Marilina Bogado

About Marilina Bogado

Marilina Bogado (born Patricia Marilina Bogado Avalos on March 1, 1994, in Villarrica, Guairá Department) is a Paraguayan singer, performer, and television personality. Known as the "Reina del Cumbia" (Queen of Cumbia), her rise from humble rural beginnings to mainstream stardom is one of the most famous rags-to-riches stories in modern Paraguayan pop culture.
​Early Life & Breakthrough
​Roots in Guairá: Raised in the rural community of Rinconada (Villarrica) alongside her twin sister Mariela, she grew up facing severe economic hardship and speaking primarily Guaraní.
​La Academia (2013): Her life changed dramatically when she auditioned for the reality singing competition La Academia Paraguay (Telefuturo). Her powerful vocal range, humility, and raw talent resonated with the public, leading her to win the competition by a landslide fan vote in September 2013.
​Musical Career & Stardom
​Following her victory on La Academia, Bogado launched a hugely successful career in the tropical and cumbia genres:
​Chart Success: She formed her own backing band and released hits like Corazón Mentiroso, Bandido, and Se Fue, performing hundreds of packed shows across Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.
​Baila Conmigo Paraguay: Capitalizing on her popularity, she participated in Baila Conmigo Paraguay 2013 shortly after winning La Academia, going on to win the dance competition as well—an unprecedented double victory in Paraguayan television history.
​Marilina: Atreverse a Soñar (Biopic Series)
​In August 2023, Telefuturo premiered Marilina: Atreverse a Soñar, an 8-episode biographical drama series directed by Tana Schémbori and Juan Carlos Maneglia (7 Cajas). The series dramatized her childhood, her family's struggles, and her rise to fame, becoming a massive ratings phenomenon and cementing her status as a cultural icon.
​Personal Life
​She was married for several years to musician and former Talento de Barrio vocalist Will Fretes, with whom she has a daughter, Melody. Though their high-profile relationship and eventual separation frequently made national headlines, Bogado continues to maintain a dominant presence as a recording artist and social media influencer.