When reviewing my short list of favorite female singers, there’s a personality trait that remain present in these cherished performers: the theatrical aspect of their live performances. As being a fan of many larger-than-life entertainers or fictional characters, is it really surprising? I’ll propose some names now and then, individuals who may not be as well known in your area than in mine. Some of them are not even popular at large in my region, so don’t despair. Let’s start this new feature with Monica Naranjo.

Geez, Monica… Not only does she used to wear very short skirts and appear frequently quasi-nude in her sensual music videos, but her lungs can back up any challenge, let me tell you. I discovered that unique talent quite by chance, on a boring Saturday night some years ago while flipping channels, as I came upon a Luciano Pavarotti special. It was the Pavarotti & Friends for Cambodia and Tibet show, taped in 2000, now available for my viewing pleasure on a PBS station. I almost immediately saw that gorgeous and dangerous looking creature performing her hit Sobreviviré, of which I had no clue at the time of its title, nor even of her own name. Of course, I dutifully stayed glued to the screen until the end credits for more knowledge. It took mere days to find a copy of her CD Minage at my local HMV’s World Music section and I was hooked.

Monica was born on May 23, 1974, in Figueres, Spain. She quickly began to idolize Italian singer Mina, a hit sensation of the sixties, so her career path was already clear. Our heroine became Miss Cataluña at the age of 14, a local beauty pageant. She released her first album in 1994, which produced at least three big hits. After an acclaimed passage in Mexico, 1996 saw the big success of her second album, which now touched fans in all Latin-speaking countries and communities, selling more than two million copies and solidifying her Diva persona. Associated with a style of Latin Pop and Dance-Pop, Monica turned to more ambitious ventures with 2000’s Minage, an homage to her idol, Mina Mazzini, with whom she performs a duet. This album remains one of my favorite of the last ten years, where the passion oozes out of your speakers and gets imprinted in your brain cells. She’s worldly known for her powerful vocal range, registering many octaves.

Monica has tried to reach a more international fan base by producing an English-speaking album, 2003’s Bad Girls. But for now, this goal has oddly not been attained. Her Greatest Hits collection can also be a good starting point for all of you curious to discover her. Do it! New song material should be available early in 2008.

Monica’s stage shows are elaborate affairs also, with colorful costumes, many dancers and a top-notch band. Sniff around YouTube for her live performances and videos and you’ll know what I mean. Sadly, some appearances on Europeans television specials are in unfortunate lip-sinking mode, but what the hell, you’ll witness Monica strutting her stuff before a seated assembly including retired Spanish ladies and gentlemen trying to keep a straight face before this hip-tossing cat-woman!

Monica took part in some movie projects, a couple of Spanish sex comedies with the translated titles being Killer Housewives and Sex Is Crazy. Her scenes as a prostitute were deleted from Yo puta (or I, Whore) for reasons unknown to me. How about an upcoming horror film, Monica, with you as some sort of succubus witch?

If I only have one message for Monica, well it’s the same that I tried to share with Bianca Beauchamp: please don’t get blonde too often…