Paulina Rubio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paulina Rubio
Paulina in 2012
Born	Paulina Susana Rubio Dosamantes (1971-06-17) 17 June 1971 (age 54) Mexico City, Mexico
Occupation	Singer songwriter model actress television personality businesswoman
Years active	1980–present
Works	Albums filmography videography
Spouse(s)	Nicolás Vallejo-Nágera ​ ​ (m. 2007; div. 2014)​
Partner(s)	Gerardo Bazúa (2012–2016)
Children	2
Parent(s)	Susana Dosamantes Enrique Rubio
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	Latin pop rock electronic dance synth-pop
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Labels	Sony Mexico Universal Latino EMI Latin

Paulina Susana Rubio Dosamantes (born June 17, 1971) is a famous Mexican singer, songwriter, and TV star. People often call her "The Golden Girl." She first became known as a member of the popular pop group Timbiriche from 1982 to 1991. After leaving Timbiriche, she started her own music career. Paulina Rubio has sold over 15 million records, making her one of the top-selling Latin music artists ever.

Paulina's first two albums, La Chica Dorada (1992) and 24 Kilates (1993), were very successful. They made her EMI Latin's best-selling Mexican female artist. In the mid-1990s, she tried a more dance and electronic sound for her albums El Tiempo Es Oro (1995) and Planeta Paulina (1996). She also acted in her first movie, Bésame en la Boca (1995).

After some concerts with Timbiriche and leaving EMI Latin, Paulina released her fifth album, Paulina (2000). This album, her first with Universal Latino, is seen as one of her best. Paulina was a huge hit around the world. Paulina Rubio became the best-selling Latin music artist of the Billboard Year-End in 2001. Her next albums, Border Girl (2002) and Pau-Latina (2004), also topped the charts and got great reviews. She was even nominated for a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy Award. Her albums Ananda (2006) and Gran City Pop (2009) were also very popular. She then released Brava! (2011), which explored EDM.

In the early 2010s, Paulina became a coach on big talent shows in America and Spain. In 2012, she was a coach on La Voz... Mexico. In 2013, she coached on La Voz Kids and was a judge on The X Factor USA. In 2019, while promoting her album Deseo (2018), she returned to La Voz... España and La Voz Senior.

Paulina Rubio has had three number-one albums on the Billboard Top Latin Albums. Five of her songs have reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs: "Te Quise Tanto", "Dame Otro Tequila", "Ni Una Sola Palabra", "Causa Y Efecto", and "Me Gustas Tanto". This makes her the fifth best female artist on that chart. Other songs like "Mío", "Y Yo Sigo Aquí", and "Don't Say Goodbye" were number one in many Hispanic countries. Paulina has won many awards, including seven Billboard Latin Music Awards and five Lo Nuestro Awards. She is seen as a pop icon and helped define the Latin pop sound in the 2000s. Forbes Mexico named her one of the "50 Most Powerful Women in Mexico" in 2012 and 2013.

Paulina Rubio's Early Life and Career

Growing Up in Mexico City

Paulina Rubio was born in Mexico City.

Paulina Susana Rubio Dosamantes was born on June 17, 1971, in Mexico City. Her father, Enrique Rubio González, was a lawyer. Her mother was Susana Dosamantes, a well-known Mexican actress. Paulina's mother was very popular in the 1970s. Paulina has a younger brother, Enrique Rubio Jr., and a half-sister, Ana Paola Rubio. Her family had a musical background, with her grandmother being a singer and her great-grandmother a pianist.

Paulina spent a few months each year in Europe visiting relatives. The rest of the time, she lived between Mexico and Los Angeles. She grew up around cameras, lights, and movie sets because of her mother's work. Paulina often says, "I've been famous since I was born," because of how well-known her mother was.

