6) Paulina Rubio
Paulina Susana Rubio Dosamantes was born on 17th June 1971, She generally known as Paulina Rubio, is a Mexican singer, actress, television music competition judge, hostess, model and businesswoman. She is known in Mexico and Ibero-America as an original member of the pop group Timbiriche from 1981 through 1991. Rubio has sold over 20 million records worldwide as a solo artist and is considered one of the most influential Latin celebrities in the world.
Her debut album, La Chica Dorada was released under EMI Music, followed by 24 Kilates. Her follow-up albums, El tiempo es oro and Planeta Paulina helped Rubio become better known in Latin America. Rubio’s departure from EMI Music happened in the same year due to personal conflicts with the label.
With her new label, Universal Music, she released her sixth studio album Paulina and her crossover album Border Girl, both had commercial success in Latin America and Europe; the first of these was nominated and won many awards. According to Billboard, Paulina was the best selling Latin album in the United States in 2001, selling over 1 million copies in the US alone. Paulina has sold over 5 million copies. Her follow-up albums, Pau-Latina and Ananda consolidated Rubio internationally as one of the most successful Mexican super stars in the world. Her ninth album, Gran City Pop had a fresh and original concept, and focused in vision, to reflect Paulina’s life and musical experiences she had while traveling the world. Her latest album Brava! focuses in electronic genres. In 2012, Rubio served as a coach on the second season of La Voz… Mexico. In 2013, Rubio became a coach on La Voz Kids, and also became a judge on the American version of The X Factor.
According to E! Entertainment, the singer reached number twelve on the 25 Sexiest Pop Divas.
As Rubio says “I have been famous since I was born”, as she is the daughter of Mexican actress Susana Dosamantes and Enrique Rubio, a lawyer. Rubio was born in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico. Rubio has a younger brother named Enrique. From the age of 5, Rubio was taking singing, acting, jazz, painting, and dance lessons while enrolled at what is now the Centro de Educación Artística (CEA) in Mexico. After two years there, Rubio’s parents were contacted by Julisa and Guillermo del Bosque for approval of Rubio’s joining a band that would be formed by children from the center.
On 30 April 1982, she began her singing career when she was ten years old under the guidance of Miguel Bosé, debuting in the popular children’s pop group Timbiriche. The original band had seven members: Alix Bauer, Benny Ibarra, Diego Schoening, Mariana Garza, Paulina Rubio, Sasha Sökol, and Erik Rubin (who joined a year later). Other members, who joined later, of the band were Eduardo Capetillo, and Edith Márquez. Rubio recorded 11 albums as part of Timbiriche. In 1985, Timbiriche participated in the musical Vaselina (Spanish adaptation of the American musical Grease). Having gained popularity in Timbiriche, Rubio turned to acting in telenovelas with Televisa. She landed her first role in 1988 as the villain Paulina Montenegro in Pasión y Poder (Passion and Power). In 1992 she starred in Baila Conmigo (Dance With Me), one of the biggest telenovelas of that year, as Andrea. Two soundtracks, Baila Conmigo and Recuerdos de Baila Conmigo, were released. Members of the soap opera performed on Siempre en Domingo (Always on Sunday), among other TV programs.
In 1991, Rubio left Timbiriche to focus on a solo career. She moved to Spain to begin work on her first album with Arely García. In 1992, she released her debut album, La Chica Dorada under the EMI label; La Chica Dorada became her trademark nickname. La Chica Dorada was certified Diamond in 1997, and she was presented with an award during her promotion of Planeta Paulina on Verónica Castro’s defunct music show, La Tocada. The first single, “Mío”, is Rubio’s signature song and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks while reaching No. 2 in Mexico and No. 1 in Spain; Amor de Mujer, Sabor a Miel, and Abriendo las Puertas al Amor were released as the following singles reaching No. 22, #8, and No. 9 respectively on the Hot Latin Tracks. Sabor a miel peaked at No. 2 while Abriendo las puertas al amor peaked at No. 3 on the Mexican charts.
In 1993, she released her sophomore effort, 24 Kilates, which sold 150,000 copies in two weeks of its release. The album peaked at No. 1 in Mexico. “Nieva, Nieva” was released as the first single which reached No. 27 on the Hot Latin Tracks and became Paulina’s first No. 1 single in Mexico. “El Me Engañó” and “Asunto de Dos” were released in Mexico which peaked at No. 1 and No. 5 respectively. The same year, Rubio received two nominations for the Lo Nuestro Awards: Female Artist and New Artist of the Year. In 1995, El Tiempo Es Oro was released. It includes the hits “Te Daría Mi Vida” and “Nada de Ti” which peaked at No. 1 in Mexico while “Hoy Te Deje De Amar” peaked at #9. The theme song and title to the 1994 Mexican film Bésame En La Boca, was included on the album, in which she also starred as the lead role.
