Rihanna, Miley, Britney, Robin Thicke. We could go on and on about celebrities determined to one-up one another in shock value.


Oh, RiRi's latest selfie is of her behind? Eh, no matter -- that has nothing on Justin Bieber's affinity for going shirtless in concerts while grabbing his crotch. Not crude enough? There's always Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" video where he's boasting about his penis size.


Thankfully, several singers avoid such sexed-up attention-seeking ploys, relying on their raw talent to captivate audiences.


No need to censor these celebs. Check out our roundup of subtle stars who pack a gimmick-free performance punch.



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  • Even though Jennifer Hudson's "American Idol" days are long gone, the singer remains a force to be reckoned with. The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/07/reality-stars-movies_n_3718753.html" target="_blank">Oscar and Grammy winner</a> simply lets her talent shine front and center -- from that incredible voice to her emotionally raw acting.




  • Adele is the queen of no frills performances. All it takes is her <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/21-10-million-copies-adele_n_2203439.html" target="_blank">mind-blowing vocal range</a> to stun audiences. Sure, she occasionally wears sparkles, but you'll never see backup dancers or vulgar costumes during her show.




  • Dave Matthews and his band have been rocking since 1989. Thanks to the singer's devoted fans, his contemporary alt rock tours continue to fill stadiums and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/19/dave-matthews-band-bob-dylan-billboard_n_1898390.html" target="_blank"> outsell other recording artists</a>. A DMB show is solely about the music -- no side distractions necessary save for a few trippy lights.




  • Sara Bareilles puts a refreshing spin on pop rock. The acclaimed songwriter shrugs off dancers, fireworks and pantsless ensembles for the piano, guitar and ukulele. Her wow factor is the bare bones <a href="http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/sara-bareilles-the-blessed-unrest-/51f0a4252b8c2a5c6c000369" target="_blank">smooth soprano voice</a> inherent to her music.




  • Whitney Houston had her diva moments during performances, but rightfully so. It was her <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/14/whitney-houston-james-blunt_n_3756107.html" target="_blank">legendary voice</a> that got attention and garnered a Guinness World Record (she was the most awarded female artist of all time in 2010), not a skin-baring music video or flashy sideshow.




  • Taylor Swift's BFF Ed Sheeran doesn't do tongue-in-cheek themed music videos. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/12/ed-sheeran-covers-britney-spears_n_3587792.html?utm_hp_ref=ed-sheeran" target="_blank">Acoustic, soulful pop </a> is more his speed. Think easy guitar strumming and a powerful set of pipes, sans hip thrusts and leather get-ups.




  • Amy Winehouse had an undeniable singing ability. Her <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/20/amy-winehouse-our-day-will-come-video_n_1103823.html" target="_blank">bluesy sound and dark, soulful lyrics </a>were truly unique. The Brit's signature makeup, piled up beehive and occasionally bare outfits were as wild as her actual performances got. She let her music speak for itself. Sadly, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/26/amy-winehouse-dead-singer-alcohol_n_1032344.html" target="_blank">Amy lost her battle with drugs and alcohol in 2011.</a>




  • The Grammy-winning band Mumford & Sons has stolen hearts worldwide with its bluegrass folk rock. Lead singer Marcus Mumford's furious guitar skills and booming vocals were the extent of the group's gimmicks. The quartet's craziest move? <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/04/mumford-and-sons-hopeless-wanderer-video_n_3705351.html" target="_blank">Tapping Will Forte, Ed Helms, Jason Sudeikis and Jason Bateman for their "Hopeless Wanderer" music video.</a>




  • Phillip Phillips is one of the most stripped down "Idol" winners, but we aren't complaining. His shtick is <a href="http://videos.huffingtonpost.com/entertainment/phillip-phillips-brings-it-home-on-new-album-517543672" target="_blank">acoustic pop rock</a> -- and that's it. Contorted dance moves, mismatched costumes or scandalous music videos would take away from his wholesome image.




  • Norah Jones is the epitome of lo-fi music. The Grammy winner prefers a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/emlittle-broken-heartsem_b_1492944.html" target="_blank">raw, real sound</a> over auto tune.




  • <a href="http://videos.huffingtonpost.com/regina-spektor-performs-the-party-live-at-wsj-cafe-517437905" target="_blank">Regina Spektor</a> has mastered eclectic authenticity. The singer fully embraces her roots, annunciating specific lyrics with her New York accent while ensuring every song has its own style (without the help of flashy fashion or crazy antics).




  • Seattle bred <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marissa-moss/fleet-foxes-live-in-conce_b_110435.html" target="_blank">Fleet Foxes crank out indie and folk classics</a> without attention-seeking add-ons. Currently, the group is rumored to be at work on third album employing their successful lyric-centric formula.