Starting in Show Business

Paulina first appeared in a movie in the early 1980s, in El Día del Compadre. She also took lessons in singing, acting, jazz, painting, and dance at the Centro de Educación Artística (CEA) in Mexico, starting in 1980. After two years, producers asked her parents if Paulina could join a music group for children from the CEA. Paulina had already auditioned without telling them! Even though her parents were unsure, they agreed, but only if Paulina kept good grades in school.

Becoming a Star with Timbiriche

Joining the Band in the 1980s

Paulina began her singing career at age 9. Her children's band, Timbiriche, officially started on April 30, 1982, on a Mexican TV show called Siempre en Domingo. The famous Spanish singer Miguel Bosé was their "artistic godfather." Their first song was "Don Diablo" with Bosé. The band's name, Timbiriche, comes from a paper-and-pencil game, similar to "Dots and Boxes." The idea was to be like the Spanish children's group Parchís, which was also named after a game.

Timbiriche first included Mariana Garza, Alix Bauer, Diego Schoening, and Paulina Rubio. Later, Benny Ibarra and Sasha Sokol joined. The group was put together by the big Latin American media company Televisa.

Early Success and Teen Years

Timbiriche's first albums, Timbiriche and La Banda Timbiriche, were released in 1982 and were very popular in Mexico. They were known as a children's band with hit songs like "Somos Amigos" and "Hoy Tengo Que Decirte Papá." In 1983, Timbiriche went on their first international tour. Their live album En Concierto was a success and introduced the seventh member, Erik Rubin.

In 1984, Timbiriche performed in the musical Vaselina, a Spanish version of Grease. This was Paulina's first professional musical theater role. The band members became teen idols in Mexico. Paulina felt pressure to look older than she was. She shared that she felt like "the ugly duckling" of the band and was sometimes teased.

Growing Up and New Sounds

Timbiriche Rock Show, released in 1985, showed the band's "teenage transition." The songs were for teens and had more pop-rock sounds. This album was certified gold and had many hit songs like "Soy un Desastre." Paulina changed her look, going from innocent to a more "rocker" style.

In 1987, the album Timbiriche VII was a huge hit in Latin America, selling 1 million copies. It became one of the best-selling Mexican albums ever. It featured popular songs like "Mírame (Cuestión de Tiempo)."

By 1988, with the double-album Timbiriche VIII & IX, Paulina became one of the most noticed members. Her voice stood out in songs like "Rompecabezas." The album sold 500,000 copies. In summer 1988, Paulina also acted in the TV show Pasión y Poder. Timbiriche X was Paulina's last album with the group. She left in 1990 to start her solo career.

Paulina's Solo Career Begins

First Albums and Acting Roles

In 1991, Paulina announced she would record her first solo album in Spain. She wanted to create "fresh music for a very broad market." She also planned to film another TV show. Around this time, she started dating Erik Rubin, a former Timbiriche member. Their relationship got a lot of media attention.

Paulina starred in the TV show Baila Conmigo, which aired in 1992. She played a rich and spoiled girl. Her acting was praised, and the show was very successful. Paulina also sang on the show's soundtrack.

La Chica Dorada and 24 Kilates

Paulina recorded her first solo album in Spain from late 1991 to early 1992. In June 1992, she signed with Capitol Latin. Her first song, "Mío", was released on August 30, 1992. It was number one in Mexico for weeks and became one of the best-selling songs of the 1990s there. In the U.S., it reached number three on the Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks chart.

Her first album, La Chica Dorada, came out in October 1992. It reached number three on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. Paulina appeared on the famous TV show Siempre en Domingo to promote her new music. The album had three top-ten songs on Billboard Hot Latin Songs: "Mío", "Abriendo Las Puertas Al Amor", and "Amor De Mujer". La Chica Dorada sold 450,000 copies in Mexico.

In March 1993, Paulina was nominated for two Lo Nuestro Awards. Her second album, 24 Kilates, was released in late 1993. It sold 150,000 copies before it even came out and was certified platinum. The first song from the album, "Nieva, Nieva", was number one in Mexico. In 1994, Paulina toured Latin America. She also released two more hits, "Él Me Engañó" and "Asunto De Dos".

