Born on April 1, 1989, cellist and contemporary vocalist María Villalón was completely consumed with musical pursuits by her early teen years. Villalón recorded and released Entre Sueños (2000) and Rompe (2002), albums that honed her performance skills and developed her artistry, but did not achieve market success. Once a hopeful for the popular Spanish TV talent competition Operación Triunfo, Villalón appeared on the first season of the competition show Factor X instead, displaying instrumental prowess on the cello alongside her vocal abilities. Ultimately winning the competition, she was offered a contract with Sony BMG. Arriving in November of 2007, Te Espero Aqui displayed Villalón's unique mix of classical, pop, and traditional Spanish influences, and climbed to a spot in the nation's Top 40. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez