The Hit Parade

PROGNOSIS Ironically, the diva with the best prospects is a divo. ''This could be the record that launches him into that Mariah Carey stratosphere,'' says Michael McCoy, program director at WNCI in Columbus, Ohio. We agree: If anyone is going to bring sexy back, it's Timberlake. And he'll tote some serious cash along with him.

FERGIESEPT. 19

WHERE SHE'S BEEN Helping the Black Eyed Peas evolve into a TRL favorite with tracks like ''My Humps.'' And most likely doing crunches.

WHAT'S NEXT Releasing her first solo disc, The Dutchess, which had bandmate will.i.am as one of its executive producers. The naughty single ''London Bridge'' made the second-largest jump in Hot 100 history last week.

PROGNOSIS The buzz is that the album is strong — and her B.E.P. following can only help this former Kids, Inc. cast member to break out as a solo artist.

JANET JACKSON SEPT. 26

WHERE SHE'S BEEN After 2004's Nipplegate nightmare and the disappointing performance of Damita Jo, Jackson retreated into obscurity. Paparazzi shots of her jogging on the beach, dressed like Paddington Bear, didn't help her cause.

WHAT'S NEXT Jackson's 20 Y.O. reteams her with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Unfortunately, the first single (''Call on Me'') is floundering. ''It seems to have already come and [gone],'' says John Ivey, program director at KIIS FM in L.A. The crazy video (is that a pirate ship?) is another poor choice.

PROGNOSIS We'll always love Janet, but she needs a major Mariah-style image makeover, and we assumed boyfriend (and producer) Jermaine Dupri would do that for her. If the album isn't amazing, it might be time to hang up the belly-button ring.