Belinda

by Evan C. Gutierrez A child actress turned recording artist, Belinda Peregrin Schull was born in Madrid in 1989 of mixed Spanish and French heritage, relocating with her family four years later to their permanent residence of Mexico City. Displaying a talent for singing and performing from a young age, Belinda starred in three television series for the Televisa station, the last of which, Complices al Rescate, featured a soundtrack on which she made her vocal debut. The amazing success of the series triggered an international tour and enormous album sales. Just before turning 14, Belinda released her debut solo record, entitled Belinda, which sold more than 800,000 copies worldwide. The subsequent tour -- Fiesta en la Azotea (meaning "party on the flat roof") -- exceeded expectations, with 1.5 million in attendance. The tour produced a live concert DVD of the same name, which was met with great success. Her first album under EMI's Norte label, Utopia, also marked her first non-Mexican production and featured some of L.A.'s most in-demand pop writers and producers. Belinda remained active on the screen as well, appearing in Disney's Cheetah Girls 2.