The 11 Hottest Comeback Chicks of 2011

Image via Complex Original

#11: GWYNETH PALTROW

What to look forward to this year: With her latest film (Country Strong), an impressive performance of Cee-Lo's "Forget You" on an episode of Glee, and a gig as SNL's third host of the new year,Paltrow is heading into the new decade on a high-note. Given the buzz about her portrayal as the musical comedy's Holly Holiday, she's expected to reprise the role for a few more episodes of Glee, and, who knows, the gig could potentially earn her an Emmy nomination. Not to mention, her role in director Steven Soderbergh's highly-anticipated film Contagion, due this October, will keep people talking after her small screen appearances.

#10: NIKI TAYLOR

What to look forward to this year: In the 1990s, Niki Taylor was the "It Girl." In '96 alone, she set a record by appearing on the cover of six prominent magazines in one month, which was officially coined "Niki Six." Towards the end of the decade, she was featured in three consecutive issues of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, not to mention the cover of its 1998 calendar, which we didn't take down until well into 2004. She recently hosted Make Me A Supermodel, hinting at a possible return to the limelight. Now, with a spot on Celebrity Apprentice's upcoming season, we're expecting Taylor to PWN the competition. Who'd be foolish enough to fire her?

#9: MISCHA BARTON

What to look forward to this year: It's hard to believe Barton went from the sexy, elusive, tan, and leggy Marissa Cooper on The O.C. to being Perez Hilton's degradingly-named "Mushy Fartone." Since she left the generation-defining show, she's put on some weight, suffered through a cancelled TV show (The Beautiful Life), starred in straight-to-DVD movies, had multiple run-ins with the cops for her pot and alcohol problems, and was treated for depression. But, this year, her reps are allegedly reporting that she's vying for a spot on the always career-boosting Dancing With The Stars. Also, her t.A.T.u-centric Russian film You and I, filmed with Shantel VanSanten years ago, is finally set to make its theatrical debut.

#8: AVRIL LEVIGNE

What to look forward to this year: After her single "Girlfriend" ended its Billboard reign in 2007, Levigne somehow devolved into that sk8r girl who was only relevant to the mid-2000s pop punk period as the female answer to Blink 182. She recently made a comeback statement, however, by aiding Dick Clark's ball-dropping celebration New Year's Rockin' Eve, to debut her catchy new single "What the Hell?" Next up is her true-to-form, pop-rock album Goodbye Lullaby, due for release on March 8th.

#7: JANET JACKSON

What to look forward to this year: In 2011, Janet will finally start getting the tabloids to shut up about her fluctuating weight and focus on her increasing legend as an artist. For the first time since 2008, Ms. Jackson will traveling globe for her Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour to celebrate her remarkable 35 number-one hits, which were re-released in her recent Number Ones album. With her L.A. performance having sold-out in ten minutes, Janet's stardom is evidently untainted by past criticisms.

#6: VANESSA HUDGENS

What to look forward to this year: For years, Hudgens has lived in the shadows of infamous nude photos gone viral. But with three films coming out this year (Beastly, Sucker Punch, and Journey to the Center of the Earth 2), the multicultural cutie's career is on the right track. Not to mention, getting out of the Disney chokehold and a five-year relationship with Zac Efron makes her even more of a Hollywood commodity. The latter especially excites us, for obvious reasons.

#5. LINDSAY LOHAN

What to look forward to this year: All we and the rest of the avid post-Mean Girls LiLo fans, as well as the rehab centers across America, have been looking forward to is for Lohan to officially get her film career back on track. She's out of jail, out of treatment, and back in Los Angeles getting her life together with trips to the salon, gym, and agency meetings. Although she has no new on-screen projects officially lined-up, despite the rumors of her joining Dancing with the Stars, her potential is limitless if she stays out of handcuffs. Easier written than done.

#4: FIONA APPLE

What to look forward to this year: Fiona Apple was the quintessential singer-songwriter of the '90s. Both her debut and sophomore albums, Tidal (1998) and When The Pawn. . . (1999) went multi-platinum and produced such hits as "Criminal," "Paper Bag" and "Fast As You Can." But in the 2000s, her impact was overshadowed by the softer, bubblier sounds of Michelle Branch and Sara Bareillis. It's safe to say, the new century deserves to recognize the pioneer of female modern-rock, and Fiona Apple is getting ready to do just that with her first album since 2005, set for release this spring.

#3: JENNIFER LOPEZ

What to look forward to this year: Let's be honest, J.Lo's 2009 single "Louboutins" was really bad. Lucky for Lopez, Paula Abdul's departure from American Idol opened up a national stage for the Latina singer to reinvent herself. Not only is she releasing her own new music, beginning with her new Pitbull-assisted single "On the Floor," but as a new judge, along with Steven Tyler, whoever she favors has a great shot at winning his or her own record contract. Why? Because people will be too distracted talking and tweeting about "Jenny from the block" to pay attention to the performances.

#2: HALLE BERRY

What to look forward to this year: With the small exception of 2010's relatively unseen Frankie and Alice and her arguable Golden Globe nomination, we haven't heard much about Halle Berry's film career since 2007's Things We Lost In The Fire. For the past few years, she's sporadically graced the tabloids, captured as a mother at the park rather than an actress on set. But with five films due out this year, including the star-studded New Year's Eve, Berry is ready to reclaim some Oscar-caliber respect.

#1: BRITNEY SPEARS

What to look forward to this year: Although plenty of people would debate her topping the list, this year could potentially solidify Spears' legendary stature. Now that Lady Gaga is currently at the top of the pop world, we're looking forward to seeing Britney battle it out with the Fame Monster to prove her supremacy. With her first single, "Hold It Against Me," already topping charts and her highly-anticipated, currently-untitled new album (her first release since 2008's Circus) set to drop on March 15, Britney should remind us all that she is the princess of pop.