Alicia Villarreal

Alicia Villarreal, born Martha Alicia Villarreal Esparza on August 31, 1971, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, began her musical career by participating in various bands in Monterrey. Her professional journey gained prominence when she became the lead singer for Grupo Límite in 1994. Under her leadership, the group achieved considerable success with hits including “Acariciame,” “Te Aprovechas,” and “Solo Contigo.” Grupo Límite released six albums and toured with notable groups like Grupo Bronco, solidifying Villarreal’s status in the Regional Mexican music scene.

In 2001, after nearly eight years with Grupo Límite, Villarreal embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut solo album, “Soy Lo Prohibido,” in the ranchera style. This album featured the hit single “Te Quedo Grande la Yegua.” Her second solo album, “Cuando el Corazón se Cruza,” followed in 2004, produced by her husband Cruz Martínez, with whom she co-wrote several songs. This album earned her multiple awards. In 2006, she released “Orgullo de Mujer,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album. The lead single, “Insensible a Ti,” served as the theme song for the telenovela “Duelo de Pasiones,” where Villarreal also made her acting debut.

After a four-year hiatus, Villarreal continued her solo career with the album “La Jefa,” released in 2009, which debuted at number one on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart. Following another break to focus on her family, she returned in 2017 with her fifth studio album, “La Villarreal.” Throughout her career, Alicia Villarreal has garnered a Grammy nomination and two Latin Grammy Awards, recognizing her impact and achievements in Latin music.