Melissa Otero

Melissa Otero is a Puerto Rican Pop/Rock vocalist whose biggest inspirations are Celine Dion and Sarah McLachlan. The intense personal songs she writes encompasses everyday challenges that stem from being different. Raised in Puerto Rico, Melissa was obsessed with singers Gloria Estefan and Mariah Carey she heard on American radio. She was teased and dubbed the “American singer” because no one else was as focused on mainland radio. Several years after American music became popular and accepted, she had long since built a formidable foundation and audience throughout Puerto Rico. An early piano student at Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Melissa discovered music to be the ultimate communication tool. It was a way to give someone a message of hope. No matter how hard things get there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Ms. Otero’s struggles and personal survival when she landed in New York City filtered into her early lyrics and artist training. Singing to less than capacity crowds or no audience at all for her solo performances furthered strengthened her resolve to perform. She remained stoic when auditioning for A&R's in Los Angeles as just another talented beautiful singer trying to get a break. Melissa learned how to write and record her own songs. On December 25, 2008, Melissa released her debut CD entitled "My Spirit" where she chronicled episodes of her life ranging from depression to ultimately redemption. On piano ballads like "10:40 PM" or on the electronic pop/rock of "Phantom of My Heart" Melissa writes grandiose pop music with nods to Sarah McLachlan, Enigma, and Celine Dion. Her song "My First Everything" has been played in Hawaii, Colombia, Oregon, and New York City and was a #1 online radio hit. With a mature sound and an inspired vocal delivery, Melissa Otero's music and message will continue to resonate with listeners and concertgoers.