Alejandra Alberti

Imagine RBD with a slight edge and you'll get a feel for the sound of Alejandra Alberti and her self-titled debut. Produced by Yasmil Marrufo (Ricardo Arjona, Ricky Martin), the sugary Quiero and its carbonated companion Dignidad de Mujer have built enough of a buzz to land the 22-year-old Alberti a Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee (Music City USA) and raised in Miami, Florida, Alberti considers her Cuban dad and Mexican mother – a drummer and a singer, respectively – as the most important musical influences in her life. Although she speaks fluent English, she chose to record her pop-rock in Español – though that may not be an entirely romantic decision.

With the rising popularity of bands like Motel and Camila as well as the "Best New Artist" Latin Grammy nominations of fellow pop-rockers Jesse & Joy and Tulsa, the Latino mainstream may be warming to younger pop acts. If so, Alberti, a college student, could soon graduate to a bona fide teen idol.

see: myspace.com/alejandraalberti