And BTW, Sciencegeek, I hate Hannah Montana. Miley Cyrus is a living example of the fact that connections matter a lot in mainstream show business. She only became a singer because of her father and does not have an interesting voice.
I wish I could say the same for my 13 year old niece... lol. Oh well... can only hope that she will outgrow this phase.
As for protest singers.... boy could we use some now! The conservative right wants to return us to the 1800's. Instead of a strong middle class, we'll all be wage slave/serfs.
listen to Phil Ochs or Shel Siverstein ( his song was posted above)just to see how they use irony or outrage in their music but still keep it singable.