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The whirlwind love story between Christian Nodal and Ángela Aguilar has become something of a modern-day ranchera telenovela with all the classic ingredients: music, family dynasties, forbidden feelings, and a whole lot of drama. But just when fans thought they'd heard every saga twist, Nodal dropped a bombshell that rewrites the origin story entirely.
In a recent tell-all-style interview on the Zona de Desmadre YouTube channel, the regional Mexican star confessed that his feelings for Ángela had sparked much earlier than anyone knew.
© GettyImagesHe Fell First
Nodal, now 26, recalled their first real interaction during the "Jaripeo Sin Fronteras" tour, the powerhouse family production helmed by none other than Pepe Aguilar, Ángela's father and regional music royalty. "I was 18, and she was much younger… like 13," Nodal admitted, sounding both smitten and slightly cautious. "I know it sounds bad to say."
At the time, the crush was more admiration than actual courtship. Nodal says he was bowled over by Ángela's voice, presence, and her beauty. But any thoughts of getting closer hit a massive, Pepe-shaped wall.
Papa Aguilar Wasn't Playing Around
Pepe Aguilar may sing love songs, but when it came to his teenage daughter, he was all business. Nodal shared that the protective dad set strict rules to keep them apart, even assigning opposite dressing rooms so they wouldn't bump into each other backstage.
"My father-in-law — I'm calling you out, suegro — literally kept us separated," Nodal laughed. "I didn't even know he had a rule. But we were never allowed to be in the same place."
© Getty Images for The Latin RecorThis wasn't just an overprotective dad move; it was Pepe guarding one of the most high-profile young stars in Latin music. And at 13, Ángela was clearly off-limits to any would-be suitors, especially one five years older and already catching fire in the industry.
The Sneaky Love Song That Started It All
Unable to get close to her in real life, Nodal did what any romantic with a guitar and a plan would do. While working on music in Miami with Édgar Barrera, Nodal pitched the idea of reviving "Déjame Vivir," a playful classic once performed by Rocío Dúrcal and Juan Gabriel. The song's teasing, flirtatious tone gave him just the proper excuse to invite Ángela into the studio and his orbit.
"I told Édgar, 'It's a fun duet. It's nothing serious. Just a musical thing,'" he said, smirking. But even then, Pepe was the gatekeeper. Nodal first pitched the idea to him, cloaking his true intentions under layers of musical admiration.
© Getty Images for The Latin Recor"I disguised my crush by saying, 'She's just so talented.' And once he gave the green light, I called her — and we made it happen."
The result? “Dime Cómo Quieres,” released in November 2020. The flirty lyrics, electric chemistry, and tongue-in-cheek delivery had fans immediately speculating.
From Off-Limits to "I Do"
Fast-forward a few years, and not only did the song become a hit, but so did their love story. Christian and Ángela quietly began dating after years of working together and reconnecting as adults. They finally said "I do" on July 24, 2024, in a hush-hush ceremony at Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas, just outside Cuernavaca, Morelos. The wedding was private, intimate, and very stylish.
And now, as their first anniversary approaches, Nodal is finally opening up about the long road to love, including those early butterflies and the very real barriers he faced.
The revelation that Nodal had feelings for Ángela when she was just 13 has sparked mixed reactions. Some are swooning at the idea of a love story that waited for the right time. Others are raising eyebrows, questioning the timing and age gap, even if they didn't start dating until years later.
Now that the truth is out, fans are watching even more closely because if there's one thing we've learned from this pair, it's that there's always another twist coming.
