Mexican-American singer Estevie is creating quite a stir. Her debut album, Cumbialicious, has positioned her as an exciting new presence on the Latin pop scene. The California native’s voice has been compared to “bubblegum pop” singers Gwen Stefani (one of her biggest influences) and Fergie, but she brings regional Mexican styles like cumbia and norteño to her work.

She competed in her first singing competition at age 11, the Mexican reality show, Academia Kids. Growing up as Sarah Silva, she listened to traditional Mexican singers as well as American pop, running the gamut from Linda Ronstadt, Ana Bárbara, and Alicia Villarreal to Mariah Carey and Britney Spears.

Her stage name is in tribute to her family, who helps to manage her career. The names Steve, Steven, and Stephanie run throughout. Staying true to her Mexican roots and her California upbringing, she decided to sing in both Spanish and English. She explained to the LA Times that she feels very comfortable in the middle of US and Mexican cultures. Whatever her next move is, she’s sure to garner a lot of attention.