Mini Viva

Hailed as a modern-day Mel & Kim, British pop duo Mini Viva are the latest protégées of the hugely successful Xenomania production team. Managed by Simon Fuller, the pair formed in 2008 after they both performed for the songwriters behind Girls Aloud at their studios in Kent. Frankie Connolly, from Lancaster, was scouted through her MySpace page while Britt Love, from Newcastle, decided to audition after seeing a promotional flyer at a breakdancing competition. Bonding over a love of the Spice Girls, the duo moved to London, where they spent months co-writing material which they describe as "pop with a quirky edge." After performing in various underground clubs in an effort to hone their live sound, the band supported the Saturdays on their U.K. tour. Their debut single, "I Left My Heart in Tokyo," which the NME labeled "the catchiest single of the year," reached number seven in the U.K. charts. Signed to Geffen Records, their debut album is due for release in November 2009.