MEXICO

- How did you get the role of Jasmine in Aladdin, back in 1992?

I did an audition by Sony music, it was with several artist that where called at the same time, after Disney USA listen to my audition I was accepted.
Actually it was a little dificult because the melody is made for a soprano singer and I am a mezzo soprano, but with a little bit of technique I was able to solve it. It was done at the first try, in one take.

My favorite part it was :
"I'm like a shooting star, I've came so far, I can't go back to where I used to be"
(In Spanish : "Soy como azul estrella que se va, / "I'm like a blue star that goes away, 
                       Y nunca será igual ya otra vez" / And nothing will be the same again")

- Did you audition for the speaking parts as well?

Yes I did, but every time that I've done dubbings for Disney I had to share the characters with Maggie Vera, she's a great singer and a close friend. I would have enjoyed to be the speaking voice as well.

- Have you heard the European Spanish version of the song?

I have heard it, I think that she has a beautiful voice, but I feel like Jasmine should sound older.

- Do you know you're one of the most beloved Jasmine voices worldwide?

I didn't know about it, and it surprised me that you mention that. When you do a job in your own country you never imagine who is going to like it. I mean even people that speak different languages.

- In 1998, you became the singing voice of Mulan; how did you get that role?

Well I auditioned again and got the role! ​The song was again sung by Lea Salonga so I was called to dub her again. It took a little longer time than Jasmine, because the voice and emotions were hard to get together - I know several people, both men and women use the song as a mark in their life.
Until this day, "Mi Reflejo" ("Reflection") is the best song that I have ever sung in a dubbing. It's almost like an autobiography.
I have listen to some international versions, and the ones that I have enjoyed are the French and Japanese versions, because they are similar to Lea Salonga's voice, the original.

- What is your favourite Disney song?

"Reflection" and "Part of Your World", both of them have amazing lyrics and a powerful melody.

- Have you ever auditioned for any other roles?

Yes, Beauty and the Beast for the role of Belle, and also for Fox's Anastasia. I could not get cast as Anastasia because my voice needed a technique with opera elements. But I recorded all the songs for the whole movie. But a famous Mexican singer (Thalía, ed) married a really powerful man in the industry and when the dubbing was finished, automatically she's been chosen for the singing voice.

- Which of your two characters reflect the more your personality: Jasmine or Mulan?

Definitely Mulan.

- What are you doing nowadays?

I'm an international vocal coach, singer and mother of two kids.

Interview by Agust Ingi Aðalheiðarson
February 19, 2017