a career as a solo artist shortly after this, struggling in local bars and clubs until he got his big break in 1999 when his album Donde Estas, Corazon? (Where Are You, My Love?) became the number one album on Mexico's charts. The album's success launched his image as a "ranchera hunk" and led to his acting debut in Vivo Por Elena (I Live for Elena), where he played a struggling young singer. This was followed by acting roles in Nunca te olvidaré (I Will Never Forget You), Abrázame muy fuerte (Hold me Tight), Rebeca, and Entre el Amor y el Odio. His 2000 album, the self-titled Pablo Montero produced the number one hit "Que Voy a Hacer sin Ti?" ("What am I Going to do Without You?"). In 2001, Montero joined other artists invited to the White House South Lawn for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, where he serenaded First Lady Laura Bush. Pablo Montero was followed by 2002's "Pidemelo Todo" ("Ask Me for Everything"), which also included a number one hit single in "Hay Otra en tu Lugar" ("There's Another One in Your Place"). Also in this latter album was the great hit to the soap opera Gata Salvaje, which was titled the same as the soap opera and reached the top ten list on the charts. Later this year he was honored in Australia for his acting as Martin in Rebeca. He has composed the songs for various shows including Olvidarte jamás, Gata Salvaje, La Revancha, Abrázame muy fuerte, Duelo de Pasiones and the controversial movie El Crimen del Padre Amaro. Montero spent most of 2003 touring and preparing an album that was dedicated to legendary Mexican singer Javier Solís. This album hit the markets later in the year and was well received on a national level. He was involved in a scandal during 2003 because he had apparently not paid his employees during instances that he had not required them, such as when he was on tour, and then fired them when they demanded payment. He lost the case and was forced to pay them a settlement. In 2005, Montero signed a recording contract with Univision Records. In that year, he released his first album for Univision Records, "A Toda Ley." In 2005, he was featured in an ad campaign by clothing company Hanes with the slogan "Mira quien tiene Hanes" ("Look who has Hanes on