It took Xavier Zazueta eight years to get into La Academia, a popular Mexican television show in which contestants seek to become professional singers.
“I clung on,” said the artist from Ciudad Obregón, in the Mexican state of Sonora. “They told me that I was not the type of person they were looking for, that I did not have a tragic story behind me.”
In the end, Xavier managed to get into the coveted program and it was there that he met Melissa Barrera, his wife and who was also part of the cast of La Academia in 2011.
Now, more than a decade after his “graduation”, Xavier released his debut album, “Disfraz de amigo”, which includes ballads, norteñas and songs with mariachi, the genre he likes the most because it was the one he grew up with.
One of the most vivid memories he has of his childhood is when he traveled with his father in the truck from the family meat business in Ciudad Obregón.
“I have helped him since I can remember,” he said. “My dad always listened to the music of Pedro Infante, José Alfredo Jiménez and Jorge Negrete on the radio. […] I have known their songs since I was 2 years old”.
In addition to preparing his album, Xavier has been quite active in recent months. Last year he sang at halftime of the game between the Chargers and Cleveland at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. He was also one of the singers at the tribute to Mexican actor Édgar Vivar in Chicago. And in Washington, he sang before a group of congressmen.
On the other hand, there are already plans for the next album; It will be in the Sierra style because Xavier has in his hands to reach the Latin public that lives in the United States.
“They will be themes of love and heartbreak,” he said. Because we want to reach the hearts of Latinos in the United States”.