Thalia
By Madeliene Marr
Thalía is in a great mood. With good reason.
The 36-year-old Latin pop star has a lot going on. Good things.
Last fall, she became a mother for the first time with hubby of eight years, record producer Tommy Mottola, the 59-year-old ex of Mariah Carey.
Baby No. 2: Her 14th album, Lunada, co-produced with old friend Emilio Estefan. It features 11 cuts, a mix of old (Insensible or Insensitive) and new (Bendita, Blessed), dedicated to 9-month-old Sabrina Sakae.
We caught up with the Mexican singer as she was landing in Miami, a town she's pretty familiar with -- she and Mottola used to own a mansion on Star Island, next door to the Estefans. They now call New York home.
How do you like being a mother?
It's a blessing. This the best time of my life. She is so healthy, such a love -- wanting to walk, moving around constantly. She definitely knows what she wants -- the boss of the house!
So Tommy isn't the boss?
Ha! No. He's just a wonderful father, a padrazo [totally indulgent dad]. He sings to her, feeds her, talks to her, tells her stories.
Have any secrets to a good marriage?
Mutual respect is important. It's important to have things in common and plan things together like trips. Keep it interesting.
Did Tommy congratulate Mariah after she got married?
That's something you'd have to ask him.
Any musts while in town?
Well, I know it's been raining but I plan to enjoy myself. Miami is still riquisima, especially in the summer. We'll meet up with some old friends, probably grab a nice meal at Lario's or Casa Tua, and go to the beach. I have to go the beach.
What is on your iPod right now?
My tastes are really eclectic. I have Beethoven, Sinatra, Diana Krall, Sadé, Robbie Williams, Madonna. Music is magic -- it has the ability to make you feel so many different ways.
Do you ever get back to Mexico?
When I do, I go back incognito, to enjoy myself, to party. Not to work.
How do you like living in New York?
It's exciting -- all the little things. The fashion, entertainment, finance, the cultures from all over the world. At the same time, it can be a lonely, solitary place. Everyone is in their little corner, trying to survive. I have carved out a life for myself and found some Latina friends. I have my own little cafés I go to for taquitos and guacamole.
Do you get mobbed wherever you go?
People do recognize me and stop me in the street or ask me to sing a song. But it's OK. I feel part of them. To get this affection after all these years is very special.
- Current 73.4 °F
- It's a tennis day
- Take a lesson in Brickell
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