Alejandra Margarita Ávalos Rodríguez (born October 17, 1968[8]) is a Mexican singer, musician and actress.[9][10] She began her career in 1980,[11] when she took part in the musical contest La Voz del Heraldo.[12] After receiving a scholarship to study in a two-year training program, she began working as a model; afterwards, she began appearing on television as a supporting actress in 1983; by that time she also provided backing vocals for some recording artists.[1] Since 1984, Ávalos obtained a number of leading roles on stage, including the theatrical productions The Rocky Horror Show and Jesus Christ Superstar. At the time, she began working as a TV host on Televisa.[13] Avalos's breakthrough came in 1986 with her first leading role on television in the successful series El padre Gallo, media referred to Ávalos as "The New Young Super-Star".[14]
In 1987, Ávalos signed to Warner Music Group, afterwards, she released her debut album Ser o No Ser (1988), it was followed by the successful albums Amor Fasciname (1990) and Amor Sin Dueño (1991); a number of singles were taken from such albums, including "Contigo o Sin Tí, "Aparentemente", "Tu Hombre Yo Niña", "Amor Fasciname", "Casualidad" and "Como Puedes Saber";[15][16] she also recorded the duet "Te Quiero Así" with José José.[17] Her music also incorporates elements of Mariachi (Mi Corazón Se Regala, 1996), Bolero-pop (Una Mujer, 1999), Big Band (Radio Diva, 2005) and electronic dance music (Te Sigo Queriendo, 2016) among others.[18][19]
In 2018, for the first time in over 30 years, Ávalos starred in a big budget musical, playing Doña Mariquita in the 4D stage productionCapricho-LivExperience, an adaptation of Miguel Barnet's multi-awarded coming-of-age novel Canción de Rachel;[24][25] furthermore, the artist released her eighth studio album México Majestuoso Vol.I on the same day as its counterpart México Majestuoso Vol. II; the digital version was released on October 31, as a double album; produced and co-written by Ávalos, it became the first double release in her career, an homage to the greatest singer-songwriters through Mexico's folk music history.[26][27]
On December 18, 2022, Ávalos, competed and eventually, she became one of the winners during the Final competition of the reality cooking show MasterChef Celebrity México, accompanied by her daughter, the Italian entrepreneur and fashion model Valentina Benaglio.[28][29]
Early life
Ávalos was born on October 17, 1968, in Mexico City as the eldest child of Carlos Mario Ávalos y Solano and Ninfa Margarita Rodríguez, a model during the 1960s.[3][30] Ávalos had a Catholic upbringing. She has an older brother – José Alberto Ávalos. Her father was an architect, government official and writer, who died in 2016 at the age of 84.[31][32][33] Ávalos attended Universidad IberoAmericana, where she studied for a bachelor's degree in communications. On July 19, 1996, Ávalos gave birth to her first daughter, taking a one-year hiatus to take care of her child.[34] Her daughter, the Italian-Mexican model Valentina Benaglio,
earned a bachelor's degree in communications at Universidad IberoAmericana; Benaglio was a brand strategist, writer and redactor in several fashion magazines in Mexico city; then, she moved to New York City, where she became an entrepreneur, data scientist, brand creator and corporate manager.[35][36][37]
"My Daughter´s first cry is something I will remember my whole life..for the time being, we want to devote ourselves entirely to Valentina'"
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ávalos was involved in a number of competitions, but it was not until 1980 when she took part in a major event, La Voz del Heraldo,[1] one of the most important musical contests in Mexico; although she was not officially registered, Ávalos took part in the competition, singing songs by Juan Carlos Calderón, but she was disqualified; nevertheless, she was given a scholarship to study for two years at Centro de Capacitación de los Iniciadores de la Televisión Mexicana.[38][39] Since her professional debut at La Voz del Heraldo, Ávalos has been performing within a wide vocal range; she has been classified as a mezzosoprano.[40][41][42] In 1983, Ávalos obtained an offer by The Coca-Cola Company´s Sidral Mundet to appear as a model in a TV commercial; later, Ávalos had her first acting work, she appeared uncredited as a nurse in the 1983 drama "Amalia Batista". At the time, Ávalos took part in the contest "Festival de la canción de la Ibero", she won first place unanimously; then she was given another scholarship among 4000 aspirants to study at Centro de Capacitación Mexicana (Televisa); her acting coach Sergio Jiménez, referred to Ávalos as "The most energetic and outstanding student".[43]
