There are moments where, whether for lack of information or ignorance, we all create an image of a person that sometimes isn’t completely correct. Such was my experience with Olga Tañón. The “Woman of Fire,” as many call her.  She is beautiful and talented, but  may sometimes come across as being cold or having a rigid personality.

The truth is that this super merenguera and salsera possesses a heart as radiant as her smile. In this interview Tañón allowed me to briefly enter her sacred space: her sentimientos. On the inside, this Latina is humble and natural. Although she isn’t a woman of many words, don’t be fooled—she knows how to value herself and shows it not only through her music but through her true personality as well.

Tell us a bit about the process for your new album, Soy Como Tú.
It was good. I was very happy to have had the opportunity to contribute by writing a few songs.

How was the adventure into the world of reggaetón with the song “Sigue Moviéndote”?
Well, I like reggaetón as long as it offers a positive message. I’ve done some reggaetón before, so that’s nothing new to me. What I don’t like is vulgar reggaetón or vulgar rapping. I’m not into that.

You are pregnant, right?
Yes, I am. I am four and a half months pregnant.

What are some of the things you do to maintain a healthy pregnancy?
I like to eat healthy. I continue my exercise regime like running and weight lifting.

You are a woman who has faced many difficulties in life. What do you look to for strength to overcome obstacles?
I’ve had just a few difficulties. Not many, thank God. But the truth is that people and the media like to exaggerate things too much and they make something huge out of nothing. They always make things worse than what they really are.

I’m the type of person who always looks for the positive aspect of everything. I always search for the light at the end of the tunnel. You always have to look behind you, because there is always someone in a worse situation.

What do you miss most from your life before all the fame?
Being able to spend more time with my family.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Absolutely nothing because I have learned so much.

Will you work on an English album?
I don’t think so. It’s not a part of my immediate plans. The truth is that I’ve always been well accepted by non-Hispanics.

Although they are still very young, have your children demonstrated any interest in a musical career?
Sure, they like to sing and they take all my pots and pans from the kitchen cabinets and make lots of noise all throughout the house (laughs). But if in the future they would like to pursue a music career, then I’ll support them, though I would never force it upon them.