Slideshow: Can anyone seize the King of Pop's crown?

Usher

The Case: Usher has been a major force in pop music for over a decade with several blockbuster albums (Confessions) and singles to his credit. Plus, he's an incredible dancer and the ladies love him.

The Verdict: His music hasn't been as consistently strong or era-defining for him to be considered a legend in his own time the way Michael ultimately was.

(AP Photo/Gus Ruelas, file)

Justin Timberlake

The Case: With two monster hit albums under his belt (Justified and FutureSex/Love Sounds), widespread critical acclaim and popularity, Timberlake seems to be hitting his peak as an artist right now.

The Verdict: Many of Timberlake's best tracks often feel like homages to the artists who recorded similar music better before. Sure, Justified is fun to dance to, but it's no Off the Wall.

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Chris Brown

The Case: Brown's sweet voice and syncopated dance moves have had him pegged from the start as the likely heir to Michael's pop music mystique.

The Verdict: However, Brown's offstage persona was irrevocably damaged after it was revealed that he had abused his now ex-girlfriend, R&B star Rihanna. He may have more hits but he will never be as beloved as Michael.

(AP Photo/Stuart Ramson, file)

Best New Artist: Drake’s buzz has waned since his debut album, Thank Me Later dropped but Beiber Fever hasn’t gone anywhere. Anybody but Justin Beiber here is the Recording Academy just being pretentious.

Akon

The Case: The Senegalese R&B star (pictured here with Michael) was actually something of an MJ protege, collaborating with the King during his later years. He's scored numerous hits with his catchy choruses.

The Verdict: Besides some memorable collaborations with hip-hop artists, Akon has yet to show the kind of musical virtuosity that Michael possessed in spades and he too has a shady personal life to account for.

(Image courtesy of Grio video)

Beyonce

The Case: Over the last decade, both solo and with Destiny's Child, Beyonce has been a force to be reckoned with in pop and R&B. Her tremendous crossover appeal and innovative style put her on par with the King of Pop.

The Verdict: Although she continues to grow as an artist, Beyonce has yet to release a full-blown masterpiece of an album devoid of filler on the level of a Thriller.

(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Ne-Yo

The Case: Ne-Yo's top-notch vocals and nice guy persona (along with his trademark fedoras) make him seem like an ideal candidate to fill MJ's shoes.

The Verdict: He hasn't had a monster dance single yet that would put him in the upper-echelon of pop stardom.

(AP Photo/Charles Sykes)

Kanye West

The Case: West has already declared himself the "new King of Pop" and his near-ubiquitous presence in both the tabloids and the pop charts over the last six years certainly supports that notion.

The Verdict: Most music fans either love or really revile Kanye. He's certainly just as erratic as Michael could be, but the reserve of public good will is not there for him.

(AP Photo/Reed Saxon, file)

Robin Thicke

The Case: Thicke has won over initially skeptical R&B fans (his father is Growing Pains star Alan Thicke, so go figure) with his soulful voice. He's got street cred from the hip-hop world and gets bonus points for landing Paula Patton as a life partner.

The Verdict: While certainly up-and-coming, Thicke simply isn't a big enough star to enter the world of pop royalty and he doesn't have as much style or panache as Michael did in his heyday.

(AP Photo/Jeff Christensen, file)

Lady Gaga

The Case: Speaking of panache, Lady Gaga certainly has her share. Just like Michael she is vying for world domination with catchy pop hooks and the larger-than-life persona to match.

The Verdict: It's too soon to tell whether Gaga's provocateur act will hold up or make people hostile all the time. There's far too much artifice and too little emotion behind her music.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)