Ana Mena, born in Estepona in 1997, stands as one of the most influential urban pop figures today, drawing millions of listeners and views with a substantial portion of her catalog.
The 26-year-old Malaga singer has collaborated with names like Becky G, Carlos Baute, Rocco Hunt, De La Guetta, Maldita Nerea, and CNCO. Her release Bellodrama, a 16-track project, blends melodies reminiscent of the 60s and 70s with contemporary pop textures, offering a bridge between eras for her audience in Spain and beyond.
1. Television and music debuts
Ana began formal music lessons at eight and quickly proved her talent. At nine she appeared on the television competition Veo Veo, a sign that singing and dancing ran in her veins. In 2009 she starred in the Antena 3 mini-series Marisol, la película, a project exploring the life of Pepa Flores. Her rise continued with My Camp Rock 2 in 2010, a contest she won that year, boosting her public profile.
At thirteen, Ana earned a major acting credit in Pedro Almodóvar’s La piel que habito, portraying the daughter of Antonio Banderas. She later joined El número 1, Antena 3’s talent show, and soon after starred in Vive cantando (2013) where she delivered a notable musical performance.
From early on, she expressed a deep passion for music, and her first singing experiences were nurtured alongside mentors such as Niña Pastori, who helped shape her early artistry.
2. A decisive step into the music industry
Her television appearances paved the way to a broader audience. In 2016, she made a bold solo leap with the single I’m not like you need, which quickly positioned her as a leading new voice in Spain and kept the track among the country’s most listened for weeks.
Ana kept releasing music, testing different markets. She explored the Italian scene with D’estate non vale, a collaboration with Italian rapper Fred De Palma that topped charts. A follow-up, Una volta ancora, echoed across listeners, and the Spanish-language Se iluminaba also gained traction during the quarantine period in Italy. During the summer of 2020, she released A un paso dalla luna with Rocco Hunt, which ranked among the top Spanish-language tracks in the country.
In May of the following year, she announced Un bacio all’improvviso, again with Hunt, and in October started a collaboration with Italian Federico Rossi. By 2021, she had become the most-streamed national artist in Spain, surpassing even Rosalía in some metrics.
3. Her striking evolution
Public conversations about her image have accompanied her career. Observers note a significant visual transformation since her early performances. While the specifics of cosmetic changes are debated, the general shift includes lighter hair and a more sculpted facial silhouette, contributing to a new on-stage presence and media conversations about her aesthetics and style.
She has not publicly confirmed every cosmetic decision, but observers point to a strand of changes that includes hair color, facial contour adjustments, and fuller lips, suggesting a combination of style evolution and cosmetic enhancements. Some analysts also discuss facial contour changes related to aesthetic procedures, though official statements have not elaborated on these aspects.
Experts have also mentioned procedures sometimes pursued by celebrities to refine facial features, such as adjustments around the jawline and cheeks, which can influence a performer’s overall look on camera and stage.
4. Performance at Sanremo
In February 2022, Ana performed at the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy, an event that has long been a showcase for European artists. She performed a rendition of Duecentomila ore, aligning with the festival’s tradition of presenting contemporary artists in a revered historic venue. Her final standing reflected the competitive spirit of the event, while the experience was described by Ana as a dream fulfilled, a moment shared with family and fans alike.
Shortly after her performance, she spoke about the magical atmosphere of the Ariston Theatre in interviews with Italian media, and she noted how this opportunity deepened her connection to Italian music culture. Her ties to Italy grew stronger as she established a residence in Milan for a period, signaling a willingness to split time between Spain and Italy for creative growth. Rumors about personal relationships in the public eye circulated, but the artist continued to focus on music and professional development.
5. An on-stage mishap
During a Primavera Pop performance at the WiZink Center in Madrid, Ana experienced a wardrobe malfunction when her skirt slipped mid-show. She later described the moment on social media, noting how she remained engaged with the audience and embraced the moment with humor. The incident showcased her composure and ability to recover gracefully, turning a potential distraction into a memorable, lighthearted moment for fans.
She recounted that the episode happened more than once in her career, underscoring a resilient attitude toward live performance and the willingness to laugh at unexpected situations on stage.
6. Release of Bellodrama and ongoing tour
Bellodrama marks a pivotal second studio album for the artist, accompanied by a nationwide concert tour. After a span of years without a full-length record, the 15-song collection explores themes of love and heartbreak, described by the singer as a melancholy joy. Preceding the release, singles like Música ligera and LAS 12 hinted at the album’s direction, though no full vinyl release had occurred since 2018’s Index.
During Bellodrama’s promotion, Ana described the work as a tribute to classic pop while clearly incorporating modern elements. The album nods to 60s and 70s melodies while leaving space for ballads, urban rhythms, and bachata in places. She cited influences ranging from Katy Perry to La Oreja de Van Gogh and Luis Miguel, explaining that the lyrics draw on personal experiences and interactions with people around her. The Bellodrama Tour is slated to begin in A Coruña on April 15 and wrap at Madrid’s Wizink Center on September 9, with stops in Barcelona, Valencia, and Valladolid along the way.