What makes these people "musicians"?

With the explosion of new artists, how many of them are actually satisfying our musical needs?

Today in class, we talked about knowing who is popular in the music business right now.  But why are those people popular?  We watched part of one of Drake's videos--I, personally, was not impressed.  I didn't care for the lyrics, didn't really like his voice.  Could his recently found music success be based on his previous stardom, playing Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation?  Or what of Justin Bieber? I think he sounds like an 11 year old girl, and I'm not seeing how he looks any better than other boys his age.  He's even written a book--there are VERY few people who have the talent to write a truly good story or even write well that are his age.  Miley Cyrus?  Hate her voice.  Yet every young girl is obsessed with her - and becoming her.  Hannah Montana is a frequently watched show when I babysit.  Are people interested in her because she is also an actress?

Then they all have their merchandise, artists have clothing lines, make-up lines for what purpose?  A way to forge more loyalty?


Are the "real" and great musicians being hidden by all of this?  I know so many people with talent, so many people that could inspire the world.
So how do we get these people into the recording and radio world?