Maria Mena

In 2001, native Norwegian Maria Mena became a teen singing sensation when her single "My Lullaby" blew up in that country on ringtone and radio. More singles followed, as did the hot-selling album Another Phase, and Mena's cred spread throughout Europe. By 2004 Mena was 18, and ready to take her dark-eyed glamour and smooth, faintly alternative pop (aided in craft by Norwegian songwriter/producer Arvid Solvang) to the international stage. White Turns Blue, Mena's full-length domestic debut, dropped in July 2004. It featured slightly tweaked tracks from Mena's European output, and set her sights on a well-timed U.S. pop takeover. ~ Johnny Loftus