Martha Alicia Villarreal Esparza (born August 31, 1971), known simply and professionally as Alicia Villarreal, is a Mexican singer-songwriter. Villarreal participated in different bands in Monterrey, before becoming the lead singer for Grupo Límite in 1995. After nearly eight years of success, Villarreal left the band pursuing a solo career. Villarreal released her first solo album, entitled Soy Lo Prohibido, in 2001.Villarreal's work has garnered a Grammy nomination and two Latin Grammy Awards, one from her time with Grupo Límite and one as a solo artist.