Mexican singer Lupillo Rivera thanks ‘Despierta Valle Central’ host at Fresno show

With a drink in hand, Mexican American singer and songwriter Lupillo Rivera took the stage at Paul Paul Theater Sunday night closing out the Big Fresno Fair.

The regional Mexican singer, who has been involved in multiple scandals, including the recent legal complaint filed against him by singer Belinda this month, shared how a beloved Spanish-Language host personality in Fresno was instrumental in him pursuing an entertainment career.

“It was the fault of a woman you all know very well around here, named Lupita Lomelí,” Rivera said of the former host of “Despierta Valle Central” who was in the audience. Lomeli was a fixture on Spanish-language television in the Fresno region for more than three decades before the morning show’s cancellation earlier this year.

“She told me to get involved in ‘Los Aficionados’. I was 9 years old. I remember I won $25 and a watch. I spent the $25, and I lost the watch,” Rivera said. “So, that’s how this whole thing started here in Fresno, California.”

Dressed casually in jeans and a black jacket, the 53-year-old known as “El Toro del Corrido (The Bull of Corrido)” turned his show into a mini book signing tour in between songs.

Born Guadalupe Rivera Saavedra, the grammy winner pleased fans by signing several copies of his autobiography book “Tragos amargos,” which came out in September.

In his book, the singer of hits like “Despreciado,” “El Moreño,” “Yo sé que soy lo peor,” and “Major Ligas” talks about different moments of his life, including his childhood and his relationship with Belinda. His book delves into his current delicate situation, something that could jeopardize his career.

Belinda filed a legal complaint against Rivera in Mexico City days before Rivera performed in Fresno for “digital and media violence”. She claims he violated her dignity and private life by discussing their relationship, and making accusations of infidelity. A court has granted Belinda protective measures against Rivera.

During the concert, Rivera said he wouldn’t let haters win, in reference to his social media critics to his book and his recent controversy with Belinda.

“Fresno California, I love you guys so much,” he said.

Take a look at some of the photos of her concert here.

María G. Ortiz-Briones

The Fresno Bee

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María G. Ortiz-Briones is a reporter and photographer for McClatchy’s Vida en el Valle publication and the Fresno Bee. She covers issues that impact the Latino community in the Central Valley. She is a regular contributor to La Abeja, The Bee’s free weekly newsletter on Latino issues. | María G. Ortiz-Briones es reportera y fotógrafa de la publicación Vida en el Valle de McClatchy y el Fresno Bee. Ella cubre temas que impactan a la comunidad latina en el Valle Central. Es colaboradora habitual de La Abeja, el boletín semanal gratuito de The Bee sobre temas latinos. Support my work with a digital subscription