The Class Of 2009

Paul Gambaccini presents his choice of the breakthrough artists of 2009, including Jay Sean, Ingrid Michaelson, Paloma Faith, Eric Hassle and Owl City.

The most successful British singer in the United States this year is Jay Sean, who had a Hot 100 number one with Down. He tells Paul about how he achieved Stateside success, which eludes most UK artists. American singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson discusses how her career was launched, not through the traditional route of radio and music television, but through the internet and the use of her songs in TV dramas. Paul also talks to Paloma Faith, a burgeoning young British singer-songwriter who performed a Radio 2 Introduces session on the Dermot O'Leary Show earlier this year.

At the beginning of the year, the unusual Playing For Change album made a big impact. Producer Mark Johnson recalls how he travelled the world to record and film street musicians and then blended their performances together. Swedish singer-songwriter Erik Hassle enjoyed chart domination in his home country and is now working to spread his music to the UK and beyond. Paul's final breakthough artist for 2009 is Adam Young - known as Owl City - who took everyone by surprise with his infectious Number One US single Fireflies.

Paul also reflects on the phenomenal back catalogue sales achieved this year by Michael Jackson in the aftermath of his death and by The Beatles with the release of their remastered albums.

Part of the BBC Christmas 2009 season.

Paul Gambaccini presents his choice of the breakthrough artists of 2009.