Biography:
Joy Enriquez, raised in Whittier, CA, began performing before audiences at a very young age. When she graduated from kindergarten, she entertained the parents in attendance by singing a fantastic solo. As a talented teen Enriquez entered the Orange Country Performing Arts High School. In the evenings and on weekends, she appeared at local clubs, gaining confidence and experience. Enriquez' rise to fame began in 1995 when at 15 she was selected to appear on the popular show Star Search. She won female vocalist 11 times in a row on the television series. Suddenly, after years of hard work, there were offers coming in from labels and the overwhelming choice was hers to make. It was a decision she took her time on, but finally signed with the Arista Records label. In the late '90s, Enriquez did background vocals on songs like "When You Believe," done by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston for the movie Prince of Egypt. She also lent her vocal talents on the soundtrack for the film Anna and the King, with the song "How Could I Not Love You." The tune was nominated twice for a Golden Globe Award. Enriquez recorded her own full-length album for 2000. The self-titled effort received good reviews for the singer, who was just starting out on her twenties. The first single to be released from the album was "Tell Me How You Feel." The tune is filled with pop and Latin sizzle. Some of the other tracks are "Losing the Love," "Someday," and "Shake Up the Party." ~ Charlotte Dillon, All Music Guide