Hector Acosta (El Torito)

After winning a talent contest at age 15, Dominican singer Héctor Acosta spent several years performing locally before he was recruited to join the famed merengue outfit Los Toros Band. ∙ El Torito, as he’s known, helped Los Toros Band become a tropical radio staple with his smooth vocals on the hits “Si Tú Estuvíeras” and “Loca Conmigo.” ∙ He began experimenting with bachata on his 2006 solo debut, Sigo Siendo Yo, which featured the hit single “Me Voy,” written by Latin pop superstar Romeo Santos. ∙ After hitting No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart with a cover of Jorge Celedón’s “Sin Perdón,” he landed on top again, thanks to “Me Vío Llorar,” a duet with the Colombian singer. ∙ Premios Soberano has honored him with over a dozen awards, including its top prize, El Gran Soberano, which he won in 2013. ∙ Following a decade-long flirtation with political aspirations, he was elected as senator for his home province, Monseñor Nouel, in 2020.