Arelys Henao Biography: Awards, Songs, Net Worth, Sons, Siblings, Height, Parents, Age, Husband

  Arelys Henao, fondly called La Reina de la Música Popular (The Queen of Popular Music), is a cherished Colombian singer-songwriter and composer whose powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics have touched millions.

Her songs, blending pop, ranchera, and música popular, tell stories of love, loss, and resilience, resonating deeply with fans across Latin America.

Profile

• Full Name: Luz Arelys Henao Ruiz
• Stage Name: Arelys Henao, La Reina de la Música Popular
• Born: December 3, 1976
• Age: 49 years old
• Birthplace: Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia
• Nationality: Colombian
• Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Composer
• Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. Don Alonso Henao and Mrs. Ana María Pérez
• Siblings: 13
• Spouse: Wilfredo Hurtado (M. 1996)
• Children: Juan Esteban Hurtado Henao, Miguel Hurtado Henao
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $6 million to $38 million

Early Life

Luz Arelys Henao Ruiz was born on December 3, 1976, in Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia, into a large, hardworking family. Raised by her parents, Mr. Don Alonso Henao and Mrs. Ana María Pérez, she grew up with 13 siblings, though tragically, seven passed away due to unspecified reasons.

Her ethnicity is Colombian, and she follows the Christian faith. Living in a violent region marked by guerrilla presence, Arelys faced many challenges, but her love for music shone through. Inspired by local traditions and Colombian singer Darío Gómez, she began singing in her community, participating in local competitions and developing her passion for music from a young age.

Education

Arelys Henao attended a local high school in Sabanalarga, where she completed her secondary education. She later pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree.

Career

Arelys Henao began her music career in Medellín in 1996, inspired by Colombian música popular icon Darío Gómez. Her debut album, Por la Puerta Grande (2004), marked her entry into the industry, followed by Única (2011), Reina sin Rey (2015), and Mujeres y Despecho (2015). Her 2020 album Homenaje a El Rey del Despecho paid tribute to Gómez, and Vuelvo a Ser Libre (2023) explored themes of freedom.

Notable singles include “El Karma (Remix),” “Te Acordarás de Mí,” “La Patrona,” and collaborations like “La Reina y el Rey” with Gómez (2015), “Devuélveme los Besos” with El Charrito Negro, and “Pacto de Olvido” with Fanny Lu. She has shared stages with artists like Ana Gabriel, Los Tigres del Norte, and Maelo Ruiz.

In 2018, she performed at Teleton Colombia. Her music, blending ranchera and mariachi, has earned her the title La Reina de la Música Popular. A 2022 Netflix telenovela, Arelys Henao: Canto para no Llorar, portrays her life, highlighting her rise amid adversity. With over 1.1 million Instagram followers and 1.29 million YouTube subscribers, she remains a leading figure in Latin music.

Awards & Nominations

• Premios Nuestra Tierra: Nominated for Best Female Artist and Best Female Performance (four total nominations, 2013–2021)
• Premios Nuestra Tierra 2013: Nominated for Popular Song of the Year for Mujeres y Despecho
• Premios Nuestra Tierra 2021: Nominated for Popular Song of the Year for La Reina y el Rey (feat. Darío Gómez)
• Premios Nuestra Tierra 2014: Nominated for Popular Song of the Year for To Fly
  No additional awards are documented, but her contributions are widely celebrated.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @arelyshenao
• Facebook: Arelys Henao
• YouTube channel: ARELYS HENAO ‘La Reina de la Música Popular’

Personal Life

Arelys Henao, 49, has been married to Wilfredo Hurtado, a Colombian music manager, since 1996. They celebrated their 28th anniversary in April 2024. The couple has two sons: Juan Esteban Hurtado Henao, 26, a business administrator with a degree in Economics and Finance, and Miguel Hurtado Henao, 21, an aspiring professional footballer.

Her height is 5 ft 9 in (175 cm). Based in Medellín, Arelys remains close to her family and her Antioquia roots, often sharing her faith and family moments on social media. Despite growing up in a violent region, she credits her resilience and music for overcoming hardships.

Net Worth

Arelys Henao’s net worth is estimated to range from $6 million to $38 million. She earns approximately $70,000 to $90,000 monthly through music sales, live performances, and endorsements. Additional income comes from advertisements, stage shows, and YouTube ad revenue. She owns premium cars like a BMW and an Audi and a luxurious home in Medellín, reflecting her successful career.

Discography:

• Por la Puerta Grande (2004)
• Única (2011)
• Reina sin Rey (2015)
• Mujeres y Despecho (2015)
• Homenaje a El Rey del Despecho (2020)
• Vuelvo a Ser Libre (2023)