If you’re a secret fangirl, 2013 was an incredible year for music.  Could we ever have guessed that this would finally be the year that Justin Timberlake returned to music?  That 98 Degrees would release an album and tour with New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men?   THAT *NSYNC WOULD REUNITE AT THE VMAS?!    No.  But all of these things happened and more.  We’re hoping that this momentum rolls into 2014 in the form of an *NSYNC reunion tour (just once?!? please?)

Meanwhile, here are some of our sure bets of what music we are excited for in 2014.

Olivia Somerlyn
Olivia Somerlyn is the ultimate Secret Fangirl.   More on that later, but 2013 was a breakthrough for Olivia, as she scored opening slots on the Summer Break Tour with Victoria Justice and Big Time Rush, for the Jonas Brothers, and for Jessie J in the UK.  Olivia is currently working on her debut album, to be released in 2014. Keep an eye out for big this from Olivia in the coming year!  Follow Olivia Somerlyn Twitter, and don’t forget about the #12DaysOfLivGifts on her Official Facebook.

AJR
It’s no secret that we are major fans of AJR.  In the short time since we were introduced to them, we’ve seen them get bigger and bigger.  (Like, the “I’m Ready” video is a serious case of life imitating art).  With a new EP, ‘6foot1,’ being released at the end of this year, an album coming out in the Spring of 2014, and early support from the likes of Sia, Demi Lovato and The Wanted, AJR are the act to watch in 2014. Keep up with AJR every step of the way on Twitter and Facebook.

Midnight Red
We are from the generation where boy bands were defined as “a group of young men who sing and DANCE.”   Aside from Big Time Rush, the generation today is deprived of this wonderfulness.   We will always have NKOTB, Backstreet, and (ONE DAY AGAIN) *NSYNC, but it’s nice to see another proper boy band in the mix today! Don’t forget to follow Midnight Red on Twitter.

Lance Bass
LANCE BASS IS RELEASING A SINGLE IN 2014.  WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS OUR EXCITEMENT FOR THE POSSIBLE TOUR! There really is nothing else to say about this. Get the latest updates from Lance on Twitter.

Hilary Duff
We love Hilary Duff.  The girl is good at everything, manages to stay sweet and humble, and live a normal life with her husband and adorable kid.   After focusing in recent years on her book series and being a mom to baby Luca, we were beyond stoked to hear that Hilary has returned to the studio to work on her fourth album. Follow Hilary on Twitter and get the latest on her new music first!

Ashley Tisdale
Unlike Hilary, we aren’t exactly sure what Ashley Tisdale has been doing the last couple of years, but we are equally thrilled for her comeback to music!  She just released her first single, “You’re Always Here,” with more to come in 2014. Don’t forget to follow Ashley Tisdale on Twitter and “like” her on Facebook .

The Ceremonies
Another trio of brothers, by way of Los Angeles instead of New York.  They have messy hair and wear tight pants, with an early 2000s NY Strokes-vibe – definitely those boys your Mama warned you to stay away from!  Matthew, Mark, and Michael Cook are making waves in the underground scene with their self-titled EP. Expect to hear a lot more from The Ceremonies in 2014. Stay up to date with The Ceremonies on Facebook and Twitter.

Austin Mahone
Austin’s debut album is FINALLY dropping in 2014 (we hope).  We were sad when his MTV Artist to Watch Tour was postponed in October (glad you’re feeling better Austin!!) and we literally cannot wait until his tour kicks off in March!  We have loved each single he’s released more than the last, and are so excited to see what’s in store for him next year.  His recent string of Jingle Ball performances have proved Austin has the talent to go to the next level, with top notch choreography and awesome stage presence.   We are (not so secret) MAHOMIES! Become an official Mahomie and follow Austin on Twitter.

American Authors
You know that song in the Walter Mitty commercial that’s been stuck in your head for 2 days? It’s not a new Imagine Dragons song (don’t worry…we thought it was too!) “The Best Day Of My Life” is by a new band from Brooklyn, NY called American Authors. Recently signed to Island Records, these guys are capturing hearts of fangirls and music junkies alike. Their debut album is due out in 2014, but grab your copy of their self-titled EP on iTunes HERE. American Authors will be playing Sacramento’s own 107.9 The END’s Jingle Ball 2013 with Emblem 3, Panic At The Disco, and Fall Out Boy on 12/21. Get your tickets HERE and don’t forget to follow @aauthorsmusic on twitter for the latest updates from the guys!

Born Cages
If you ever wanted The Strokes to have a musical love child with The Darkness then…REJOICE! Your dreams have come true!! Born Cages are exactly that – complete with insane guitar riffs and gravity defying hair. Hailing from Brooklyn (what’s in the water out there and how can we get some?!) Born Cages recently released The Sidelines – EP in June and we can’t believe it took us this long to find them! Big choruses, church bells, synths and guitar riffs that would make any 80s hair band proud, The Sidelines EP makes us want to get up and dance!! Pick up your copy on iTunes and follow Born Cages on Twitter and “Like” them on Facebook. Next time they roll through your town, check them out. You won’t regret it. I promise.

The Vamps
The British are invading quicker than you’d believe! The Vamps first won our hearts with their song “Can We Dance” and they’re at it again with a new single and a new video for “Wild Heart”.  They have already opened for Selena Gomez and now they’re gearing up for a string of opening dates on Taylor Swift’s RED Tour at The O2 Arena in February. We are expecting a debut album from The Vamps in 2014, making them just another reason we are stoked for the new year!  Follow The Vamps on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook.

Heffron Drive
As much as we love Big Time Rush, we also love Kendall Schmidt’s other band, Heffron Drive, formed with friend and guitarist Dustin Belt.  While the band has a different vibe and sound than BTR (sadly no dancing), we love anything that keeps Kendall up on stage!  (And okay, the electric guitar is maybe even better than the hip rolling) We’re looking forward to everything that the new year holds for Heffron Drive! Follow Kendall and Dustin on Twitter, and don’t forget to “Like” them on Facebook.

What are you hoping to see in 2014? (Besides that *NSYNC reunion tour…NEVER GIVE UP HOPE!)