In 1996, she released her last album under the EMI Latin label, Planeta Paulina, which included the hit single “Enamorada” which peaked at No. 2 in Mexico. “Pobre Niña Rica” was featured as the theme song of the 1995 telenovela in which she also starred as Alma, Pobre Niña Rica. Rubio also recorded English versions of several songs which did not appear on the album. Some of these songs were released years later on a hits compilation. The first single off the album “Simpre Tuya Desde La Raiz” peaked at No. 1 in Mexico while Solo Por Ti peaked at #7.
EMI declined to release Paulina’s first English crossover album, which was supposed to be the English version of Planeta Paulina album, because of that, Rubio got in a legal battle against EMI for not fulfilling the plans they had already planned. She had to pay them money so they can let her leave the record company. After Planeta Paulina, Rubio took the longest break of her career. She left the music scene and moved to Spain where she dealt in a little bit of everything. Except for her participation in 1998’s successful Reencuentro Tour with Timbiriche, Rubio was absent from the music scene for nearly four long years.
Paulina’s return to the music scene began in the summer of 1999 when she recorded Richard Daniel Roman’s Vive El Verano, the theme song to a summer TV show where she was the host of in Spain. Vive El Verano was the first single under her new record contract with Universal.
On 23 May 2000 Rubio released her fifth and most successful studio album to date, Paulina. Paulina. was nominated three times at the second annual Latin Grammy Awards for “Album of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Female Pop Vocal Album.” She became the winner of multiple prestigues awards. It became Rubio’s first number 1 album on Billboard’s “Top Latin Albums” chart, as well as the biggest selling Latin album of all 2001. The album Paulina has been certified 4× Platinum in Mexico for shipping 600,000 albums, while being certified 8× Platinum (Latin field) in the U.S. for shipments of 800,000 units. The album peaked at No. 156 on the Billboard 200 and was on the charts for more than 2-years. “Paulina” was the No. 1 album for the entire year of 2001 on The Billboard Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums.
The albums singles include the first single Lo Haré Por Ti, the ranchera/hip-hop “El Ultimo Adios”, the infectious Y Yo Sigo Aquí, and the female empowerment anthem Yo No Soy Esa Mujer peaking at No. 13, 18, 3 and 7 respectively. Other releases include Sexi Dance and Tal Vez, Quizá which peaked at No. 34 and No. 42 on the Hot Latin Songs. All singles have peaked inside the top seven in Mexico proving that Rubio is one of Mexico’s most famous and talented female singers of all time. The success of the album Paulina was so enormous that Universal Music decided it was time for Rubio to begin work on her first English-language album.
Later in 2009, Paulina was listed among the Top 10 best selling albums in the history of Mexico. Paulina Rubio’s presence in the English-language market came in 2002. On 18 June 2002, Border Girl, Rubio’s first foray into English-language-Pop, was released. The album peaked at number 5 in Mexico and 14 Spain, and at number 9 in Canada. In the US, the album debuted at No. 11 on the “Billboard Top 200 Album” Chart and was certified Gold selling 500,000 copies. Her debut English album gave Paulina the international recognition she had sought after for years.
The hit single “Don’t Say Goodbye” peaked at the 41st position on the U.S. “Billboard Hot 100” Chart, while the Spanish version reached No. 5 on the Hot Latin Tracks. The music video became a regular on MTV’s Total Request Live. The One You Love (Todo Mi Amor) was released as the second single reaching No. 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Hot Latin Tracks becoming her second top five hit from the album. The Spanish version of Casanova reached No. 37 on the Hot Latin Tracks.
Rubio appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and CD:UK, among others. She performed at international festivals, including Wango Tango, Festivalbar, and Festival di Sanremo in Italy, her first performance ALMA awards. With the success of the album Border Girl, Rubio appeared in magazines including Rolling Stone, Stuff, and Blender. On 21 June 2002 the Houston, Texas radio station 104.1 KRBE declared 21 June as “Paulina Day” in Houston.
In the fall of 2002, Rubio toured and performed material from Border Girl as the opening act for fellow Latin pop star Enrique Iglesias.
In early August 2010, Paulina talked on her Twitcam about her upcoming projects including her next studio album. She said that her new album will be Spanglish and will include songs in Spanish and English. She also hoped that the first single of the new material would be released in the middle or the end of 2011. Paulina has also stated that she is writing songs with Nelly Furtado and Cobra Starship. In May 2011, Paulina announced on Twitter that she and Moroccan/Swedish producer/songwriter RedOne are working together on new music in Madrid. Billboard.com reports that, “She’s been working with RedOne and writing with Julio Reyes Copello, Casadiego, Espinoza Paz, Chino y Nacho and Claudia Brant.”