1984–1988: Mainstream success, theater, and debut album
Breakthrough
After some modeling work, Ávalos began appearing in several stage productions in 1984; first, portraying supporting roles and providing backing vocals in plays such as El Títere-Pinocchio by Chespirito or Fausto Musical,[44] subsequently she portrayed the leading role of Mary Magdalene on Jesus Christ Superstar, initially, she was the replacement; Ávalos also provided lead and backing vocals on stage and the official LP.[45][46] In 1985, Ávalos continued her work on stage, and became the TV host on El Mundo de VideoCentro, a documentary series about the history of the international film industry;[13] on the other hand, Ávalos recorded what was supposed to be her debut studio album alongside the successful production teamKiko Campos-Fernando Riba; the release of her new wave/Italian rock-oriented album was cancelled.[47] Meanwhile, Ávalos was hired by several teenage groups as a backing vocalist.[38][44][48][49]
After several years of modeling, acting work and studio recordings, Ávalos met Hispavox CEO Honorio Herrero in Spain in 1987, who previously worked for Luis Miguel´s breakout recording Palabra de Honor;[67] afterwards, Ávalos signed to Warner Music Group after a meeting in Spain between Herrero and the WEA executive chairman René León. At the time, Ávalos made her first appearance as a soloist for an international broadcasting on "Siempre en Domingo", performing a ten-minute Broadway-medley that included "West Side Story", "The Rocky Horror Show", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Zoot Suit", host Raúl Velasco said "..you have to take your hat off to Ávalos".[68][69]
The recording of "Ser o No Ser" began in 1987 produced by Honorio Herrero; all the instrumental tracks and some vocals were recorded in London; additional vocals and arrangements were recorded in Miami, Florida. In 1988, Ávalos released her debut solo LP "Ser o No Ser", available in two different versions.[70][71] The album spawned a number of hit singles including, "Ser O No Ser", a new wave track which became the debut solo single in Ávalos´ career, the power rock ballad "Punto final", "Tren Tren Tren", "Corazón al Viento" and "Numero 1"; nevertheless, the best selling single was "Tu hombre, Yo Niña", which brought Ávalos wide recognition; a promotional video was made for the song for Siempre en Domingo. By the time, Eurovision winner Juan Carlos Calderón, who was working with Herb Alpert, reached a contractual agreement with Ávalos in 1989.[38][72][73]
By the time, she took part for the first time in the most important music competition in IberoAmerica, the OTI International Music Festival; she competed with the song "Simple y Llanamente" specially written and composed for Ávalos by Pedro Alberto Cárdenas, the event brought her international attention.[74][75][76]
1989–1994: Height of fame, and departure from Warner Bros.
Amor Fasciname and OTI International Music Festival
In the fall of 1989, Ávalos finished recording the album "Amor Fasciname" in Madrid, Spain; at the same time, Ávalos released the promotional recording "Cielo Rojo (live)",[55][77][78] a folk-huapango song, which required the use of the falsetto technique.[73] Later in December, Ávalos released the first promo from the upcoming album, the title track "Amor Fasciname", soon after, in January 1990, both the physical single and the album were officially released; at the time, "Amor Fasciname" became the best-selling single by the artist; the album provided a number of successful songs, including the electronic rock/new wave track "Lo Que Pasó Pasó",[79] and "Contigo o Sin Tí", a power ballad for which, she filmed her first official music video. Other notable singles are "Casualidad", "Tres Veces No", "Amame"[80] "Nada Nuevo Bajo El Sol" and "Dos Veces", the latter was originally written and recorded by Ávalos in 1982.[38][81][82][83] By the time, Ávalos released the successful new wave single "Ámame Hoy".[84][85] Simultaneously, she released a Spanish version of the song We'll Be Together, originally by British musician Sting. In September, Ávalos made her second consecutive appearance at OTI Festival, unlike the 1989 competition, she became one of the winners; with the song "Viernes Primero", exclusively written for Ávalos once again by Orchestra conductor Pedro Alberto Cárdenas; 24 years later, she alongside other OTI winners released a compilation album supported by a tour.[86][87][88][89]
