Since YouTube took the internet by storm only a few years ago, several aspiring musicians have used it as a means of reaching the public eye. Colbie Caillat used a MySpace/YouTube approach to landing a record deal with Universal and new popstar Kat Deluna (of American disgrace fame) used a viral vid to get a deal with Epic. But a new trend in the past year has new musicians hungry for fans turning a new leaf, taking cover songs to a new level. I've always thought people who can transcribe music across genres are pretty cool - here's some of the best cover artists making a name online:

Alejandro Manzano - "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)"

Originally by Wyclef Jean

Current Views: 1,465,485

Alejandro Manzano is one of the few acoustic performers on YouTube who you can tell is going somewhere. Frontman of the Florida-based band Boyce Avenue, Alejandro and his brothers have really embraced the viral market when it comes to getting a foot into the music industry. They have done several covers of popular songs and developed one of the most subscribed channels on YouTube. This acoustic version of Wyclef's "Sweetest Girl" is by far the best one in our opinion. Other notable ones would be the piano rendition of Usher's "Love in This Club" and his cover of "Umberella" which has seen over three million views in the past year. I think every girl reading this just died.

Matt Weedle - "Hey Ya"

Originally by Outkast

Current Views: 2,719.783

Matt Weedle of the Arizona based folk trio Obadiah Parker garnered some national attention when a friend of his put a video of him playing Outkast's breakout 2003 hit "Hey Ya" at an acoustic open mic in Tempe. The song was picked up by several radio stations nationwide, namely Chicago's Q101 Alternative station. The acoustic cover quickly became a hit and rode top of the request lines for a few weeks in the Windy City. The song is still getting radio play and the band released a new album on ITunes with Weedle's great interpretation backed by a full band. Want more - Official Site.

Millow - "Ayo Technology"

Originally by 50 Cent

Current Views: 412,584

This 26 year-old Belgian singer/songwriter performed a soulful acoustic version of 50 Cent's track "Ayo Technology". For those who don't remember, it was the easily forgotten club banger that was more recognizable as Justin Timberlake track than 50 Cent during his losing battle against Kanye West. It helped Millow to the release of his own album back in February called Coming of Age. More from Millow here.

David Sides - "Superstar"

Originally by Lupe Fiasco ft. Matt Santos

Current Views: 439,236 (since end of May)

Unlike the other performers on this list, David Sides doesn't sing. He just rocks. The accomplished 24 year old piano player from Riverside, CA, is able to blend beats and melodies side by side on the piano from some of the biggest names in Hip Hop. Several of his covers have seen millions of views and it has no looks of stopping. Playing primarily by ear (that means no sheet music, kids), D-Sides has gone from YouTube to booking live shows at several colleges and a spot on the bill at the 2008 Playboy Spring Break Party in Mexico. Hailed as a "Mozart Gone Hip Hop", he has probably done a cover of every song Top 40 has seen in the past year. Check his MySpace.

Gabe Bondoc - "Burning Up"

Originally by Jonas Brothers

Current Views: 30,287 (in past week)

Gabe Bondoc strikes us as the type of guy who learned how to play guitar to land ass. His video channel dubbed "One Track Session" features him on a MacBook video playing every cover he can teach himself. Guy has a good voice and puts some unique John Mayer-esque crescendos on his vocals, but judging from the banter I don't think I'd talk to him if I met him in a bar. But the music is good and hell if the guy isn't committed to his craft. You can see all Gabe's videos on his YouTube page.

The Kooks - "Crazy"

Originally by Gnarls Barkley

Current Views: 91,709

While the up-and-coming musicians of YouTube covers are getting attention, don't think established acts aren't reinventing popular songs and seeing some viral fame. British rockers The Kooks have gotten involved, posting a cover of Gnarls Barkley 2006 summer hit "Crazy" while waltzing around streets of Paris. It's an interesting version and definitely drives home the idea of putting personal touches on the tuneage. The Kooks have a new album. You should buy it if you haven't already. Website

Download the Music Off YouTube?

Want the songs? Check this out - not saying this is the best way to get the music above, but all you do is insert the video's URL and it'll download onto your computer. Link is here - YouTubeCatcher.com