New Sounds and International Steps

El Tiempo Es Oro and Planeta Paulina

In March 1995, Paulina released her third album, El Tiempo Es Oro. It was described as "rhythmic and danceable." The album sold 300,000 copies worldwide. The first song, "Te Daría Mi Vida", sold 140,000 copies. This album was her first to be released in Spain and Brazil. Paulina also appeared in magazines in Spain.

Paulina returned to acting in the movie Bésame en la Boca, released in June 1995. She played Claudia Romero, a rich girl who dies and comes back in another body. The movie was a box office success. She also starred in her third TV show, Pobre Niña Rica.

In 1996, Paulina changed her music style to more modern sounds. She helped produce her fourth album, Planeta Paulina. Music critics praised it as "sensational" and inspired by dance-pop, euro-pop, disco, house, and electronic styles. Paulina had more creative control, writing and co-producing most of the songs. The album had four singles: "Siempre Tuya Desde La Raíz", "Solo Por Ti", "Miedo", and "Enamorada."

Even though Planeta Paulina didn't sell as much as her earlier albums, songs like "Una Historia Más" (about HIV/AIDS) and "Enamorada" introduced Paulina to the gay community. The music video for "Enamorada" openly showed a homosexual couple and the rainbow flag, which was unusual at the time.

Timbiriche Reunion and TV Hosting

In 1998, Paulina met with the original members of Timbiriche for a performance. It was a huge success. The band then went on a concert tour in Mexico and Latin America. They had over 20 sold-out concerts at the Auditorio Nacional. In 1999, a live album, Timbiriche, El Concierto, was released and sold 350,000 copies in Mexico.

While still recording her fifth solo album, Paulina also hosted the Spanish summer TV show, Vive El Verano, which started in July 1999. She recorded the theme song for the show. Around this time, she signed a contract with Universal Music Group and Polydor Records for her new music.

International Success and New Ventures

Paulina and Border Girl

Paulina in 2000

In February 2000, Paulina performed her first song with Universal Music, "Lo Haré Por Ti", at a festival in Chile. The song got positive reviews and reached the top 10 in Spain. The music video showed a new Paulina with bikinis and a cowgirl hat, which became her signature style.

Paulina released her fifth album, Paulina, on May 23, 2000. She had full creative control and worked with producer Estéfano. The album mixed pop, ranchera, dance, rock, and hip-hop. Critics loved it, with one calling it "one of her best albums to date." Paulina was nominated for four Latin Grammy Awards.

Paulina was a huge commercial success. It became Paulina's first number-one album on the Billboard Top Latin Albums. It was also her first album to appear on the US Billboard 200 chart. Paulina was the first Latin pop album by a Mexican female artist to get a gold certification in the U.S., selling over 1 million copies by 2002 and more than 3 million worldwide. In Mexico, Paulina became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Songs like "El Último Adiós" mixed ranchera and hip-hop, a style that became Paulina's trademark. "Y Yo Sigo Aquí" reached number one in over 30 countries, becoming her most successful song yet.

Paulina's style in her music videos and performances influenced young girls and women, becoming a fashion trend of the 2000s in Latin America.

In 2002, Paulina released her sixth album, Border Girl, which was her first album mostly in English. Critics praised it. In the U.S., Border Girl debuted at number eleven on the Billboard 200 chart, her highest-charting album there. It was certified Gold for selling 500,000 copies. The first song, "Don't Say Goodbye", reached number forty-one on the Billboard Hot 100. Its music video cost $1 million, making it the most expensive for a Mexican artist at the time.

Modeling and Collaborations

Paulina also started modeling. She walked in fashion shows for designers like Jorge Ibáñez. In late 2002, she signed with Elite Model Management in New York, a famous modeling agency. She also hosted the Miss Spain 2003 beauty pageant. In March 2003, Paulina sang with Ronan Keating on a new version of his song "When You Say Nothing at All".