In 1991, screenwriter Laura Esquivel offered Ávalos the leading role of "Tita" in the Golden Globe nominee film Like Water for Chocolate "(Como Agua Para Chocolate)", she was the original choice, but she turned down the offer.[90][91][92] Soon after, Ávalos starred in the romance-thriller "Amor y Venganza", she also recorded the soundtrack.[93]
Como Puedes Saber and Show de Gala Internacional
After being named "The Show-Woman of México" by media, Ávalos released her third album under WEA, "Amor Sin Dueño", produced by Calderón in collaboration with John Robinson and Paul Jackson Jr.; recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders Studios, Hollywood, CA.[94] and Madrid Spain, it became her last studio recording under Warner Brothers; the album spawned several hit singles, including "No No No", "Obligame" (ft vocals by K. C. Porter),[94][95][96] "Amor Sin Dueño" and "Volverás y Volveré"; nevertheless, the most successful songs were the lead single "Aparentemente",[97] and the signature single "Como Puedes Saber",[98][99][100] During the second half of 1991, Ávalos embarked on the "Amor Sin Dueño" Tour, which included night club and massive live performances; it lasted until mid-1995, and reached its peak in 1993, when Ávalos created the project "Show de Gala Internacional", that included several multiple changes of stage and costumes, and multiple music genres such as rock, electronica, Big band, bolero, mariachi, funk, latin ballad and Rhythm and blues.[83][97][101] In December, Ávalos released the single "Tu-Ru-Ra", featuring vocals by Fher, from Maná. On February 18, 1992, Warner music released "Amor Sin Dueño" in the United States.[102]
In 1987, Ávalos was banned from acting for five years, due to a legal dispute between Warner Bros. and Televisa; it was triggered after the contractual agreement between her and the record label; the conflict also affected other recording artists and all the film and television agreements in IberoAmerica.[38][103] Subsequently, Ávalos resigned from Warner Bros; therefore, in 1992, she was offered the leading role for the highly rated teenage series "Tenías que ser tú", she also recorded the soundtrack in collaboration with composer/orchestra conductor Pedro Plascencia Salinas, including the six-minute suite "Tenías Que Ser Tú" ("It Had to Be You").[104][105] In late 1992, Ávalos released the soft-rock ballad "Para Que Engañarnos", it became her last collaboration with Spanish composer Juan Carlos Calderón.[106]
In early 1993, Ávalos toured LatinAmerica with "Tenías Que Ser Tú 93", that included a number of consecutive shows at the defunct Cabaret "El Patio".[107] subsequently, she released "Perdonar", her first single released after her departure from Warner Bros. In 1994, it was scheduled a techno-house music album under Warner Bros., it was cancelled.[108][109][110]
1995–1999: Move to Epic, folk music and acting success
Perdóname Todo and La Reina del Mariachi
In 1995, Ávalos signed a recording contract with Epic Records, all the previous demos for her unreleased fourth album with Warner Bros. were discarded; afterwards, at the request of her new record label, she began recording songs in other different genres, including Bolero, ranchero and mariachi. In March 1995, the premiere of the highly anticipated drama film "Perdóname Todo" is carried out, Ávalos portrayed an emerging talent, victim of emotional and physical abuse by her alcoholic husband, a decadent musician, portrayed by iconic singer José José; at the same time, both José and Ávalos released the successful ballad "Te Quiero Así",[111] the main theme from the film; the song had its premiere during the 1995 "El Heraldo de México" awards. It became the last acting work for both Jose and co-star Claudio Brook.[5][6][112][113]
Subsequently, Ávalos officially began her career as a Mariachi performer during the "II Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi" held in Guadalajara, Mexico; she was named by the media "La Madrina y Reina del Mariachi de México" in 1995 and 1996.[119][120][121][122][123] In late 1995, Ávalos officially closed a recording deal with Epic Records, subsequently, she finished recording "Mi Corazón se Regala", her first Mariachi studio album, It was released in IberoAmerica in 1996,[124] and in the United States in February 1997. The album spawned a number of successful songs, including "Mi Corazón se Regala" (lead single accompanied by a music video),[125] "Pena Negra" and "Si Tu Cuerpo", all of them released in 1996; later, it was released "Ayer Hablé Con Mi Orgullo" (lead single in the United States accompanied by a music video).[100][126]
