Daniel Kandlbauer

Swiss rock performer Daniel Kandlbauer, better known as simply Kandlbauer, first gained fame in 2005 as a finalist on the reality show MusicStar, an experience that led to an English-language recording career with Universal Music Group. Born on June 16, 1983, in Grindelwald, Bern, Switzerland, Kandlbauer was a finalist on MusicStar, ultimately losing to Salome Clausen. Several months after his loss on the television show, he released his debut single, "Maybe in Heaven," followed shortly thereafter by his debut album, Home (2005). Both the single and album proved popular in Switzerland, as the single became a Top Three hit single and the album a chart-topper. His subsequent releases -- Inside Out (2006) and The Shades of Light (2008) -- were also popular, if less so than his debut, charting at number 11 and 12, respectively, on the Swiss albums chart. The latter spawned a couple minor hit singles: "Power on Ice" and "Lady in Black." ~ Jason Birchmeier