Héctor Acosta, first introduced to the tropical music world as vocalist for the famous Toros Band, first found his voice in church. As a member of the choir at San Antonio de Paula Church, Acosta discovered amid the ritual and incense his love for song. In 1982, having sung for years only inside the walls of the church, Acosta learned of a singing competition sponsored by a local radio station. Sneaking off for the qualification rounds paid off, as he ultimately took first place.