To support her first Mariachi studio album, both, Ávalos and singer Vicente Fernández (commonly known as "The King of Ranchera Music") went on tour during 1995 and 1996.[133] At the time, Ávalos released under Sony the folk song "Ojitos Traidores" which combines elements of cante gitano and Mariachi, an homage to Javier Solís.[134][135] Later on, Ávalos decided to retire for a while to take care of her newborn Valentina Benaglio.[34][136] In 1997, Ávalos is hired to become the official image for TelevisaMonterrey. In 1998, Ávalos released under Melody Records the single "Una Madre Como Tú".[117][137]
In November 1999, Ávalos released "Danza del Milenio", a power pop/cumbia song, recorded in collaboration with Televisa and Pernod Ricard; it was accompanied by an expensive music video to promote Brandy Presidente by Casa Pedro Domecq.[143] By the time, Ávalos obtained her seventh leading role on stage, she portrayed "Doña Ines de Ulloa" in the religious-fantasy drama "Don Juan Tenorio" performed at Diego Riveratheater.[144][145]
2000–present: Big band, electronic music and upcoming projects
In 2001, Ávalos launched an art exhibition in collaboration with American artist Nadine Markova called "Sexaciones", it was released in order to spread social and environmental awareness, and addressed multiple topics including sexual harassment, menstruation and international political conflicts. The inauguration was held at Plaza de la Ciudadela, Historic center of Mexico City and in the multi-cultural neighborhood Polanco, Mexico City, it was attended by many personalities from the political and cultural environment including painter/sculptor José Luis Cuevas. The royalties from the exhibition were donated to HIV/AIDS and Breast cancer foundations.[153][154][155]
In 2002, Ávalos finished recording 20 tracks, all of them written and produced by the artist herself, for an upcoming pop-rock/electronica album called "Evolución"; the songs were recorded in English, Spanish and Italian language versions. In 2003, Ávalos resigned from her record label Sony Music, therefore, the expected follow-up album "Evolución" was scrapped.[156][157] In 2004, after a brief hiatus, having spent time facing problems in her personal and professional life,[158][159] Ávalos portrayed the main antagonist in the successful romance-drama "Apuesta por un amor".[160][161]
Viña del Mar Music Festival, and Electronic dance music
In February 2006, Ávalos was invited to perform at Viña del Mar International Song Festival, Chile; her performance was not only for entertainment purposes, she entered directly into the "International Competition", in which, she was the headliner during the second and final stage; subsequently, Ávalos became one of the finalists with the power-ballad "Arder";[23][171][172][173] the event was broadcast via television to many Latin American countries, expanding Avalos' fame throughout the continent.[174][175] Shortly afterwards, Ávalos returned to the stage; she took the leading role in the satirical comedy "Una Mujer Compartida".[174][175] In 2007, Ávalos finished recording her upcoming pop-rock/Electronica album "Te Sigo Queriendo", all the tracks were written by the artist herself. The official release was delayed for seven years.[157][176] By 2008, Ávalos began filming the romantic comedy "Un Tigre en la Cama", she was hired to portray the female leading role; the film had its official premiere in February 2009.[177][178][179][180]
On September 15, 2009, Ávalos gave a concert in front of an audience of over 80 000 people at Zócalo (Mexico City Main Square), during the Independence Day celebration, hosted by Mexican President Felipe Calderón.[181] In early 2010, Ávalos became part of the supergroup "Ellas Las Divas" alongside jazz singer Lila Deneken, they signed to "Continental" and released the studio album "Como Dos Tragos de Tequila" on August 1, 2010.[182][183][184]
Shortly afterwards, Ávalos returned to her solo career; she performed live at several events during 2010, including the 2010 NASCARCorona Series (the first Night Shift auto racing in Mexico and LatinAmerica); she opened the Pennzoil 240 racing competition with her performance of the Mexican National Anthem.[185][186][187][188] Meanwhile, she appeared in the comedy series "Humor a Quien Humor Merece".[161] In 2011, Ávalos appeared in the romance/drama series "Esperanza del corazón", at the request of producer Luis de Llano Macedo, she re-recorded a norteña version of her 2007 pop/rock track "Te Sigo Queriendo"; which became the main theme from the series.[189][190]
