13 Interesting Facts About Gloria Trevi
Do you want to know some interesting facts about Gloria Trevi?
Gloria Trevi is a Mexican singer-songwriter and actress with a career spanning over three decades.
Born Gloria de los Ángeles Treviño Ruiz to a well-off family in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, on February 15, 1970, she went on to become one of the most influential and successful Latin American artists of all time.
Related Read: Best Mexican Singers of All Time
Gloria Trevi’s impact on the Mexican music industry cannot be overstated. She paved the way for other female artists and helped to redefine the genre of Mexican pop.
Her powerful voice, energetic performances, and unique style continue to inspire and influence musicians in Mexico and beyond.
Read on to find out more interesting facts about Gloria Trevi.
Things you'll find in this article
- 13 Interesting Facts About Gloria Trevi
- 1. Gloria Trevi got a scholarship to study voice and dance when she was 13
- 2. She refused to come home, defying her mother’s wishes
- 3. She became a member of an all-girl teen-pop group called Boquitas Pintadas
- 4. She was 16 when she got involved with a gynecologist twice her age
- 5. She lived on the streets
- 6. Her grandfather left her an inheritance
- 7. Andrade changed her name to “Trevi”
- 8. Gloria Trevi launched her debut album in 1989
- 9. She was called the “Mexican Madonna” for her provocative lyrics and daring performances in the 1990s
- 10. Gloria Trevi is dubbed the “Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop”
- 11. Gloria Trevi was imprisoned in Brazil for four years
- 12. Trevi managed to bounce back from the legal issues and controversies
- 13. She serves an inspiration to Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and other Latin American artists
13 Interesting Facts About Gloria Trevi
1. Gloria Trevi got a scholarship to study voice and dance when she was 13
As a child of a well-off architect, Gloria Trevi grew up in Monterrey spending her free time taking acting classes and piano lessons.
At the age of 13, she received a scholarship to pursue studies in voice and dance as a prize she won in a national performance competition. This marked the beginning of her journey into the show business scene of Mexico City.
2. She refused to come home, defying her mother’s wishes
Instead of embracing the educational opportunities available, Trevi swiftly embraced the cosmopolitan lifestyle in the Mexican capital.
Disregarding her formal training, she made the decision to defy her mother’s order to return home to Monterrey. Instead, she dedicated herself to auditioning for pop bands, determined to pursue her passion as a young singer.
3. She became a member of an all-girl teen-pop group called Boquitas Pintadas
In 1985, at the age of 15, Trevi’s unwavering determination bore fruit.
She achieved an important milestone by becoming an original member of the short-lived all-female teen-pop group called the Boquitas Pintadas, which translates to “Little Painted Mouths” in English.
Gloria Trevi’s role in the group was that of a backup singer, where she showcased her talents while playing a pink plastic harmonium that resembled an electric guitar.
4. She was 16 when she got involved with a gynecologist twice her age
Following a short-lived period of fame, Boquitas Pintadas disbanded shortly after its formation.
Gloria Trevi, then 16 years old, found herself entangled in a romantic relationship with a 32-year-old gynecologist.
However, this love affair was marred by the his jealousy toward her artistic ambitions, leading him to forbid her from pursuing her dreams.
Eventually, Trevi made the decision to prioritize her ambitions over the relationship, refusing his proposal of marriage and choosing to part ways.
5. She lived on the streets
After the relationship with the gynecologist came to an end, Trevi found herself abandoned by her family due to her disobedience.
Left without any financial support, shelter, or sustenance, the young teenager was left to fend for herself. She lived on the streets, selling chewing gum, singing on buses and in the subways for loose change, and even begging for money and food.
It was also during these challenging times, however, that Trevi started writing her own songs.
6. Her grandfather left her an inheritance
Now 19 years old, Trevi’s luck began to change when she returned to Monterrey and discovered that her recently deceased grandfather had left her an inheritance.
With newfound resources at her disposal, she traveled back to Mexico City. Determined and armed with financial support, she made her way to her former producer and mentor Sergio Andrade’s doorstep.
Despite past disappointments and setbacks, the resilient singer was prepared to give her music career another shot, fueled by a renewed sense of hope and determination.
7. Andrade changed her name to “Trevi”
Drawn to her quick wit, confrontational nature, and unyielding courage in challenging societal norms and values, Andrade saw an opportunity to infuse the Mexican music scene with a touch of rock.
He recognized her potential and willingly offered his assistance.
As a first step, he suggested a name change, transforming “Treviño” into the more captivating and memorable screen name, “Trevi.”
8. Gloria Trevi launched her debut album in 1989
While Boquitas Pintadas was short-lived, Gloria Trevi managed to earn initial recognition before embarking on a solo career.
Her debut album, titled ¿Qué Hago Aquí? (English: What Am I Doing Here?), quickly became a hit after its release in 1989.
Trevi quickly became one of the most popular Mexican singers at the time. Her unique style, which blended elements of rock, pop, and Latin music, set her apart from other artists in the Mexican music scene at the time.
9. She was called the “Mexican Madonna” for her provocative lyrics and daring performances in the 1990s
Gloria Trevi, often referred to as the “Mexican Madonna” in the 1990s, challenged societal norms and pushed artistic boundaries through her music and performances.
She fearlessly addressed taboo topics such as female empowerment, sexuality, and social injustice in her lyrics, resonating with a generation of fans seeking authenticity and unconventional perspectives.
Trevi’s audacious and unforgettable stage presence, with provocative outfits and energetic choreography, drew comparisons to Madonna and solidified her status as an influential figure in Latin music.
10. Gloria Trevi is dubbed the “Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop”
Gloria Trevi has rightfully earned the title of the “Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop” due to her dynamic performances and powerful singing, winning the adoration of millions of fans and becoming an iconic figure in the Mexican music industry.
Trevi’s stage presence is truly captivating. She possesses a natural talent for connecting with her audience, engaging them with her infectious energy and undeniable charm.
Her voice exhibits an impressive range and adaptability, effortlessly tackling various musical genres.
Whether it’s deeply moving ballads or catchy pop anthems, she demonstrates a mastery of her art that cements her reputation as one of Mexico’s most revered vocalists.
11. Gloria Trevi was imprisoned in Brazil for four years
Despite her success, Trevi’s career was marred by controversy.
In 1998, she and her then manager Mexican music producer Sergio Andrade were accused of sexually abusing minors who were part of Trevi’s fan club.
In 2000, the two were arrested in Brazil. Despite Trevi’s denial of the allegations, she spent four years and eight months in prison. After a gruelling legal process, she was finally acquitted of all charges in 2004.
12. Trevi managed to bounce back from the legal issues and controversies
The scandal and imprisonment severely damaged Trevi’s reputation and career. However, she was able to make a comeback in the middle of 2000s.
She released several albums that sold well. She also toured extensively. She has bagged various awards as well, including a number of Latin Grammy Awards and Billboard Latin Music Awards.
These successes once again proved Gloria Trevi’s resilience.
13. She serves an inspiration to Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and other Latin American artists
Gloria Trevi’s impact on the Latin American music scene cannot be overstated.
She paved the way for other female artists to tackle taboo subjects and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in popular music.
Many of today’s top Latin American artists, such as Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, credit Trevi as an inspiration.
