Yuridia

In just a few months, Yuridia Gaxiola went from being an unassuming high school student in Mesa, Arizona to a dazzling pop star in Mexico. Like so many performers launched by a single but stunning television appearance, the then 17-year-old became a sensation when she placed second in La Academia, a popular Big Brother-meets-American Idol reality TV show.

After debuting with the full-length La Voz De Un Ángel (The Voice of an Angel), Yuridia released Habla El Corazón (The Heart Speaks), featuring covers of songs by Bon Jovi, Yuri, Roxette and Robbie Williams. The album went platinum in México.

Yuridia's overnight celebrity in Mexico may stem in part from her ability to transform from a modest "shy girl" into a fierce performer while on-stage. But soon after releasing her second album, it was her private life which made headlines: the demure Yuridia was pregnant with La Academia co-star Edgar Guerrero. When her career was momentarily put on hold, many wondered if the young mother would ever return to the stage. But with the 2007 release of Ahora Entendí (Now I Understand) – co-written by Camila's Mario Domm – Yuridia put rumors of her retirement to rest. The single eventually reached the number one spot in México.

Yuridia's third album, Entre Mariposas, is her first release with original material, and features collaborations with members of guitar pop acts Sin Bandera, Reik and Camila as well as production by pop empresario Javier Calderón. Now a mature 21-years old, Yuridia won a Latin Billboard Award for Best Pop Female Album in 2007 and is currently touring the United States. Despite the accolades and robust sales of her new tunes, Yuridia cites motherhood as the greatest inspiration in her life: "[It] has showed me what is most important in real life."