Yahir - + Allá (2016)

Latin pop singer Yahir came to the attention of listeners as a contestant on the Mexican television talent show La Academia. Born Yahir Othón Parra, he took to singing at an early age, appearing with mariachi bands when he was only eight years old. His appearance on La Academia, considered the American Idol of Mexico, catapulted him to fame and resulted not only in his 2003 self-titled debut, but led to appearances on three popular Mexican telenovelas as well. In 2004 Yahir released his sophomore album, Otra Historia de Amor, which was an instant smash hit in Mexico, selling 50,000 copies in just two days, and eventually going triple platinum. In the next decade Yahir moved from strength to strength, releasing two further original studio albums, 2006's Con el Alma Entre las Manos and 2009's Elemental; a greatest-hits collection with 2007's Recuerdos, and two tribute albums. 2005's No Te Apartes de Mi paid homage to the great Brazilian singer/songwriter Roberto Carlos, and 2012's Sexto paid tribute to '80s balladeer Camilo Sesto. That year, Yahir came full-circle, appearing as a judge on La Academia, the show on which he made his name. ~ Wade Kergan & John D. Buchanan.