Latin pop singer Merche was among the galaxy of stars launched via the Spanish television amateur talent showcase Operación Triunfo. Born Merche Trujillo Calleata in Cadiz, Spain, on June 14, 1974, she competed in the program's 2002 debut season and, while not a winner, earned a strong enough fan following to land a record deal with the Vale Music imprint. Merche's debut LP, Mi Sueño, arrived in stores in 2002 and included the hit single "No Pidas Mas Amor". Its follow-up, Auténtica, appeared in 2004, going platinum like Mi Sueño before 2005's Necesito libertad went double platinum in Spain. Merche's success continued on Cal y Arena (2007) and Acordes de Mi Diario (2010). ~ Jason Ankeny