Natalie Mendez was born June 30, 1986 on Long Island, New York to Salvadorian parents. This “R&B singer/songwriter sensation†has been entertaining audiences since the tender age of 5 and began writing at the age of 13. As a young girl, her parents exposed her to a variety of musical genres including: Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue to Rock, Blues and Hip Hop. At an early age Natalie discovered her gift of song and later on began writing poems about everyday experiences and incorporating them to melodies. People were left in awe when they heard such a powerhouse voice coming from such a petite frame. Some of her musical influences include Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, La India, Juan Luis Guerra, Huey Dunbar, Micheal Jackson and Stevie Wonder. She sang in her church’s choir from age 6-14 and continued singing throughout her high school career in Central Islip High School’s Show Choir, Concert Choir and Sweet Adelines. Natalie was also Captain of her high school’s Fuerza Latina’s Dance Team for a Year. Through Fuerza Latina, Natalie was given the opportunity to perform in the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC and also performed on local television show "Vivan Los Jovenes." Natalie also played the lead role of "Dorothy" in "The Wiz" musical through Diversity Dance Inc. under the direction of Richie Medina, acting coach to stars such as Jennifer Lopez. Natalie displayed her talent through many talent shows, dance recitals and singing competitions and was one of the top 10 finalist for WBLI’s (106.1 fm) 1st anuual “Long Island Idol†with her rendition of “A Moment Like this†by Kelly Clarkson. Now at 20 years old Natalie continues striving for her dream. There are so many singers that go unrecognized especially Latina singers. This Latina is ready to rock the industry!