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. Growing up in a Mexican household, he listened to the greats of Spanish romance music.and was greatly influences by 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 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. 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, Leyo humbly applied all the valuable feedback to better his craft. Leyo completed work with Legendary Producer/Songwriter Rudy Perez, Billboard Music Latin Producer of the Decade and President of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. Leyo is currently writing and collaborating with some of the finest songwriters/producers in the industry. With his unique voice, sensitive tone and passion for he has positioned himself as a rising star in the industry.