Later Career and Family Life

Gran City Pop and Motherhood

Paulina at Premios Juventud in July 2009

Paulina performed "Causa y Efecto" at the 2009 Latin Billboard Music Awards in April. This song was the first single from her ninth album, Gran City Pop. "Causa Y Efecto" was number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs for five weeks, her fourth number-one song. It was also number one in Mexico and Spain.

Paulina released Gran City Pop on June 23, 2009. The album was inspired by Miami, Mexico, and Madrid. It mixed pop rock, dance pop, Latin styles, and electronic music. The songs were about her own life. Gran City Pop debuted at number two on the Billboard Latin Albums chart and number one on the Latin Pop Albums chart. It sold over 300,000 copies worldwide and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.

The second song from the album, "Ni Rosas Ni Juguetes", was released in August 2009. It reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs. Paulina performed the song with Cobra Starship at the Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica 2009.

Paulina went on her Gran City Pop Tour from September 2009 to August 2010. In May 2010, while on tour in Spain, Paulina and her husband, Nicolás "Colate" Vallejo-Nájera, announced they were expecting their first child. Paulina said, "I'm going to be a mom... Life has a new meaning." On November 14, 2010, they welcomed their son, Andrea Nicolás Vallejo-Nájera Rubio, in Miami, Florida.

Brava! and TV Coaching

Paulina at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2012

On January 11, 2011, Paulina's father, Enrique Rubio González, passed away at age 67. In February 2011, Paulina sang with Los Tigres del Norte on their live album MTV Unplugged: Los Tigres del Norte and Friends. Their song "Golpes en el Corazón" was a big hit in Mexico.

Paulina started recording her tenth album. She wanted to mix Spanish and English songs. She said being a mother and her father's passing greatly inspired her. She planned for 70% of the songs to be in Spanish and 30% in English.

On November 15, 2011, Paulina released her tenth album, Brava!. It included collaborations with producers like RedOne. The album reached the top five in Mexico and the United States. The first song, "Me Gustas Tanto", was number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs, making it Paulina's fifth number-one song on that chart. This put her among the top five Latin female artists with the most number-one singles.

Paulina later released a deluxe version of Brava! called Bravísima!, which included new songs like "Boys Will Be Boys". This English song was very popular in Spain. Paulina promoted the albums with her Brava! Tour from February to October 2012. She also received an award at the Telehit Awards for her twenty-year career.

In March 2012, Paulina's husband, Nicolás "Colate" Vallejo-Nájera, confirmed their separation. They later divorced and agreed to share custody of their son. During this time, Paulina started a relationship with Gerardo Bazúa, a contestant on La Voz... México, where she was a coach.

TV Judge Roles and New Music

In early 2013, Paulina was a coach for La Voz Kids, a singing competition for children. She also became a judge on the USA show of The X Factor in May 2013, joining Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato. She was the first Mexican artist to be a judge on an American singing competition.

Paulina's divorce was finalized in November 2014. In December, she appeared as herself on The CW series, Jane the Virgin.

In January 2015, Paulina released a new song, "Mi Nuevo Vicio", with the Colombian group Morat. It was number one in Spain and became very popular in Latin America. In December 2015, Paulina announced she was expecting her second child with her partner, Gerardo Bazúa. Their son, Eros Rubio Bazúa, was born on March 5, 2016.

Paulina performing during the 3rd Platino Awards on July 24, 2016

Paulina released "Me Quema" in November 2016. She performed it at the Telehit Awards 2016. Later that autumn, it was confirmed that Paulina and Gerardo Bazúa had ended their relationship.

Deseo and Recent Work

"Desire (Me Tienes Loquita)" featuring Nacho was released in May 2018 as the first song from her eleventh album, Deseo. The album came out in September 2018. It received mixed reviews and debuted at number thirteen on the Billboard Latin Pop Albums.

