Guest column: Calvin Draper-Wright on Boys and Girls - UK artists across the pond

The last few years have seen female singers flying the flag for UK music in the states Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Joss Stone and Duffy to name but a few.

Each of these girls has achieved massive success in the US, scoring number ones and clocking up millions of album sales on the way.

Surprisingly, male solo artists haven't had quite the same success - but that could be about to change. The US mainstream music scene is already pretty saturated with male soloists. Kanye West, Jay-Z, Sean Kingston and Jason Mraz are just some of the acts dominating the US charts at the moment.

However recently little-known UK R&B star Jay Sean has been sitting pretty at the top end of the chart with his new single 'Down' which has sold over 1 million copies- and only held off number one by the unstoppable Black Eyed Peas.

Tinchy Stryder is another Brit looking set to take on the states, and will be reportedly supporting rapper Lil Wayne on his U.S tour in 2010.

Tinchy's eclectic mix grime, pop and dance has already scored him two number one singles in the UK this year, 'Number One' featuring N-Dubz, and 'Never Leave You' featuring Amelle Berrabah. His next single 'You're Not Alone' samples Olive's massive 1997 dance hit of the same name, and looks set to be another big success.

So could 2010 be the year for British boys in the U.S? Watch this space