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# Ruiz becomes new Internet ‘idol’
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/ruiz-becomes-new-internet-idol/
- Published: 2007-05-24T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T00:49:56.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Entertainment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

NEW YORK Yolanda Ruiz, a Latin-pop chanteuse from Santa Monica, beat out nearly 2,500 other artists in an online music-video competition to win a global recording contract with Epic Records and a year-long endorsement deal with Gibson Guitars.

Ruiz, who won in the pop category, and two other grand prize winners of the Music Nation competition will be showcased on an episode of “Stripped” — Clear Channel Radio’s in-studio performance series.

“Words cannot express how honored I feel to be part of the Music Nation and Epic/Sony BMG family,” Ruiz said. “I still can’t believe something I’ve dreamt about since I was a little girl is a reality today... Music Nation has changed my life and has made my lifelong dream come true.”

The competition served as an opportunity for independent artists to have their music heard by industry heavyweights — Charlie Walk, president of Epic Records; producer Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem (pop); Joel and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte; Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (rock); and multi-platinum rappers Nelly and The Game; as well as Mark Pitts, president of Urban Music at Jive Records (urban).

During the competition, the public, along with the panel of judges, cast votes to help artists proceed to the next round, sort of like “American Idol” online. Ruiz, who lives in the Mid-City area, prevailed as the nation’s choice in the pop category thanks to her catchy single “Loca” (http://pop.musicnation.com/v428), featuring vocalist Jabu from LA’s Ozomatli. The song combines pop melodies and Latin grooves in an ode to living wild.

The Music Nation competition, in offering artists the chance of a lifetime, attracted some of the top unsigned talent from across the Internet, according to Daniel Klaus, Music Nation co-founder and CEO.

“We created Music Nation as a platform for artist discovery and empowerment,”Klaus said.“The quality of these winning artists clearly demonstrates the potential that exists online to find and develop talent. We’re excited to be working with these artists in partnership with Epic and leverage the success they’ve had online into a sustainable recording career.”

The three winners represent a varied selection from the Music Nation community.

Santa Monica’s Ruiz captivates with her fun, Latin-pop sensuality; Las Vegas’ Kid Deposit Triumph, winner in the rock category, excels at combining intense melodies with ruthless rhythms; and Atlanta’s T-Max, winner in the urban category holds court with his smooth, relaxed flow, a spokesman for Music Nation said.

The newly signed artists join the ranks of such celebrated Epic recording artists as Good Charlotte, Modest Mouse, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.

“This experience has shown me that if you have a dream it is important to never limit yourself from the opportunities that are out there,” Ruiz said. “Music Nation definitely created a home and an outlet for independent artists and its just been such a great experience. Not only did I get to participate in the contest, but it gave me a chance to go out in the street and promote myself. That was a lot of fun.”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 24, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/052407.pdf?ref=smdp.com)