Jacqie Rivera, the second daughter of the legendary regional Mexican icon Jenni Rivera, is stepping further into her own musical identity with the release of her second studio album, Corazón Desnudo. Arriving via Soundflower Inc and Virgin Music Group, the 12-track collection marks a compelling chapter for the artist, seamlessly blending contemporary pop-rock sensibilities with the foundational sounds of her heritage. Following her 2025 release, En Otra Vida, this new project sees Rivera pushing her artistic boundaries while staying deeply connected to her roots.
Reflecting on the creative direction of the album, Rivera shared insights into her unique sonic approach with Billboard Español. Even as she explores different territories outside of traditional regional Mexican music, she recognizes the impossibility—and the undesirability—of entirely separating herself from her background. Explaining her creative motivation, she noted that while the project leans into alternative genres, she intentionally wove in elements native to her musical DNA.
The creation of Corazón Desnudo served a dual purpose for Rivera, functioning not merely as a commercial release but as a deeply personal and therapeutic endeavor. While maintaining her demanding professional responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of Jenni Rivera Enterprises—the organization tasked with fiercely protecting and managing her late mother’s extensive music catalog and enduring legacy—Rivera carved out vital time to write several tracks on the LP. For her, the writing room became a space for reflection and emotional processing. Describing the journey behind the music, she characterized it as a profoundly healing experience born directly from the real-life events, challenges, and personal growth she has navigated over the past few years.
In today’s increasingly fluid musical landscape, where cross-genre experimentation is celebrated more than ever, Rivera takes full advantage of the artistic freedom to dabble in R&B, contemporary pop, and diverse Latin rhythms. Across the tracklist, she channels complex emotions through a vocal delivery that balances delicate vulnerability with striking power. Songs such as "Mi superpoder," "Pa’ migajas," "Amaneció en París," "Rota," and "Cuando cambies volveré" highlight her growing confidence as a solo artist, demonstrating her ability to navigate diverse musical styles while maintaining a cohesive emotional thread throughout the album.
Among the 12 tracks, Corazón Desnudo features a deeply poignant centerpiece that holds immense sentimental value for both the 37-year-old artist and her listeners: a transcendent duet pairing her own contemporary vocals with an archival recording of her mother performing Alicia Keys’ modern soul standard "If I Ain’t Got You." Serving as the album’s lead single when it dropped on July 24, the collaboration bridges past and present in a moving tribute. The mother-daughter musical connection is not entirely unprecedented, as the two previously shared a stage to perform the very same song live when Jacqie was just a teenager.
Reflecting on that formative moment, Rivera recalled the profound impact her mother’s encouragement had on her early life. She noted that the invitation to sing alongside her mother was incredibly special, expressing her belief that the iconic performer—affectionately known to millions as the "Diva of Banda"—recognized a latent spark in her that suggested she might one day follow a path into the music industry. Jenni Rivera tragically lost her life in a devastating plane crash in 2012 at the age of 43, leaving behind a monumental void in Latin music, but her work ethic and artistic spirit continue to resonate deeply within her children.
Balancing a flourishing recording career with the heavy corporate duties of running Jenni Rivera Enterprises presents unique challenges, but Rivera finds enduring motivation by reflecting on her mother’s legendary dedication. Drawing inspiration from memories of the intense work ethic that drove her mother to rise as early as 5:00 a.m. to meticulously organize her demanding schedule, Rivera approaches her dual roles as executive and artist with similar determination. With Corazón Desnudo, Jacqie Rivera honors her past while firmly establishing her own voice in the contemporary Latin music landscape.
