Prince Royce: 'I'm more independent now'

By Mary Brady

• Prince Royce says that the past three years of his musical career have helped him become a more mature artist. He feels like he is in control and more ready for what the future has in store.

  "I believe I'm more independent now. Before, since I didn't have the experience, I was always going around asking questions (about things in the music industry), and I feel like I have more control over my life now. I've grown and I've had the opportunity to travel the world and meet people," the 23-year-old told the Puerto Rican newspaper Primera Hora.

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  He credits his artistic growth to his amazing fans. The inspiration from his fans is evident on his latest album, released in April 2012. The CD features songs in both English and Spanish that have an eclectic mix of Bachata and other musical influences. His fans have responded positively: the album hit No. 1 on Billboard's Latin Songs chart.

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  The Latin pop star, who earned a spot on last year's list of 50 Most Beautiful People in People en Español will perform at the magazine's People en Español Festival on September 1 and 2 in San Antonio, Texas.