History of Ana Bárbara in Timeline

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

January 10, 1971: Birth of Altagracia Ugalde Motta

On January 10, 1971, Altagracia Ugalde Motta, who would later become known as Ana Bárbara, was born. She would later become a prominent Mexican singer and a leading figure in regional Mexican music.

1982: Original Release of 'Como Me Haces Falta'

In 1982, the song "Como Me Haces Falta" was originally released by Los Bukis, before Ana Bárbara covered it on her 1998 album.

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1988: Miss Mexico Pageant

In 1988, Ana Bárbara participated in the Miss Mexico beauty pageant representing San Luis Potosí, her native state, and won at the local level. However, she didn't win at the national level.

1993: Original Release of "Tu Ingratitud"

In 1993, "Tu Ingratitud" was originally composed and released by Los Bukis.

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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".

1994: Premio El Heraldo for Best New Artist

In 1994, Ana Bárbara won the Premio El Heraldo for Best New Artist.

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: Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year

In 1996, Ana Bárbara won a Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year.

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.

1997: Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year

In 1997, Ana Bárbara won a Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year.

1997: Premio El Heraldo for Best Female Singer

In 1997, Ana Bárbara won a Premio El Heraldo trophy for Best Female Singer.

1998: Release of "Los Besos No Se Dan En La Camisa"

In 1998, Ana Bárbara released her fourth studio album, "Los Besos No Se Dan En La Camisa", produced by Marco Antonio Solís, featuring ballads and a cover of Los Bukis' "Como Me Haces Falta", which became a popular hit.

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1998: Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year

In 1998, Ana Bárbara won a Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year.

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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2000: Maternity Leave

In 2000, Ana Bárbara took a short maternity leave following the birth of her first child, Emiliano.

2000: Premio El Heraldo for Best Female Singer

In 2000, Ana Bárbara won a Premio El Heraldo trophy for Best Female Singer.

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.

2002: Casandra Award for Most Outstanding International Artist

In 2002, Ana Bárbara won the Casandra Award for Most Outstanding International Artist.

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: Engagement to José Maria Fernández (Pirru)

In 2005, Ana Bárbara became engaged to José Maria Fernández, known as Pirru.

2005: Juventud Award and Latin Grammy Award

In 2005, Ana Bárbara won My Favorite Regional Mexican Artist at Univision's Juventud Awards and a singer-songwriter award at the Latin Grammy Awards.

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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2006: Oye! Award for Best Female Performer

In 2006, Ana Bárbara was named Best Female Performer at Mexico's Oye! Awards.

2006: Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year

In 2006, Ana Bárbara won a Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year.

2006: Birth of Second Child

In the fall of 2006, Ana Bárbara's second child, José María, was born. During this period, she put her career on hold to focus on her family and relocated to Cancún, Mexico.

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".

April 2009: Featured in People en Español's "Los 50 Más Bellos"

In April 2009, Ana Bárbara was featured on the cover of People en Español's "Los 50 Más Bellos" list, recognizing her as one of the most beautiful people.

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.

March 2010: Premiere of "Que Ironía"

In March 2010, Ana Bárbara's second single from Rompiendo Cadenas, "Que Ironía" premiered. The track was featured in both pop and Latin rock versions, though neither sparked much interest.

May 2010: Announcement of New Latin Pop Songs

In May 2010, Ana Bárbara announced two new Latin pop songs: "Ahora Tengo", a duet featuring Reyli, and "Alma Perdida", composed for Univision's Mujeres Asesinas 3.

June 2010: Premiere of "Ahora Tengo" Music Video

In June 2010, Ana Bárbara premiered the music video for "Ahora Tengo", her duet with Reyli. The video was filmed in New York.

June 2010: Divorce Rumors

In June 2010, speculation arose regarding divorce rumors between Ana Bárbara and Pirru, due to infidelity.

July 2, 2010: Confirmation of Divorce

On July 2, 2010, Ana Bárbara released a statement confirming the end of her five-year marriage to Pirru. She later confirmed a new relationship with Elias Sacal, which also ended after several months.

July 2010: Car Accident Incident

In July 2010, Ana Bárbara was involved in a car accident in Cancún, resulting in the death of a 79-year-old woman and causing a media frenzy. Her driver was arrested, but some eyewitnesses speculated that Ana Bárbara was driving. She denied driving and any wrongdoing.

December 2010: Human Rights National Committee Review

In December 2010, Mexico's CNDH (Human Rights National Committee) recommended a review of Ana Bárbara's car accident case after a petition was filed by the victim's family.

February 3, 2011: Minor Car Accident in Cancún

On February 3, 2011, Ana Bárbara was involved in another minor car accident in Cancún, Quintana Roo. No one was injured, and her insurance covered all damages.

March 2011: Confirmation of Illness and Treatment

In March 2011, Ana Bárbara confirmed via Twitter that she was experiencing an illness and receiving treatment in Spain.

July 2011: Relocation to the United States

In July 2011, Ana Bárbara confirmed her move from Mexico to the United States, settling in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California.

August 2011: Announcement of Pregnancy via Artificial Insemination

In August 2011, Ana Bárbara announced that she was pregnant via artificial insemination, fulfilling her children's desire for a bigger family.

October 2011: Driver Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter

In October 2011, Ana Bárbara's driver pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2010 car accident.

December 2011: Birth of Third Child

In December 2011, Ana Bárbara's third child was born in Mexico City.

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.

March 2012: Revelation of Father's Identity

In March 2012, Ana Bárbara revealed that the father of her child, Jeronimo, was her longtime friend, singer-songwriter Reyli.

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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September 2012: Crowned Queen of the LGBT Community in Los Angeles

In September 2012, Ana Bárbara was crowned queen of the LGBT community in Los Angeles, California.

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.

2012: Driver Sentenced

In early 2012, Ana Bárbara's driver was sentenced to two years in prison for the 2010 car accident.

February 2013: Release of Border Run on DVD

In February 2013, the movie Border Run, which featured Ana Bárbara's song "Dos Abrazos", was released straight to DVD.

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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.

2013: Nominations for Female Artist of the Year

In 2013, Ana Bárbara was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at Premios de la Radio and the Mexican Billboard Music Awards.

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.

February 2014: Release of "Yo Soy La Mujer" in Mexico

In February 2014, Ana Bárbara released her album "Yo Soy La Mujer" in Mexico, including two previously unreleased tracks.

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.

2014: Crowned Queen of the LGBT Community in Atlanta

In 2014, Ana Bárbara was crowned queen of the LGBT community in Atlanta, Georgia.

2014: Nominations for Female Artist of the Year

In 2014, Ana Bárbara was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at Lo Nuestro Awards, Premios de la Radio, and People En Español's Entertainment Awards.

2014: Driver Released

In 2014, Ana Bárbara's driver was released from prison after serving his sentence for involuntary manslaughter in the 2010 car accident.

January 1, 2015: Crowned Queen of the LGBT Community in San Francisco

On January 1, 2015, Ana Bárbara was crowned queen of the LGBT community in San Francisco.

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.