Orlando Naranjo
In a world where seasons change but legends remain, Ana Bárbara has established herself as an unforgettable icon of Mexican regional music and Latin pop.
With a stellar career spanning three decades, this artist has excelled as one of the leading female voices in the grupero genre, captivating millions with her versatile rhythms. During this time, the San Luis Potosí native has not only captured hearts with an extensive discography that includes 11 studio albums and 18 compilations, but has also shaped the musical style of the region.
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Check out the latest videos, charts and news
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From her eponymous debut in 1994 to becoming La Reina Grupera, Altagracia Ugalde Motta (her real name) released a string of hits with a unique energy. Twenty years ago, she released one of her signature songs and one of her most outstanding. “It was the first song to combine pop and country,” says Ana Bárbara. And, as she proudly claims, it started a trend that now influences artists such as Karin León and Chiquis.
Throughout her career, she has collaborated with legendary figures such as Vicente Fernández, Bronco and Paquita la del Barrio, and played a key role in the rise of superstars such as Christian Nodal, (more recently) Majo Aguilar and Adriana Rios. Her career reflects not only her exceptional talent on stage, but also her success on the Billboard charts. Hits such as “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta”, “La Trampa”, “Ya No Te Creo Nada” and “No Lloraré” have reached the top 10 of Hot Latin Songs, and albums such as “Ay Amor” (1996) and “Yo Soy La Mujer” (2014) have established her as a mainstay artist on the Regional Mexican Albums.
Ana Bárbara will receive the Music Lifetime Achievement Award at Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024. In this intimate conversation, the Queen of Grupera opens up a window into her world and reveals more about her accomplishments, challenges, and the passion that continues to fuel her incredible musical legacy.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of your music career and you'll soon be celebrating with the La Reina Grupera Tour.
As the song goes, the years have flown by [by Rocío Dúrcal] “It's so incredible. A lot of things happen in life, but being alive is a miracle. I'm so happy to be able to celebrate with music and touring. It's a triple blessing. Touring is a place of nostalgia, history, emotion, and emotional ups and downs. How many stories have been written in 30 years? How many stories have become part of my songs? I feel a deep gratitude from my heart that cannot be expressed in words.
Ana Bárbara sings, composes and dances. What do you enjoy most about being the superstar Ana Bárbara: recording, composing and performing live?
They all have magical powers. But the songwriting part is so exciting. It's like, “Oh my God, I came up with this! Where did it come from? What part of the universe? Where was my soul?” When I start creating, I think, do I want a guitar here, do I want a trumpet there? The creative process is like an adrenaline rush. You can also see the emotions crystallizing. They're emotions taking shape. It's exciting just talking about it. I'm finishing it now. [a song that I’m] When I listen to it, I'm so absorbed in it, I'm like, “How did they come up with this?” It's so cool. It's an indescribable feeling.
I was listening to your latest song, “Así bailé” and you have a fun way of telling stories that really puts a smile on your face.
If you listen to this song and say, “It made me laugh, it made me smile, it made me feel good,” then my job is done. This song is about an anecdote about meeting someone, and it doesn't matter your age. You can be 17, 18, 40, 50, 60, single and still have that heart flutter again. Why not? That's what I love about this song.
You use some Norteño elements like the accordion, but it also sounds a little country. What is your approach to incorporating diverse styles into your music?
It's organic. The word is popular. “Lo Busqué” is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and I was lucky enough to be with Karin Leon on Stagecoach. [Festival on April 27]And he told the audience that this was the first song that really crossed over between pop and country for him. It was a song that stood out to him and stood out to me when I wrote it.
When I wrote this song, I had a lot of trouble with the record company. They told me: “Your song is not grupera, ranchera, ballad or country”. I told them: “Do you know why it's nothing? Because it's everything”. These songs come naturally to me. I think that what made me write them was the influence of culture, of traveling and listening to all kinds of music.
Thirty years ago when you started your career, regional music in Mexico was even more male-dominated than it is today. What was it like to stand out as a female leader in the music scene and carve your own path, and what were the challenges you had to overcome?
What was the first challenge? Insecurity. This is an entirely male market. I still believe that. It's misogynistic. I say that from experience, having been in the industry for many years. [A record executive] There are five singles [to release]and Ana will be fifth. “The first ones are, most of the time, or always, very male-centric. It's insanity! Those are the career challenges that debilitate your spirit.
But you continue to fight for the “wounded pride of women,” as my song “Loca” (2004) says. [make you] Let your guard down and say things like, “She'll probably get married or have kids,” or, “Oh, she'll never get back in shape like she was before.”
No! If you are married, you are married. If you have children, congratulate them and move on. I have been a victim of these kinds of comments that can bring down any man, any woman. Don't let it lull you down. Keep going, keep fighting. If it affects you, you have to know how to channel it. I have been channeling it through singing, dancing, concerts and it has worked very well for me.
You proved that in your performance at Premio Lo Nuestro in February with a medley of your hits, multiple costume changes, choreography and leg splits! How do you prepare for that kind of physical exertion on stage? What's your diet and daily routine like?
In my humble opinion, the worst thing for artists is that what they need most is the discipline and routine – daily exercise – to be physically conditioned to be on stage singing and dancing. [artists] We are always flying, traveling, ascending and descending, and the only thing we lack is routine. But there is no regularity in waking up in the same place. In that chaos there must be order.
I try to do sports at least 3-4 times a week, especially vigorous exercise, because singing, dancing, performing, changing costumes, etc. are hard on your feet, arms and legs. And you can't be a fitness guru. [guru]Because you don't have time. One of the limitations is to look for a schedule that doesn't have a set schedule like evening, morning or dawn. Do yoga, aerobics or anything that conditions your body for such a performance.
When I'm not traveling, singing, promoting, or taking care of my home and family, the logical thing to do is to rest. No! The stress I put on my body during those breaks is what we call positive stress. Even if I'm very tired, I still exercise to prepare for the challenges of an awards presentation or a tour, because [tour] The show lasts an hour and a half or two hours, imagine being on stage in high heels at this age. [Laughs.] Yes, that is a big challenge, My Queen.
You've been a judge in competitions like “La Academia” and “Tengo Talent, Mucho Talent”. How was the experience of being on the other side of the music industry?
You could travel the world and never come across a monument to the critics. The funny thing is, the critics suddenly become cold and just say, “You know what, tata … [as judge]I always wanted contestants to feel comfortable, to feel good, and to leave with a great experience. [it can be]I always wanted to give them a ray of hope, but I tried to be realistic.
Besides touring, what else is coming up for Ana Bárbara?
I also have some music projects with new artists. My favorite Mexican singer, Maria Jose, just recorded a song. It's a song I wrote called “Mi Rey, Mi Santo” (My King, My Saint), and she actually sings it really beautifully. She asked me to sing with her. It will be released soon. [soon] We are very excited.
Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 will air exclusively on Telemundo on Sunday (June 9) at 9pm ET and will also be available on the Telemundo app and Peacock.
