crooner. Usher has four films in the works, according to mtv.com: a mafia-flick called “Dying for Dolly”; an urban dance film called “Step in the Name of Love”; a Jackie Wilson biopic; and an MTV Films project.
Alicia Keys
The Grammy-winning artist will play piano prodigy Philippa Schuyler in an upcoming film.
Justin Timberlake
Going solo was the best thing for JT’s singing career. Next, he’ll appear on the big screen with Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey in “Edison,” due out in 2005.
Paris Hilton
The actress–if you can call home videos and reality TV acting–reportedly will release her debut single, “Screwed,” in February.
Crossover king
Snoop Dogg
Special recognition goes to this cross-over hall-of-famer. Nominated last week for a Grammy, the rapper has done movies, radio, TV, commercials and video games, and has his own lines of clothes and Pony shoes–not to mention his work with “Girls Gone Wild,” MTV and the English language.
— REDEYE