Paulina returned as a judge and coach on the Spanish version of La Voz in January 2019. She was the only woman on the coaching team and was praised for her role. She then continued as a coach on La Voz Senior.

Paulina also went on the Deseo Tour from June to December 2019. She later left her record label, Universal Music, and released new songs independently. In March 2020, Paulina sang with Mexican musician Raymix on the song "Tú Y Yo". It reached number one in Mexico.

On April 16, 2020, Paulina performed some of her hits as part of the One World: Together At Home virtual concert to raise money for the World Health Organization's COVID-19 fund.

In September 2021, Paulina performed at the Miami Beach Pride and was crowned "Gay Queen." She then announced her new song "Yo Soy", released in October 2021 through Sony Music. She is now known as "La Reina Dorada" ("The Golden Queen"). In December 2021, Paulina and Alejandra Guzmán announced their first joint tour, the Perrísimas Tour, which had 22 dates in the United States in 2022. Paulina has continued to release new songs independently in 2022 and 2023.

Paulina Rubio's Artistic Style

Musical Influences

Paulina says she became interested in entertainment because of her mother, the famous actress Susana Dosamantes. She often says, "I did not become famous for being in a group Timbiriche, I have been famous since I was born." She used to sing in front of the mirror to songs by artists like Daniela Romo, Juan Gabriel, and Miguel Bosé.

Paulina also shared that her first connection to music was with The Beatles. Her first rock and roll experience was seeing Queen perform in Mexico in 1981 with her dad. She dreamed of performing like Freddie Mercury. Many music experts have noted the strong rock influence in Paulina's music.

Some people have compared Paulina to Madonna, especially for her image and tour ideas. Paulina says the "far west" style, with cowboy hats, is part of her Mexican culture. She has said, "I love Madonna [...] she is strong, she is a warrior and she is an inspiration." However, Paulina has created her own unique style throughout her career.

Music Style and Themes

Paulina's music is a mix of different styles. Her songs have been described as Latin-style pop, dance-pop, pop-rock, and electronic. She is known for bringing a new, modern sound to Latin music. For example, in her song "El Último Adiós," she mixed mariachi and ranchera styles with pop and hip hop. She believes there are no rules in music and feels free to mix different genres. Paulina has also tried folklore, regional Mexican, and urban styles.

Paulina describes her music as "fun" and "lovely." Her songs often talk about everyday life and include messages about women's strength, but they are always inspired by love. She said, "In my music you can find sadness, longing, joy, excitement, but always inspired by love, the only feeling that makes me live, breathe." She tries to add a bit of poetry to her songs, even if the lyrics are simple.

Paulina Rubio's Impact and Legacy

Paulina Rubio has received many special names. When she released her first solo album La Chica Dorada in the early 1990s, the media started calling her "La Chica Dorada" ("The Golden Girl"). This name is still used today, especially in Mexico and Latin America. In 2000, when her album Paulina became popular worldwide, the Spanish press called her "El Huracán Mexicano" ("The Mexican Cyclone"). During that time, she was also called "Latin Madonna" in the United States and Mexico. Paulina became a global music star in 2000 and was known as the "Queen of Latin Pop."

Paulina is seen as a pop culture icon in Latin America. She is considered one of the most important female Mexican artists. She was included in Forbes Mexico's list of "50 Most Powerful Women in Mexico" in 2012 and 2013. Univision also listed her among the "Most powerful Latinos" and "25 most influential Mexican musicians." She is the fifth female Latin artist with the most number-one songs on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

Paulina identifies as a feminist and is seen as a "feminist icon." She has spoken about how the image of Mexican women has changed, becoming stronger and more independent. Her songs like "Yo No Soy Esa Mujer" and "Causa Y Efecto" are seen as powerful feminist anthems.

