by Drago BonacichPop act Mercurio was formed in the mid-'90s in Puebla, Mexico. A short time after their first album came out in 1995, Mercurio became one of the most popular group of singers and dancers in their country. In 1996, the band had the chance to perform as a Ricky Martin's opening act at Guadalajara's Plaza de Toros. Later, Mercurio was performing along with Jeans and Kairo at Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional. "Como Decirle Que la Quiero was Mercurio's first hit single and video. While their popularity was growing, the band traveled to Colombia and later to the Vatican to meet Pope John Paul II. Chicas Chic was released in 1997. That year, Mercurio received the Eres' Best Pop Band Award, getting it again in 1998 being also recognized as the Best Live Act. 1998's Es Tiempo de Vivir was followed by a compilation released in 1999 called Fenómeno. In March 2000 Elias, Rodrigo, Alex, Adrián, and Mike started touring Central America while their record Evolución was getting gold status in Mexico.