Valeria

A dance-pop vocalist, actress, and songwriter, Valeria’s career breakthrough came in 2007 thanks to the television series Gossip Girl and some possibly provocative lyrics. She was born Valeria Andrews in Australia where she appeared in productions of the opera Falstaff plus the musical Annie. With her father completely infatuated with Hollywood, Valeria landed in California at the age of 11, but a couple years later an illness would force dad back home. Committed to becoming a star, Valeria stayed and became a ward of the court. At the age of 15 she appeared in Sister Act 2 with Whoopi Goldberg and co-wrote the song “Pay Attention” for the soundtrack. Two soundtrack appearances — her cover version of “Rhythm of the Night” for Moulin Rogue and her original composition “Ooh La La” for Legally Blonde — would come six years later while television roles on the PBS series American Family plus the George Lopez show would help pay the bills. After appearing in the 2003 film Just Married and frequently flying to Kyoto, Japan for a four shows a night/six days a week gig, she caught the attention of Interscope records and music mogul Jimmy Iovine. Signed to the label, her first single was “Girl I Told Ya” with Paradiso Girls member Aria. The song was inspired by support from female fans, but with lyrics like “Daddy she’s sleeping over” over a sexy, ’80s-styled backing track, it became a massive hit in gay dance clubs. As it was being featured on an episode of Gossip Girl, Valeria announced she was working on her debut album with a planned release in 2008. ~ David Jeffries