Paulina announced on Twitter that the first single off her new album will be released on 13 September 2011. “I want to be the first one to let you know my NEW single hits radio Sept 13th!!!!! Are you ready to dance?” stated Paulina on her Twitter. The announcement comes only a few days after she tweeted a picture from the recording studio stating she had just finished recording the single. On August, 30th Paulina announced also via Twitter that the first single for her new album is named “Me Gustas Tanto” (I like you so much).According to LALATE, a celebrity news site narrowing on Rubio’s career, the single, “Me Gustas Tanto” made its debut 2 September 2011 on the same site. The single is available for purchase on Amazon.com starting on 6 September 2011, about a week before it will be released as a digital single worldwide. The single has been described as a fresh song with simple lyrics and a catchy beat. More than 30.000 viewers listened to the song on the first day of its premiere through Paulina Rubio’s VEVO channel on YouTube. Paulina confirmed she’ll be working on the official music video for the single on 15 September.
The album was recorded between New York, Los Angeles, Jamaica and Madrid. Paulina said that the reason she wanted to do a Spanglish album is that she wanted to mix the language of her home Mexico and the United States; “I grew up in Mexico, but I’ve always been between the United States and my country. This is all done with a wink and a nod to ‘Spanglish’ culture, which continues to grow and has a foot in both worlds”, the singer said. She stated on a radio interview that this album would be different from all her other albums because being a mother and the death of her father have inspired her a tremendously. She also said that 70% of the album’s songs are in Spanish, while only 30% are in English. She also confirmed that RedOne is producing most of the 10 tracks on the standard edition, with some arrangements “between techno and rock band instruments like bass, drums and acoustic guitar.”
Universal Music confirmed that Brava! is the title of Paulina’s new album. The production has 10 tracks, seven of which are in Spanish, while only 3 are in English. It was released on 15 November. Paulina posted via Twitter the official cover of the new album, Brava!. Me voy was released as the album’s second official single in Latin America on 14 February 2012, with a re-worked version featuring the Mexican singer-songwriter Espinoza Paz. A new English song titled “Boys Will Be Boys” was released in Europe on 24 March 2012. The song was released as the first single from Brava! Reload, an EP which includes 8 songs in English produced by RedOne. The song is also produced by RedOne, who also produced the music video of the single. The video was filmed in London.
In 2012, two editions of this album were released and they included all the songs Paulina worked on with RedOne. Europe’s edition was titled Brava! Reload and it was released on 24 July 2012, while the Latin American edition is called Bravísima! was released on 18 September 2012 and the US edition on October 22. Both editions include Paulina’s hit songs, Boys Will Be Boys” and Me Gustas Tanto.
Rubio participated as a coach on the second season of La Voz… México along with Jenni Rivera, Miguel Bosè and Beto Cuevas. The second season premiered in Mexico on 9 September 2012.
Rubio has signed on as the first of three musician coaches for La Voz Kids, the singing competition for kids 7-14 on Telemundo. La Voz Kids will be the first Spanish-language version of The Voice, which has already been a success in Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. “Having Paulina Rubio as a coach in this first-of-a-kind show is a true honor for us,” said Juniel Cubillo, VP of content development at Telemundo Media. In May 2013, Rubio was confirmed to join the judging panel for the third season of the American version of The X Factor as L.A. Reid’s replacement, joining returning new judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato and fellow new hire Kelly Rowland, who replaced Britney Spears.
In 2007, Paulina launched her own lipstick in partnership with M.A.C. titled “Rubia”. Paulina stated, “I love wearing make-up and use MAC products on stage and off, it’s suitable for all occasions. I was thrilled when M.A.C approached me to create a new shade of lipstick and I instantly thought it should be a bold, vibrant matte lipstick that will look sexy on all women.”
In 2008, Paulina launched her own fragrance titled “ORO”. The fragrance was released and created in conjunction with “Oracle Beauty Brands”. It is an elegant floral oriental array of sparkling citrus that is awakened by hints of espresso bean and peppered florals, while being sweetened by a touch of vanilla. “This fragrance is for women like me who believe in themselves; are strong, fun and unpredictable, yet tender and loving. I put so much creativity and love into this fragrance, I feel as if a drop of me is in each and every bottle to be shared with my fans and all women”, said Rubio. Paulina has a restaurant in Miami Beach called L’Entrecote de Paris.
