Regional Mexican music/telenovela star Raúl Sandoval was introduced to listeners and viewers via the first season of TV Azteca's singing competition La Academia. Born January 5, 1979, in the capitol city of Baja California, Mexicali, Sandoval was steeped in the norteño musical tradition. His love of traditional rather than pop-flavored Mexican music would be the dynamic that set him apart from his competitors in 2002 when he graced the stage of La Academia. Over the course of the season, Sandoval's powerful voice and romantic charisma won him the hearts of viewers all over Mex...