Ángela Aguilar, regional Mexican royalty, plots her next power move

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Angela Aguilar could be gracefully skilled at performing Mexican music, a genre that her family has held sway over for numerous generations.

As a devoted movie buff might say, “Sitting face-to-face with the 21-year-old vocalist at a café on Olvera Street, I found myself captivated by an undeniable aura of a one-of-a-kind diva that radiated from her.

When the discussion veers towards music business matters, my family’s heritage, or my recent union with the talented Mexican singer-songwriter Christian Nodal, a strong determination arises within me that becomes particularly noticeable.

In her newest album titled “Nadie Se Va Como Llegó,” Aguilar offers a collection of 12 romantic ballads. Despite being nominated for a Latin Grammy, it’s evident that this music is born from the depths of heartache. However, she emphasizes that these songs, infused with the pain of unrequited love, are not reflections of her personal life.

Aguilar states that he doesn’t sing for anyone specifically and doesn’t feel accountable to anyone,” explained. “He expresses himself through music, yet his intention isn’t to deliver messages to individuals. Instead, his purpose is simply to convey his deep appreciation for Mexican culture to the audience.

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As a movie reviewer, let me share my excitement about attending the upcoming performances by this remarkable artist at the Hollywood Bowl on August 15th and 16th. Being part of a renowned musical dynasty, she carries her heritage with immense pride. At the helm is none other than the illustrious conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who will lead her and her family in an unforgettable concert. Her father, Pepe, is a hitmaker, while her brother Emiliano is equally talented.

The legacy of her grandparents, Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, lives on as they were icons in both music and films. The matriarch of the family, Aneliz Alvarez-Alcala, presides over Machin Records, ensuring the continuation of their musical empire. This family concert promises to be an extraordinary blend of heritage, talent, and tradition – a must-see event for any music lover!

Apart from overseeing her renowned child during studio recordings, concerts, and public events, Alvarez-Alcala’s managerial role has become particularly demanding in recent times. This is because Aguilar has faced a barrage of criticism online regarding her marriage, vocal style, and a variety of other aspects in between.

At the heart of the chaos, according to Alvarez-Alcala, was her family. People have had strong opinions about her personal relationships, which have been a source of difficulty for her. Our family, who are deeply cherished by the public, have faced harsh and unjust criticisms. However, these trials seem to have fortified her resilience and heightened her gratitude for the positive aspects of life – moments and people who care for her.

For Aguilar, it was customary to be surrounded by music during her upbringing, and with each new project, her prominence has grown. Performing alongside family during childhood laid the foundation for her captivating rendition of “La Llorona” at the 2018 Latin Grammys, which earned her a standing ovation. This significant moment solidified her position in the music industry, distinguishing her from mere nepotism recipients or child entertainers.

Yvonne Drazan, vice president of Peer Music’s Latin Division on the West Coast, expresses great appreciation for her artistry and the significant influence she has in Mexican music, stating that she embodies a fresh wave of women who are redefining the genre through their talent, elegance, and foresight.

Drazan mentions that Aguilar’s newest album, as described by her, has a similar feel to “modern-day Romances” – a style that Luis Miguel employed when he brought classic Latin songs to a contemporary audience with a vibrant and youthful twist.

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Before producing her recent album, Aguilar stepped back from the family business to deal with the media scrutiny that arose after her wedding to Nodal, which had been intensely covered in tabloids. Her husband was the one who suggested she should “take time to savor life.” As newlyweds, they vacationed in Los Cabos, spent quiet moments together, and found inspiration by singing to each other. They even sang to one another during ordinary activities like grocery shopping, despite fans constantly recording their actions.

The break rekindled Aguilar’s love for music, and it was her family and friends who provided the necessary support to help her regain her footing again. It was Marc Anthony, who attended the Aguilar-Nodal wedding in the summer of 2024, that led to the inclusion of the power ballad “No Quiero Hablar,” written by Pablo Preciado, on the new album.

Aguilar mentions that she’s known Marc since she was just 5 years old, making them extremely close friends. However, she admits that she doesn’t frequently share her music with others. One lively evening at Marc’s house, she found the courage to play some of her music for him. About two weeks later, she received a message regarding the song, which left her initially believing he may have made a mistake.

The outcome is a heartbroken duet, marked by the fainting harmonies of Anthony and Aguilar. “He revised the song, rearranged it, and when I listened to his voice in it… honestly, it was absurd,” she expresses.

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Regarding her involvement with her family’s indie record label, Aguilar acknowledges it’s not straightforward – operating independently often goes against the mainstream current in the music industry, which can complicate business matters. Moreover, she mentions that her father has been persistently aiming to own the master rights of each one of his albums.

She mentions that her father is a persistent figure, having earned ownership of 27 master records, yet his discography exceeds that number. Similarly, her husband’s career boasts no masters, but he ranks among the top-selling artists in Mexico.

During dinner with a regional Mexican music industry manager, Aguilar remembered expressing his sentiment candidly. He said, “It’s challenging to be around you all and listen to your discussions because, for me, if I gift an artist a watch or a car, they will stop talking.

Aguilar frequently reflects on budding artists who lacked the advantage of being part of a knowledgeable entertainment family, as they are most vulnerable to being denied their rightful royalties. This is why she’s planning a foundation aimed at offering education and support to emerging artists, in an effort to shield them from exploitation.

“When that person told me how he works with his artists, I was like ‘S—, this is crazy,’” she says.

In her continued growth as a prominent figure in the music industry, Aguilar consistently relies on her unique creative flair and the enduring legacy of her family.

As the conversation wraps up, she remarks, “Plants with roots remain standing, not swaying away,” amidst a group of around six individuals, one of whom is a makeup artist preparing for her next touch-up.

Aguilar notes that those roots have grown deeply inside him, providing a sense of earthiness, balance, and authenticity.

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2025-08-12 21:01