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Singer/songwriter David DeMaria hails from Jerez, Spain. Thanks to his melodic writing and strong Andalusian influence (the region credited with birthing flamenco, famous for its Middle Eastern melodic overtones), DeMaria became one of Spain's most prevalent pop music figures during the noughties. He released his first solo record independently in 1997. Though not a huge commercial success, he began to be noticed by others in the genre, which offered him the opportunity to write for artists who were at the time more successful than himself. DeMaria's songwriting became well known long before his voice, having penned number one hits for artists like Los Caños, Bustamente, and the crew from Operacion Triunfo, to name only a few. His first platinum disc as solo artist came in 2003 with Sin Miedo Perder, which was followed by 2004's Barcos de Papel, which reached double platinum status. Regular touring in Spain and promotional visits to the U.S. proved important for DeMaria's breakthrough to non-European markets, and many singles from Barcos de Papel charted in Billboard's Latin categories. His 2006 offering, Caminos de Ida y Vuelta, proved a hit with European audiences, as well as being well-received in the States and Latin America. The album was followed in 2007 by La Fuerza de la Voluntad: Grandes Éxitos and then in 2009 by Relojes de Arena. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez

Chenoa was born Maria Laura in Mar de Plata, Argentina, June 25, 1975. With both her parents working as professional musicians, Laura was exposed regularly to music and performance from an early age, favoring the sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire and other American soul/funk groups. At a very young age, Laura's parents relocated the family from Argentina, having gotten regular work in the busy hotels and clubs of the tourism-centric Mallorca, Spain. Laura's chance arose when her mother was once too sick to perform, and Laura sang in her place. She continued to sing and dance publicly throughout her school years, and upon graduation got work at the Casino de Mallorca. Opportunity knocked yet again when Laura entered into the first edition of the Spanish TV show Operacion Triunfo in 2001. Her success on the show led to her debut record release, Chenoa, in April 2002. Though many reality TV star's careers are short-lived, Chenoa generated enough hit singles and buzz to make the way for subsequent releases Mis Canciones Favoritas and Soy Mujer. Dedicated touring throughout Europe and Latin America won Chenoa quite an audience. Her 2006 release, Nada es Igual, went double platinum within a year. 2007 saw the release of Chenoa’s fourth studio album, Absurda Cenicienta, which was followed by 2009’s Desafiando la Gravedad. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez