We're all familiar with those year-end reflections looking back on notable people who died, reminiscing about their legacies and lives. Following that grand tradition, we want to reflect on the celebrities whose careers took a nosedive in 2007, the entertainers who failed to entertain or the stars who just didn't shine as brightly this past year. In no particular order, here's our entertainment comeback picks for 2008:
 

WHITNEY HOUSTON

The diva's expected comeback album still has no release date or title, but 2008 could be her year back in the spotlight for positive reasons. We saw Whitney at some of her worst moments in the 2005 reality series “Being Bobby Brown,” but she started to bounce back the past two years. A stint in rehab, divorcing Bobby and recording a song for the “Daddy's Little Girls” soundtrack were all steps in the right direction for a great '08.

TOM CRUISE

The actor will probably always be on Hollywood's A-list, but he might not stay a box-office draw if 2007 is any indication. “Lions for Lambs,” the first film Cruise produced with United Artists after his falling out with Paramount Pictures in 2006, was a critical and commercial flop that likely won't make back its $35 million investment, according to industry reports. Our advice to Tom for '08: Forget the political message films and stick to the genre you do best — action and adventure.

BRITNEY SPEARS

Whether it's reading about her flamboyant spending habits, her fondness for junk food and her reported drug use, Britney, like Elvis, is another so-so talented singer who has never failed to entertain us while her personal life crumbled around her. And like Elvis, who had a career comeback in 1968 with an NBC television special, Britney can make a return to glory. After a horrendous year like 2007, which saw Britney go bald, lose her kids and make a fool of herself on live TV, she can only go up. We hope.

JENNIFER HUDSON

OK, her career didn't nosedive in 2007 — she won an Oscar and appeared on the cover of Vogue — but we don't want to see this great talent and “American Idol” alum fail in '08. She has two movies coming out this year, including “Sex and the City: The Movie,” and a debut album is expected early in the year. We're rooting for you, Jen.

Melissa Renteria | 210SA Contributor