Stefani Barela Sullivan better known as “Stefani Montiel” was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to an eclectic Mexican, Spaniard, German and Italian culture. As a proud Latina she used her roots as a foundation for her life and music. Stefani’s musical ancestry has inspired and strengthened her classical training making her an irrefutable ingredient of the new Latin sound. Whether she is singing a ballad, ranchera, salsa, cumbia or her signature mix of Latin and R&B there is no mistaking Stefani’s sweet, smooth and powerful voice.
At the tender age of five Stefani released her first single to a warm industry welcome. At the age of nine her first full length LP racked up three hits and by fifteen yet another record was released making her a veteran in the industry. Like her voice her dreams were tremendous. Stefani soon signed with Capital EMI, and had her sights set on making her mark and a new star was ready to shine on San Antonio, Texas the Capital of Tejano Music. Immediately the Tejano industry and fans were captivated by her music and with two major hits she then signed a lucrative long term record deal with Sony Discos.
It was time to conquer Mexico with her inconceivable charisma, commanding vocals and astonishing beauty they welcomed her with open arms and in front of more than 100,000 fans she was named the Queen of the Monterrey Fair. Her anticipated second album proved that she was not a “one-hit wonder” and proved to the industry that she was a major star. By the release of her third and fourth albums Stefani had not only established loyal fans but a deep catalog of album releases and numerous Awards and nominations.
The release of her fifth album contained a strongly rooted Tejano sound fused with Regional Mexican, Pop and Tropical hints that would become Stefani’s signature style. The first single “Ay Papi” drew instantaneous success throughout the country catapulting her to an international market. In Puerto Rico the song debuted at number four between Metallica and Celine Dion. At the rising success of the album VH1 aired the “Ay Papi” video solidifying her as a bonafide star and songwriter earning her first Grammy nomination for “Best Tejano Performance” at the first Latin Grammy’s. With all her success and second Latin Grammy’s nomination for “Best Tejano Album” it was time that the American Grammy’s took notice for her sixth album nominating her for “Best Tejano Album”.
In the summer of 2005 Stefani collaborated with two of Tejano’s iconic artists creating the group Las 3 Divas. Again the American and Latin Grammy’s took notice nominating the group for “Best Tejano Album” and “Best Mexican/American album” making this Stefani’s third and fourth Grammy nod. The demand for the group was so great it sparked a tour throughout the United States, Alaska, Japan and Korea. As Las 3 Divas tour came to an end, Stefani’s star shined so brightly they asked her to return to Alaska, Korea and Japan later adding Spain and Hawaii to her world tour. For her seventh album Stefani paid tribute to her uncle, Joe Barela recording songs he had written. In 2009 her eighth album “Divina” reminded the industry why she was so successful earning her sixth Grammy nomination for “Best Tejano Album.
Stefani not only stands out for her incredible vocals; she is a tremendous performer. She draws in crowds with her energetic shows entertaining her faithful fans and opening the eyes and ears to new ones. She knows what it takes to make it in today’s Latin scene making her one of today’s hottest artists. Compelling, sophisticated, stylish, charismatic, this is Stefani Montiel.
Discography:
1993 – Tu y Nadie Mas ; single (Capitol EMI)
1993 – Desde El Primer Beso ; single (Capitol EMI)
1994 – Te Voy Enamorar (Sony Discos)
1995 – Todo Mi Amor (Sony Discos)
1997 – Porque Soy Mujer (Sony Discos)
1998 – Baila Conmigo (Sony Discos)
1999 – Dulce Sensacion (Sony Discos)
2004 – Takin’ on the World (World Records)
2008 – The Music of Joe Barela (World Records)
2009 – Divina (Ro Records/World Records)
2013 - Paraíso (World Records)
2016 - La Dueña (VMB Music Group)
Grammy Nominations:
2000 Latin Grammy’s – Best Tejano Performance (Dulce Sensacion)
2004 Latin Grammy’s – Best Tejano Album (Takin on the World)
2006 Latin Grammy’s – Best Tejano Album (Las 3 Divas)
2005 Grammy’s – Best Tejano Album (Takin on the World)
2007 Grammy’s – Best Mexican American Album (Las 3 Divas)
2010 Grammy’s – Best Tejano Album (Divina)
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Tejano Music Awards
1996 - Rising Star Female
2017 - Female Vocalist Of The Year
2017 - Entertainer Of The Year
NMHMA:
2011 – Female Vocalist of the year
2011 – Bilingual song of the year
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2013 - Inducted Tejano Roots Hall Of Fame
Female Entertainer Of The Year
Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians:
2004 – Female vocalist of the year
2005 – Female vocalist of the year
2006 – Female vocalist of the year
2008 – Female vocalist of the year