By Leila Cobo
Fri May 19, 8:04 PM ET
 


It is pretty much a given that any "American Idol" finalist will find 
some measure of fame.

But when it comes to Latin music, the reality shows have been more 
hit-and-miss -- and a lot more "miss" for the handful of shows on 
Spanish-language TV in the United States.

Spain successfully exported its "Operacion Triunfo" finalists (most 
notably David Bisbal), and Mexico its "La Academia" finalists (Yuridia 
and Yahir). But only now has a U.S.-based show placed a star on 
Billboard's Latin music sales charts: Dominican-born, New York-raised 
21-year-old Anais.

In 2005, Anais won the second edition of Univision's reality show 
"Objetivo Fama." In April, her debut album, "Asi Soy Yo" (Univision 
Records), entered Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart at No. 11. It is 
currently at No. 26.

But Anais' success seems to have more to do with a careful marketing plan 
than with her TV exposure. Instead of rushing out an album immediately 
after the show ended its high-rated run, Univision Records waited.

After her debut single, "Atrapada," went nowhere, Univision looked for a 
more radio-friendly strategy and opted for "Lo Que Son las Cosas," a hit 
recorded years ago by Ednita Nazario. Anais rerecorded a pop version, a 
regional Mexican version with regional group Alacranes and a reggaeton 
version with Voltio.

The single debuted on Hot Latin Songs at No. 50 in March. By April 15, it 
hit No. 1 where it remained for six consecutive weeks, coinciding with 
the album's release (the track is now No. 4). Play for all three versions 
was tabulated in the Hot Latin Songs tally.

"That's a dream formula that seldom occurs with a brand-new artist," says 
Jose Behar, chairman/CEO of Univision Music Group.

"Asi Soy Yo" blends a variety of styles. At its core, it is a 
ballad-driven Latin pop album dressed up with touches of tropical and 
reggaeton. Anais says she would like her next album to be more 
"passionate" and include some English tracks.

In Anais, "Objetivo Fama" producers found someone with a remarkable voice 
who blends Latin and R&B sensibilities, telegenic looks and a story to 
tell. That combination of elements was missing in other U.S.-based 
Spanish-language reality shows, including 2003's "Protagonista de la 
Musica," 2005's "Nuevas Voces de America" (produced by Emilio Estefan) 
and even the first edition of "Objetivo Fama."

"She had everything, and she was very real," show producer and 
now-manager Ender Vega says. "People today buy attitude and talent, not 
just beauty."

Of course, Anais' looks helped. Even a small scandal involving 
questionable photos taken years before seemingly made her more likable in 
the eyes of fans, who overwhelmingly voted her the show's winner. And she 
continues to be a regular guest on the new edition of "Objetivo Fama."

"I owe my personality to the show," says Anais, who used to sing in 
karaoke bars before being selected for "Objetivo" among thousands who 
auditioned throughout the United States. "I went in as an airhead," she 
says with a laugh. "(Then) I learned you sometimes have to have a strong 
personality, and I learned how to use it. And I also improved my 
singing."

Although Anais is fluent in English, she says she went for "Objetivo 
Fama" rather than "American Idol" because she didn't like judge Simon 
Cowell's harsh style.

"We're all learning," she says. "Nobody should get mistreated."


-- 
It is simply breathtaking to watch the glee and abandon with which
the liberal media and the Angry Left have been attempting to turn
our military victory in Iraq into a second Vietnam quagmire. Too bad 
for them, it's failing.