After Nearly Five-Decade Career, Lucero Reinvents Herself Within Mexican Music: ‘I Wanted to Innovate and Dare to Do Something Different’

After releasing the song “Todo o Nada” alongside Pancho Barraza last year, and more recently unveiling a new version of “Triste Recuerdo” in the tribute album ¡Que Viva Antonio Aguilar!, Lucero is ready to continue her journey in regional Mexican music. The iconic singer and actress has begun revealing tracks from a new album titled Fuertes Declaraciones, starting with the song of the same name, released on July 30.

“Mexican music has always been present in my heart and my life,” says Lucero, who in her 48 years of career has sung pop, mariachi, banda sinaloense, and now, for the first time, sierreño and even tumbado. “I wanted to innovate and dare to do something different without it feeling forced.”

“Fuertes Declaraciones” is the first single from a 14-track album, set to be released in February 2027 under Seitrack. The LP will include three covers, three collaborations — with Majo Aguilar, Joss Favela and Los Ángeles Azules — and eight originals. Until its release, Lucero will unveil one song each month.

Soon to receive her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the artist, lovingly nicknamed “The Girlfriend of America,” began her career at age 10 as a child actress and debuted in music at 13 with the album Él (1982). Over the years, she placed 16 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, including six top 10s. “Veleta” nearly missed the top spot, reaching No. 2 in 1993.

Her latest entry on that chart was “Caminar Contigo” with Joan Sebastian, part of their collaborative album Un Lu*Jo, which reached No. 4 on Top Latin Albums — where Lucero has secured 11 career entries, with three sets landing in the top 10.

In an interview with Billboard Español, the singer behind the pop hits “Electricidad”, “Cuéntame” and “Ya No” delved into her connection with Mexican music, her daughter Lucerito (who is also a singer) and her enduring bond with her ex-husband Manuel Mijares, with whom she has continued performing throughout the years.

Even though you’re a pop star, you’ve sung regional Mexican music since the early days of your career.

Mexican music has always been present in my heart and my life. I’ll never get tired of saying that it’s the most beautiful music in the world. Early in my career, I recorded “Triste Recuerdo” and it was a huge success. That’s why it was such a gift for me to participate in Antonio Aguilar’s album with that iconic song. I thanked Pepe [Aguilar] so much because it’s such an honor for me to sing this iconic piece. It’s very important that the audience hears these songs again in new versions and that younger generations discover them. I also have two albums with banda produced by Luciano Luna and several with mariachi.

The late Joan Sebastian often said publicly that you were his muse and someone very special to him. You even recorded an album together.

Un Lu-Jo was a wonderful album with my dear friend Joan. He had something perhaps platonic for me — we can admit it now. I had the privilege of enjoying his talent and his friendship during his final years. Shortly after we made that album, he passed away, but he left behind a magnificent legacy. In almost all my projects, I like to include something from Joan; it adds a touch of good luck to my work. This time is no exception, as I included “Me Gustas” [on the new album] in a more intimate and acoustic version.

The title Fuertes Declaraciones (Strong Statements) hints at a different side of Lucero. What can fans expect from this production?

It’s a different album in my career, definitely. I wanted to innovate and dare to do something different without it feeling forced. That doesn’t mean doing things that don’t suit me or singing lyrics that don’t align with who I am. You always have to respect your age, your essence, your image and what the audience expects from you. This album brings innovation — a refreshed and recharged Lucero.

The lyrics are bold, something we haven’t heard from Lucero before.

It had to sound modern, like what’s currently trending in regional Mexican music, but naturally in line with my age and style. I felt very comfortable doing what I did without forcing anything. I was incredibly fortunate to work with great songwriters like Amanda Coronel, Horacio Palencia, Iván Gámez, Geovani Cabrera and Aureo Baqueiro, who is also the producer. I believe we succeeded in showcasing a mature Lucero singing about love, heartbreak, life and women’s empowerment.

What’s it like being the mother of someone as talented as Lucerito, who’s also a singer?

I love that my daughter invites me to share her projects, although I also try not to get too involved because, in the end, she’s carving her own path. She’s pursuing what she wants to do and stepping away from mom and dad, as she’s already a woman creating her own identity. I loved being close to her during her recording sessions, and she’ll be presenting her work very soon. I admire her and offer advice when I can because, at the end of the day, she’s mature enough to make decisions about her project, which I’m sure the audience will love.

What’s the secret to maintaining a healthy relationship — and even working together — with Mijares?

I think we’ve been fortunate and smart to enjoy the good things in life in a beautiful way. Being married and then separating many years ago doesn’t mean fighting; it means remaining friends and partners for our children forever. That’s why we can work together — because we admire each other, get along well, and continue to support one another’s projects.