Other Activities

Products and Endorsements

Paulina in the Koleston 2014 campaign

In 2002, Paulina worked with Dr Pepper for their "Be You" advertising campaign. In 2003, she became the face of the Mexican shoe company Andrea for several years. In 2007, she launched her own lipstick called "Rubia" with MAC Cosmetics.

Paulina also launched her own perfume called "ORO" in 2009. She was the first Latin artist to work with Oracle Beauty Brands on a fragrance. She said ORO is for "women like me who believe in themselves; are strong, fun and unpredictable, yet tender and loving." The perfume was sold online and in big stores like Walmart and CVS Pharmacy.

In October 2013, Paulina designed a special line of bags, heels, and boots with JustFab. The collection was inspired by her own style and sold over 10,000 pairs in just three weeks.

Paulina has also worked as a model, walking in fashion shows for designers like Roberto Cavalli and at New York Fashion Week. She is signed with Elite Model Management. In 2006, she was the "face" of the opening campaign for the French fashion house Louis Vuitton in Latin America. She also has a restaurant in Miami Beach called L'Entrecote de Paris.

In August 2010, when she was pregnant, Paulina was part of a campaign to promote drinking Got Milk? in Latin America. She appeared in the ads with her mother, Susana Dosamantes.

Helping Others

In 2007, Paulina joined the Latino Commission on AIDS, an organization that fights against HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. She became the first "Mexican Madrina" (godmother) to work with them. Paulina said, "It is important to make our voice heard." In 2008, she performed at the ALAS concert to support early childhood development in Latin America. In 2009, she was recognized by the American Heart Association for her work with them.

On December 3, 2009, Paulina announced she was creating an organization with the Lili Claire Foundation. This group helps children with brain disorders and their families. Fundación Paulina Rubio aims to help children facing homelessness, birth defects, and lack of education.

In 2010, Paulina hosted the "Paulina & Friends" concert to raise money for The Lili Claire Foundation. Musicians like Luis Fonsi and Aleks Syntek performed. Paulina said, "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."

In 2018, Paulina appeared in a PETA video. She reminded people not to leave animals or children in parked cars.

Paulina Rubio's Albums

• La Chica Dorada (1992)
• 24 Kilates (1993)
• El Tiempo Es Oro (1995)
• Planeta Paulina (1996)
• Paulina (2000)
• Border Girl (2002)
• Pau-Latina (2004)
• Ananda (2006)
• Gran City Pop (2009)
• Brava! (2011)
• Deseo (2018)

Paulina Rubio's Concert Tours

Solo tours

• Paulina World Tour (2001)
• Pau-Latina Tour (2004–2005)
• Amor, Luz Y Sonido (2007–2008)
• Gran City Pop Tour (2009–2010)
• Brava! Tour (2012)
• Deseo Tour (2019)
• Camino Golden Hits World Tour (2023-2024)

Co-headlining tours

• QDQ Tour (2001) (with Café Quijano)
• Don't Turn off the Lights Tour (2002) (with Enrique Iglesias)
• Perrísimas Tour (2022) (with Alejandra Guzmán)

Paulina Rubio's Film and TV Roles

• El Día del Compadre (1983)
• Noche de Terrock y Brujas (1987)
• Bésame En La Boca (1995)
• Nietzsche (2003)
• Pledge This! (2006)

Images for kids

• 

  Paulina Rubio in 2012

• 

  Paulina Rubio in 2000

• 

  Paulina Rubio at Premios Juventud in July 2009

• 

  Paulina Rubio at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2012

• 

  Paulina Rubio performing during the 3rd Platino Awards on July 24, 2016

• 

  Paulina Rubio in the Koleston 2014 campaign

See also

In Spanish: Paulina Rubio para niños

• Honorific nicknames in popular music
• Music of Mexico
• Latin pop
• List of Hispanic and Latino Americans
• Latin American music in the United States
• List of best-selling albums in Mexico
• List of best-selling Latin music artists
• List of most expensive music videos