Who Else Could Star Opposite Russell Crowe in A Star is Born?

Sad news if you're a fan of unlikely screen pairings: Russell Crowe recently confirmed that Beyoncé has pulled out of his planned remake of A Star is Born. Still, the show must go on -- and it has, three times before onscreen. Which other young women could play the role of a singing star on the rise as Crowe's own star wanes? Movieline took the time to suggest a few.

LADY GAGA

For Her: Gaga is the pop singer right now with the most heat, she's got at least a modicum of acting ability as evinced by her ever more cinematic videos, and her real-life arc from brunette nobody Stefani Germanotta to blond superstar Lady Gaga would give the film some extra frisson

Against Her: It's possible that Gaga would have the most to lose by doing this film, and there'd be a high chance of Russell Crowe muttering in between takes, "What the fook is she wearing?"

ANNE HATHAWAY

For Her: If you want a real actress who can sing, get Anne Hathaway. Her name opposite Crowe's on the poster would feel right. She's the least risky choice by far...

Against Her: ...and where's the fun in that? This project needs a dose of Potential Trainwreck Appeal!

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

For Her: Aguilera stars opposite Cher and Kristen Bell in the upcoming Burlesque, and she's gearing up for a massive publicity blitz to promote her new album.

Against Her: She's arguably peaked.

RIHANNA

For Her: Pre-Chris Brown, Rihanna would have been the frontrunner for this part. She's young, new, edgy, modern and pop.

Against Her: Post-Chris Brown, do we really want to see Rihanna act opposite a leading man known for his own temper problems?

KE$HA

For Her: The weird Simpsons mash-up may indicate that there is more widespread Ke$ha boosterism in Hollywood than we had previously suspected.

Against Her: No. Just, no.

LEIGHTON MEESTER

For Her: If you can't get Anne Hathaway, why not give Meester a try? She sings and acts in the upcoming Love Don't Let Me Down.

Against Her: If Russell Crowe is going to romance an age-inappropriate Gossip Girl chanteuse onscreen, Taylor Momsen will not go down without a fight.

ALICIA KEYS

For Her: Keys has acting experience (The Secret Life of Bees, Smokin' Aces) and her career, thanks to Empire State of Mind, is as hot as ever.

Against Her: She'll turn 30 in January. Is that too old for the role?

LEA MICHELE

For Her: Michele's got momentum as Glee's female lead. As proven on a weekly basis, the girl's got pipes.

Against Her: Still, would we buy her as a modern-day pop star? And would her Fox overlords give her the time off she'd surely need to shoot the film?

BRITNEY SPEARS

For Her: I mean, she's famous. And, y'know, Crossroads.

Against Her: The idea of Russell Crowe and Britney Spears as screen partners is almost too insane to comprehend. He'd sooner consent to second billing in a direct-to-video thriller starring Audrina from The Hills.