By Karen Greenberg

On the heels of Adele and the worldwide success of her latest album, 21, comes a new crop of young British talent ready to make it big. Still riding the royal wedding wave, and with the Summer Olympics taking place in London this year, England is the place to be in 2012. These acts have garnered major buzz in the UK, and are looking to conquer our charts in a British Invasion for the twenty-first century music scene. Get to know these hot new artists from across the pond.

One Direction

It is no secret that these boys have arrived. Coming off of third place in the 2010 season of the X-Factor UK, Simon Cowell’s latest creation is riding the boy-band revival all the way. Through the power of Facebook, Twitter, and Tumbler, 1D has accumulated millions of teenage fans from all over the world, selling out their headlining tours in mere minutes. Their #1 debut album, Up All Night, is reminiscent of everything we loved about the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC back in the day. Fun, energetic pop and cute boys with even cuter accents—what’s not to love? Just ask the throngs of screaming, crying, and swooning girls everywhere. If you haven’t already heard it on constant rotation from radio stations everywhere, check out their smash single “What Makes You Beautiful,” and their just released Up All Night Concert DVD.

The Wanted

If you’re looking for a slightly more mature act, The Wanted is another hot new boy band for the older ladies. After a mildly successful UK debut, their second album has claimed a lot more attention, with mega-hit singles like “Glad You Came” and “Chasing the Sun.” These guys have supported everyone from Justin Bieber to Britney Spears onstage, but now they’re working their way into the spotlight all on their own.

Ed Sheeran

This 21-year-old singer/songwriter has been waiting the wings for years, working everywhere from London to Los Angeles, finally achieving commercial success in 2011 with his debut single “The A-Team.” With a softer, more alternative sound, Sheeran’s songwriting skills have helped him beat out artists like Adele with critical and popular acclaim. Support from famous fans like Harry Styles and Rupert Grint certainly hasn’t hurt. Sheeran co-wrote the One Direction song “Moments,” and spent the spring touring in the US with Snow Patrol.

Ellie Goulding

Over the past couple of years, she has proved herself to be a huge breakout star in the UK, experiencing similar success here with her debut single, “Lights.” After touring with U2 and performing for William and Kate’s first dance at the royal wedding, Goulding is going nowhere but up. With the re-release of her first album and a second album in the works, this one will be surely be an act to follow.

Image Source: We Heart It