Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ana Bárbara

Discover the career path of Ana Bárbara, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ana Bárbara, born Altagracia Ugalde Motta, is a renowned Mexican singer who has significantly impacted the Latin entertainment industry since her debut in 1994. She is recognized as a leading female artist in the regional Mexican music scene, captivating audiences with her vocal talent and stage presence.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Ambassador of Ranchera Music

In 1993, Ana Bárbara was proclaimed the Ambassador of Ranchera Music and also received the El Rostro Bonito de El Heraldo de México award. As a result, she was invited to perform for Pope John Paul II at The Vatican, where she sang during a Mass and received his blessing.

1994: Professional Debut

In 1994, Ana Bárbara made her professional debut as a singer, marking the beginning of her career in Latin entertainment.

1994: Record Deal and Debut Album

In 1994, Ana Bárbara signed with Fonovisa and launched her self-titled debut album "Ana Bárbara", establishing herself as a Grupero star with songs like "Sacúdeme" and "Nada".

July 1995: Release of "La Trampa" Album

In July 1995, Ana Bárbara released her second album, "La Trampa", which quickly became a commercial and radio hit, leading to industry recognition and tour invitations with major regional Mexican artists. The success of "La Trampa" solidified her position in the music industry.

1996: International Success with "Ay, Amor"

In the summer of 1996, Ana Bárbara achieved mainstream international success with her third album, "Ay, Amor", which became her best album debut on the Latin Billboard charts, solidifying her status as a successful Latin recording artist.

1997: Calendar Release and Crowning as Queen of Calle 8

In 1997, Ana Bárbara released her first and only calendar. She was also selected as the Hispanic promotional figure for Coors Light beer for marketing and advertising. Later that year, she was crowned "Queen" of the Calle 8 Music Festival parade in Miami, Florida.

1999: Release of "Tu Decisión" and Acting Debut

In 1999, Ana Bárbara released her fifth studio album, "Tu Decisión", which featured her debut as a songwriter with the hit single "Engañada". She also made her acting debut in the made-for-TV film "Todo Contigo", marking a significant year in her career.

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2001: Release of "Te Regalo La Lluvia"

In 2001, Ana Bárbara returned with her sixth studio album, "Te Regalo La Lluvia", a Mariachi-ballad effort that was a departure from her Grupero style and earned her a second Latin Grammy nomination. She also participated in "El Último Adiós", a song written in memory of the 9/11 attacks.

September 2003: Release of "Te Atraparé...Bandido"

In September 2003, Ana Bárbara released "Te Atraparé...Bandido", which became one of her most successful albums to date.

April 7, 2005: Selena ¡VIVE! Tribute Concert

On April 7, 2005, Ana Bárbara participated in Selena ¡VIVE!, an anniversary tribute concert for Selena held at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. She produced and co-wrote a new version of "La Carcacha".

May 2005: Release of "Loca de Amar"

In May 2005, Ana Bárbara produced and released the album "Loca de Amar", continuing her success with popular chart-topping singles.

2005: Latin Grammy Award for "Loca de Amar"

In 2005, Ana Bárbara won a Latin Grammy Award for Best Grupero Album for her album "Loca de Amar" at the 6th Annual Latin Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles, marking her debut performance at the Grammy ceremony.

2006: Release of FIFA World Cup Anthem and Album

In 2006, Ana Bárbara released "Arriba Arriba," the official 2006 FIFA World Cup anthem, and her ninth studio album, No Es Brujería.

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2008: Opening of Nightclub 'Bandido'

In 2008, Ana Bárbara opened a nightclub called 'Bandido' in Cancún. However, it was sold to an investor a year later.

2008: Concert Tribute for José José

In 2008, Ana Bárbara performed in a concert tribute for José José, singing his hit song "Lo Pasado, Pasado".

November 12, 2009: Rompiendo Cadenas Debuts on Billboard

On November 12, 2009, Ana Bárbara's song "Rompiendo Cadenas" debuted at number 39 on Billboard's Latin Pop Songs chart. This song marked a departure from her Grupero roots into Latin Pop.

January 2010: Release of "Rompiendo Cadenas" Album

In January 2010, Ana Bárbara introduced her Latin pop album "Rompiendo Cadenas", marking a departure from her previous Grupero style. She was also the sole songwriter for the 10-track album, and left Fonovisa Records to launch the album on her own label, AB Productions.

2011: Soap Opera Debut in "Una Familia Con Suerte"

In 2011, Ana Bárbara made her official debut as a soap opera actress with a cameo role in Univision's "Una Familia Con Suerte". She also sang "Suerte", which was included in the soap opera's soundtrack.

July 2012: Release of "Tu Ingratitud" and Judging Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento

In July 2012, Ana Bárbara released the banda single "Tu Ingratitud", a cover of a 1993 Los Bukis song, with a music video that quickly gained millions of views. Also in July 2012, she became a judge on Estrella TV's music competition, Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento, replacing Jenni Rivera.

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October 2012: Song featured in 'Border Run'

In October 2012, Ana Bárbara's song "Dos Abrazos", originally from her album No Es Brujería, was featured in the Sharon Stone film Border Run.

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December 8, 2012: Singing Mexico's National Anthem

On December 8, 2012, Ana Bárbara performed the Mexican national anthem at the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Márquez IV fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2012: Honored at Premios de la Radio

In 2012, Ana Bárbara was honored for her 20-year music career at the Regional Mexican Music award show Premios de la Radio. She performed a medley of her signature songs and a duet with Jenni Rivera.

April 2013: Hosting Latin Billboard Music Awards

In April 2013, Ana Bárbara hosted the 2013 Latin Billboard Music Awards live from Miami, Florida, via Telemundo. She also performed an impromptu "a capella" serenade to José José.

December 3, 2013: Release of "Yo Soy La Mujer"

On December 3, 2013, Ana Bárbara released "Yo Soy La Mujer" after focusing on family and television work. The album, her first full banda album, blends traditional and modern elements.

January 2014: Announcement of "Yo Soy La Mujer: Celebrando 20 Años de Trayectoria" tour

In January 2014, Ana Bárbara announced her "Yo Soy La Mujer: Celebrando 20 Años de Trayectoria" tour to celebrate her 20-year musical career, beginning internationally in La Paz, Bolivia.

April 12, 2014: Ana Bárbara's 20th Anniversary Celebration at the Dolby Theatre

On April 12, 2014, Ana Bárbara celebrated 20 years in music at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, performing hits and tributes. Marco Antonio Solís made a surprise appearance and performed a duet with her.

October 2014: Airing of 20th Anniversary Special

In October 2014, a two-hour special of Ana Bárbara's 20th-anniversary celebration was aired on Estrella TV.

2015: Scheduled Las Vegas Walk of Stars Honor

By 2015, Ana Bárbara reached over 75 million combined YouTube views and was scheduled to be honored by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.

2015: Eleven-city Tour of America

In 2015, Ana Bárbara embarked on an eleven-city tour of America, starting in San Francisco on New Year's Eve and including cities like Seattle, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and Houston.