Leonardo Mendez was born in Orange County California. Affectionately called “Leyo”, he first realized he could sing when a lady at church next to him said he had an amazing voice and should join the choir. Not skipping a beat, he did as she suggested and joined the praise and worship team at church.

Growing up in a Mexican household, he listened to the greats of Spanish and English romantic music. Leyo discovered his deep admiration for the genre. Practicing and singing to influential artists like Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel, Christian Castro, Luis Fonsi, George Michael, Josh Groban and Ricky Martin. His deep, rich tone and vocal range allows him to tell the story of the greatest ballads with great intimacy, tenderness and power.

In 2008, a chance audition landed him a place on Telefutura’s singing competition reality show, Objetivo Fama Season 5. Sharing a house and stage with 20 other aspiring singers from all over Latin America and the US. Known as "el bufon de la casa", "the joker," Leyo quickly became a fan favorite. Competing and performing songs by some of music’s greatest vocalist like Marc Anthony, Christian Castro and Pepe Aguilar.

Leyo continued to grow into his own as a vocalist from this experience, coached by show judges and industry experts Roberto Sueiro, Fernando Allende and Mexican singer Jimena. A great student, Leo humbly applied all the valuable feedback to better his craft. The run on Objetivo Fama 05 came to an end on the show but his visibility in the public eye remained.

His sexy smile, striking looks, infectious laugh and outgoing personality made him a regular correspondent for Sin Editar, an entertainment magazine show, solidifying him as a favorite personality on Puerto Rican television.

Leyo has recently completed his debut single “Dime Que Si” to be released on June 25th.

Leyo will be working with Legendary Producer/Songwriter Rudy Perez, Billboard Music Latin Producer of the Decade and President of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in Miami as a participant of the Ida Program in July. Alongside with mentors Singer/Songwriter Jon Secada, Producer/Songwriter Mark Hudson and iconic sound engineer David Frangioni .

Leyo has positioned himself as a rising star in the industry. His unique voice, sensitive tone and passion for lyrics are reflected in every note he sings.

Leyo is set to be one of the greatest balladeers of his generation bringing a fresh and sexy approach to contemporary Latin music.
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