Xavier Zazueta
Francisco Xavier Zazueta Muñoz. Jr (born 22 January 1987), formerly known professionally as Paco Zazueta, is a Mexican singer-songwriter and businessman. He first gained national recognition as a contestant on the ninth season of the reality musical talent show La Academia in 2011. Following the competition, in 2012, he released his debut self-titled studio album, Paco Zazueta, featuring a mix of regional Mexican and pop influences.
Article
Xavier Zazueta
Francisco Xavier Zazueta Muñoz. Jr (born 22 January 1987), formerly known professionally as Paco Zazueta, is a Mexican singer-songwriter and businessman. He first gained national recognition as a contestant on the ninth season of the reality musical talent show La Academia in 2011. Following the competition, in 2012, he released his debut self-titled studio album, Paco Zazueta, featuring a mix of regional Mexican and pop influences.
Zazueta is also known for his collaborative musical work with his wife, actress and producer Melissa Barrera, whom he met while competing on La Academia. Beyond his entertainment career, Zazueta is an established businessman in the Mexican meat industry, managing his family’s Sonora-based business, Carnes Zazueta.
Early life and education
Xavier Zazueta
Francisco Xavier Zazueta Muñoz was born on January 22, 1987, in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico.
Zazueta received his early and secondary education at the Colegio Teresiano de la Vera-Cruz. Following high school, he graduated TecMilenio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Musical career
2001-2010: Career beginnings
Zazueta began his musical journey in 2001 at the age of 14, performing at local venues and community events in his hometown.
2011–2012: La Academia and musical debut
In 2011, Zazueta transitioned to a professional career by competing in the ninth season of the TV Azteca reality series La Academia. Representing Sonora, he progressed through the competition to the 14th concert, gaining a national following before his elimination.
Following the series, he signed with Azteca Music to record his first studio project In 2012, he released his self-titled debut album, Paco Zazueta. The project featured singles such as "Melissa" and "Hazme Olvidarla," as well as the duet "No Me Puedo Escapar de Ti."
2013–present: Independent releases and digital presence
Since his debut, Zazueta has operated as an independent artist, prioritizing digital distribution and live performances.
In recent years, Zazueta has focused on acoustic reinterpretations of his work and select new recordings that highlight his vocal development.
Business career
Xavier Zazueta
Zazueta serves as an executive for Carnes Zazueta, overseeing the company’s modernization and international trade strategy.
Personal life
Xavier Zazueta
Zazueta began a relationship with actress Melissa Barrera in September 2011, after the two met as contestants during the ninth season of La Academia. Their partnership became a subject of significant media interest in Mexico during the show's broadcast. After dating for over six years, the couple announced their engagement in June 2017. Zazueta and Barrera were married in a private ceremony in February 2019.
Filmography
Xavier Zazueta
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2011</td><td>La Academia</td><td>Himself</td><td>Contestant; 13 episodes</td></tr></tbody></table>
Music videos
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Director</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2015</td><td>Ya No Puedo Estar Sin Ti</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>Melissa</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>Morrita</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>Hazme Olvidarla</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>Ni La Pensaste</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>Salud Y Pa' Delante</td><td>TBA</td></tr></tbody></table>
Discography
Studio albums
<table><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Paco Zazueta</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Disfraz De Amigo</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Extended plays
<table><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Mis Covers</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Singles
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Album</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2012</td><td>''No Me Puedo Escapar de Ti" (feat. Melissa Barrera)</td><td>Paco Zazueta</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>''No Puedo Estar Sin Ti"</td><td>Non-album single</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>''Melissa''</td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>''Morrita''</td><td>Disfraz De Amigo</td></tr><tr><td>''Lamentablemente''</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>''Ni La Pensaste''</td><td>Non-album single</td></tr><tr><td>''Salud Y Pa' Delante''</td></tr></tbody></table>
Other appearances
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Lead artist</th><th>Album</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2025</td><td>"Mi Ángel"</td><td>Jaime Lozano & The Familia</td><td>Songs By An Immigrant Vol.3</td></tr></tbody></table>