Amalia Pérez Díaz's señora-latina-maximalism with a sound and aesthetic of late 1990s Latin pop. That’s how I can best describe my latest era. I love that's how Fey described the audience and our different outfits last night at her concert. Basically, reina-lingo. I was so excited to find out she was coming to town, and I hadn't felt a bit of this type of energy since I saw Kali Uchis last August.
Not only absolutely everything about Kali Uchis, her natural beauty, her presence, sound, but also the set, the props, and the transitions. 99% of the crowd was wearing linen and orchid-print outfits. Despite the general chaos around us, that stadium felt like a safe and somehow calming place, regardless of all the dancing and screaming her songs back at her. I guess that’s exactly how Kali Uchis’ music makes me feel. That is why I added many of her songs to my Playa State of Mind Station on Pandora.
Surprisingly, I also have a sweeter side to me. Just like Kali and many Latinx female singers and actors. ‘Azúcar Amargo’ is an oxymoron that best describes this side. Colorful, energetic, confident, and in some way also innocent. However, never dare to cross the boundaries or confuse that innocence and femininity for weakness; that's when the real lion comes out.
All my life, I have found an immense power in strong Latinx female icons and artists. Not only strong figures in the acting side, like Amalia Pérez Díaz, but also (cliché, I know) pop divas from my side of the world, like.
Maybe because I have always secretly wanted, in some shape or form, to become one myself, but also because I saw it for what it was: power. Despite my undeniable attraction to men, strong female figures have always appealed to me because of their presence, the way they manage the room they are in, and the delivery of creative concepts, elevating the energy of that room. Making you cry or hate them, with the delivery of their character and lines. Or the stage presence when singing your Hits live 31 years later.
The whole reason I wanted to create salti.studio and this publication is to document these figures that inspire me creatively and have paved the way for artists like me to 'CRWL' before I can walk in this beautiful creative ecosystem.
But before Kali and me, there had been some icons that created a path for many artists dominating the ecosystem, and we have to get to know them. And while all these queens I have been mentioning deserve their own piece and recognition by joining what I am calling the Reinas Hall of Fame, in my world. Because the freshness of the energy of yesterday's concert...
Today I am starting with Fey.
REINAS First Inductee: FEY
Picture me, Caracas, 1996. “Tierna la Noche” was the CD of the moment, from the Mexican superstar Fey. My mom chats with the neighbord while eight-year-old me, trying to embody the energy I speak about, dances to Fey’s “Azucar Amargo” with bandanas around our right wrists and moving our arms left to right with my childhood friend.
I am convinced that my love for drag art is that it embodies that. It is an art form that, yes, allows me to play with gender, but more than that, explore the power I also talk about. These female figures in my life always encouraged and celebrated my artistic inclinations and presented characters, light-hearted jokes, and dances. I am grateful for that.
I was very excited to find out she is scheduled to perform in Reno, Nevada, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. The concert is part of her Hits Tour, celebrating her extensive catalog of pop classics and fan favorites. I knew it was an opportunity to give that 8-year-old me some love and care.
Fey's Early Life and Beginnings
María Fernanda Blázquez Gil, known professionally as Fey, was born on July 21, 1973, in Mexico City, one of my favorite cities in the world. From a young age, she showed a strong inclination toward music and performance, influenced by her family’s artistic background. Her aunt, Gloria Blázquez, was a well-known singer, and Fey’s early exposure to the entertainment world helped shape her musical ambitions. Again, a strong female figure who paved the way for another icon. She showed some photos with her aunt on the screens throughout the concert. It was beautiful.
Fey’s stage name was inspired by her childhood nickname and became synonymous with the vibrant, youthful energy that would define her career. Before her solo debut, she worked as a backing vocalist and dancer, honing her stage presence and vocal style.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Fey’s self-titled debut album, “Fey” (1995), marked her explosive entry into the Latin pop scene. The album produced several hit singles, including Media Naranja, Gatos en el Balcón, Me Enamoro de Ti, and La Noche se Mueve. These songs dominated radio charts across Mexico and Latin America, establishing her as one of the most promising new voices in pop music. Including Venezuela, where her music became deeply tied to youth culture, dance shows, and televised performances throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.
With no shame or chill, I screamed "Venezuela" when Fey asked if there was anyone from Venezuela. There were probably two of us there...
Her follow-up album, “Tierna la Noche” (1996), solidified her superstar status. The record sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide and featured iconic tracks such as Azúcar Amargo, Muévelo, Te Pertenezco, and Subidón. The album’s success led to sold-out tours across Latin America and record-breaking performances at Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional, where she became one of the youngest artists to achieve multiple consecutive sold-out shows.
Evolution and Reinvention
I grew up at the same rhythm as Fey’s music. In 1998, Fey released “El Color de los Sueños”, an album that showcased her artistic maturity and willingness to experiment with new sounds. Although it did not match the commercial success of her previous releases, it demonstrated her versatility and commitment to evolving as an artist.
The early 2000s saw Fey exploring electronic and dance influences with albums like “Vertigo” (2002) and “La Fuerza del Destino” (2004), the latter being a tribute to the Spanish duo Mecano. Her 2009 album, “Dulce Tentación”, marked a return to her pop roots with a modern electropop twist, earning critical praise for its production and style. Like me then, a flamboyant teen, ready to... flower.
In the 2010s and 2020s, Fey continued to perform and release music, including anniversary projects and singles such as The Perfect Song (2020).
I can’t explain how much I love this song. The synth, the beat dropping. 'The Perfect Song' brings Fey’s soft, airy voice together with Paul Oakenfold’s smooth electronic sound. The result is a dreamy mix that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Icon.
I danced like no one was watching. It was so good.
Influence and Legacy
Fey is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Latin American pop music. Her early work helped define the sound and aesthetic of 1990s Latin pop, blending catchy melodies with danceable rhythms and youthful themes. She became a cultural icon for a generation of fans who grew up with her music, fashion, and choreography. The audience was so diverse in age, and they were just connecting and enjoying the performances during her concert. Her influence extends beyond music into fashion and performance art. Fey’s colorful outfits, energetic stage presence, and innovative music videos set new standards for Latin pop artists. She paved the way for future female performers such as Belinda, Anahí, and me (obvi), who followed her blueprint of combining pop sensibility with visual creativity. Critics and fans alike credit Fey with helping to modernize Mexican pop music, bridging the gap between traditional Latin sounds and global pop trends. Her ability to reinvent herself while maintaining her signature style has kept her relevant for over three decades. The looks on this tour were GORGEOUS, showcasing Fey's figure and movements matching the colors and spirit of the different eras.
Connections Beyond Music
She is also embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, which connects strongly with her colorful world, her expressive performances, and her theme of personal freedom found across songs like ‘Azúcar Amargo’ and ‘Subidón’. Her concerts often become joyful, safe spaces where fans like me celebrate identity, strong nostalgia, and self-expression without limits. Something very important to me.
I died when she danced to Sissy That Walk from RuPaul. So good.
I know, collectively, things feel a bit bittersweet right now. Though that won't stop me from giving that eight-year-old a chance to get the emotional care that it deserves. It's time to continue healing collectively.
You can follow along through Fey’s official accounts, including her Instagram, YouTube, and her site feyoficial.com, where she keeps fans connected to everything she’s doing.
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