On September 3, 2012, Columbia Records released the pop rock/bolero/latin dance album "Una Mujer", written by Colombian composer Kike Santander, it was originally scheduled for a worldwide release under Sony Music in 1998, but it was cancelled at the last minute by the new executive vice-president of A&R at Sony. By the time, Ávalos guest-starred in the horror/anthology Tv series "Historias Delirantes", broadcast only in the United States.[140][191]
In 2013, Ávalos was hired to portray the leading role as a medical assistant in the thematic series Nueva vida [es] alongside Héctor Suárez Gomís; supported by a large cast, the show was created to address multiple female health issues, including pregnancy and maternity.[192][193][194] In late 2013, Ávalos joined other former OTI Festival winners, including Manoella Torres, to begin an extensive tour across LatinAmerica and the U.S.[86][195][196][197]
In 2014, Ávalos portrayed the leading role and provided lead vocals during the premiere of the stage play "Amar y Querer", it became her first collaboration with José José since 1995.[198][199] In the summer of that year, after seven years of having been recorded, Ávalos released the pop-rock/emo-inspired album "Te Sigo Queriendo"; all the tracks were written, composed and produced by the artist herself.[200][201][202][203] The album was first released in 2014 in some online music stores, later, it was released on iTunes and Apple Music on July 6, 2015; it is scheduled a tour to support the album; Ávalos will play the piano and guitar live, accompanied by a backup band[202][204][205][206][207]
In early 2015, Ávalos embarked on a solo tour; later on, she starred as antagonist in some Tv series.[208][209][210] Ávalos returned to the stage in September of the same year; she created a large-scale musical show called "México Lindo Y Querido"; Ávalos took the leading role and was accompanied by a number of comedians, musicians, actors, extras and dancers, supported by the "Villas de Chalco girls' choir" (homeless children foundation); the show also included multiple stages, outfit changes, mariachi, impersonations and a Dance of the Flyers performance by "Los Voladores de Papantla"; the stage production had its premiere in Mexico City; subsequently, Ávalos went on tour with "México Lindo Y Querido".[211][212][213][214]
On September 5, 2016, Ávalos became one of the main acts during the first posthumous homage to singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel held at "Palacio de Bellas Artes", both met in the mid-1990s, when Gabriel gave Ávalos a song for her first Mariachi album "Mi Corazón Se Regala";[215][216][217][218][219]
Musical productions in 4D, cinema streaming & Evolution
Ávalos received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 4th annual FAMA-LATINOS Awards ceremony held on February 24, 2018, at Queens Theatre in the Park, New York City, for four decades of acting and musical career; the singer/songwriter dedicated the award to her daughter, the painter/writer Valentina Benaglio.
Written and composed by Ávalos, "Angeles Sin Alas" will be the lead single from her upcoming ninth studio album titled Evolución (Evolution), an experimental project, scheduled for release in late 2019, which will venture into a large number of genres including New-age music, ambient, techno and Avant Garde. The first demo recordings of Evolución were written between 1997 and 1999.[232][233][234][235]
Other activities
Business endeavours
Having signed a deal with Avon Products, Inc, Ávalos became the new model of the 1986 cosmetic ad campaign. In 1989, Ávalos signed a contract with Bacardi Limited to be the face of its official media ad campaign from 1990 to 1993, supported by other actors including Eugenio Derbez.[4] In 2002, Ávalos launched a line of beauty-related products and cosmetics derived from natural sources.[236][237]
"Amor Fasciname" "Contigo O Sin Tí" "Casualidad" "Lo Que Pasó, Pasó" "Por Fín" "Amame" "Si Supieras" "Tres Veces No" "Dos Veces" "Nada Nuevo Bajo El sol"
"Amor Sin Dueño (Tierra De Nadie)" "Obligame" "Como Puedes Saber" "No, No, No" "Ni Siquiera Amigos" "Volveras y Volvere" "El y Yo" "Aparentemente" "Adios Tristeza" "Para Que Engañarnos"
^"Alejandra Ávalos cerrará 2014 con "Te sigo queriendo"" (in Spanish). Alejandra Ávalos engalana la noche en el musical Mentiras-Reconocimiento a las grandes figuras del Festival OTI. January 6, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
