by Jason Ankeny

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, Autentica, hit stores in 2004. Its follow-up, Necesito Libertad, appeared a year later.