AP Global Entertainment and Lifestyles Editor Nekesa Mumbi Moody shared key criteria that shaped the list.
What did editors look for in determining who broke through in 2017?
There were plenty of stars that had huge moments in 2017, but we were looking at artists who had previously been under the radar who made a flourish this year. That included new faces and a few established artists who had a signature moment that propelled them to new heights.
What can member news organizations and customers expect from the ensuing coverage?
We were able to sit down with each Breakthrough Entertainer and talk to them about their fantastic 2017, and we shot beautiful portraits. In addition to short text profiles of each artist, we have video and photos as well. We will publish two artists a day beginning Tuesday.
Anything to highlight about the list?
The list represents a variety of stars from different fields of entertainment -- music, TV, film and Broadway -- and their accomplishments include everything from directing to screenwriting. The chosen artists certainly made a splash this year, but will likely be keeping us entertained for years to come.
See AP’s Breakthrough Entertainers of the Year here.