10. Jamie Lono, 22
How he describes his sound ''Honest, genuine, pure.''
Background Aside from small gigs in local Chicago coffeehouses (and the sandwich shop where he works), Jamie hasn't had much of a chance to show off his music. Still, he's been honing his songwriting skills for about four years.
Why he's one to watch His warm tone is like a happy blend of Gavin DeGraw and Ray LaMontagne, and it already has audiences swooning. His growly take on ''Folsom Prison Blues'' was a highlight of the blind auditions.