Rubio is dressed by the most prestigious and recognized designers which include her longtime friend Roberto Cavalli, Ina Soltani, Prada, Gucci, “Dolce & Gabbana”, Alexander McQueen, etc. Paulina has also ventured out into modeling. She has walked on runways of events from designer’s such as “Alvin Valley”, “Gaudí”, Robero Cavalli, “Kiff-Kiff”, etc. Paulina is also signed under “Elite Model Management” a prestigious modeling agency. Paulina was the “face” of the opening campaign for the French fashion house “Louis Vuitton” in Latin America. Paulina has also long been the “face” for the Mexican “Andrea” shoes company.
In 2007, Paulina joined the Latino Commission on AIDS, an organization in the fight against the spread HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. Paulina became the first “Mexican Madrina” to partner with the organization. Paulina stated, “It is important to make our voice heard and try to bring back some of the care that the community shares each day”. Rubio has been part of several videos in which she asks viewers to promote “safe sex” relationships to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. On 17 May 2008, Paulina performed at the ALAS concert (América Latina en Acción Solidaria). The organization’s mission is to strengthen and expand public and private sector support for Early Childhood Development in Latin America.
In 2009, Paulina received a recognition from the “American Heart Association” for her association with the organization. Rubio also performed at the event to raise funds. On 3 December 2009, Paulina held a press conference announcing the creation of an organization in partnership with the “Lili Claire Foundation” to provide assistance to children living with neurological disorders and their families. “Fundación Paulina Rubio” is a project inspired by children in anguish as a result of homelessness, birth defects, and lack of education among other pernicious plights that many face today. By directing funds through other pre-existing organizations, such as The Lili Claire Foundation, children will receive a unique and comprehensive blend of support services including medical and behavioral genetics clinics, psychosocial counseling, advocacy services, information libraries, and community outreach that will ultimately help improve the lives of families and children living with neurogenetic disorders.
The Paulina & Friends exclusive benefit concert for The Lili Claire Foundation showcased some of today’s leading music stars, such as Luis Fonsi, Aleks Syntek, Noel Schajris, Reik and Fanny Lú, who joined Paulina on Saturday, 19 June. Paulina hosted the star studded fundraiser which took place at the Fillmore in the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach, Florida. The purpose of the event was to raise funds to build a family resource center. “My friends mean everything to me and I am happy to have the opportunity to share the stage with them to support this great cause” says Paulina.
“All of them are excellent musicians and I know that as always, they’ll do their best to make this an unforgettable night.” For his part, Jeff Simmons, community relations manager for The Lili Claire Foundation said, “I’m really surprised to see the number of artists who continue to join in on this great event, it’s truly a blessing. Their contribution to the Paulina & Friends concert is spectacular and the Lili Claire Foundation will be forever grateful”. Paulina & Friends will continue the celebration of musical performances where fans can join and live an unforgettable night to benefit The Lili Claire Foundation.
On 30 April 2007, she married public relations executive Nicolás “Colate” Vallejo Nájera in Xcaret, a park on the Mayan Riviera in Cancún, Quintana Roo. On 5 May 2010, Paulina announced through Twitter that she is expecting her first child. Her brother, Enrique Rubio, has corrected the statement that she is supposedly expecting twins, which is not true. Paulina has stated that if the child is a boy, he shall be named after his father, Nicolás. If it is a girl, she will be named after Rubio’s great-grandmother, Micaela. On 15 September 2010 Paulina announced on her Twitter page that she is expecting a boy. On Sunday, 14 November 2010, Paulina and her husband Nicolás Vallejo-Nájera welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Andrea Nicolás Vallejo-Nájera Rubio in Miami, Florida. Prior to the birth Paulina had planned on having a water birth at home, but was rushed to the hospital and spent the weekend with doctors working to stabilize the health of the baby. Hospital staff tried to send Rubio home so that she could realize her dream of a natural home birth, but the complications lead her medical team to schedule a c-section.
On 11 January 2011, her father, Enrique Rubio González, died at the age of 67 in a Mexico City hospital. A consensus of various news sources have attributed his death to kidney failure. In March 2012, Paulina’s husband, Colate, told Hola! that he and Paulina are separating after nearly five years of marriage. “It has been a decision by both of us, though it’s possible that I have been more firm when it came to carrying it out,” he said in an interview with the Spanish publication.”I have the feeling there is no going back,” Vallejo-Nagera said, disclosing that he and Rubio have been living apart since November and that their only communication with each other is about their son, Andrea Nicolas, born in November 2010. Colate said that while he will always be “grateful to Paulina” for their time together.
Her official website is located at http://www.paulinarubio.com
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