Celia Cruz, celebrated across the globe as the "Queen of Salsa" and "La Guarachera de Cuba," is remembered not only for her unparalleled talent and charisma but also for her steadfast belief in natural beauty and her aversion to cosmetic surgery. Her decision to steer clear of the operating table was primarily driven by her fear of surgery.
In a candid 1995 interview with Colombian journalist Ernesto Mc Causland, Celia expressed her apprehension: "I'm afraid of the knife and anesthesia. Anesthesia is cold and not good for the skin," she stated, clearly rejecting aesthetic procedures.
The Value of Aging Gracefully
The singer championed the idea of aging naturally, questioning the point of artificial youth. "What's the use of a rejuvenated face if my hands show the passage of time?" she pondered. Celia candidly admitted, "I've been ugly all my life... and the public has accepted me as I am," revealing her peace with her own image and emphasizing her talent over physical appearance.
While she personally chose to avoid cosmetic surgery, Celia was not critical of those who opted for it. "That's why these beauty methods exist," she acknowledged, "but they are definitely not for me."
Authenticity Over Perfection
In an industry obsessed with perfect images and eternal youth, Celia Cruz never succumbed to the pressure of cosmetic enhancements. To her, true beauty lay in her essence and the bond with her audience, transcending any physical standards.
From her early days on stage, she made it clear that she didn't need touch-ups to feel complete. Her naturalness won over her fans, who admired her not for her looks but for the energy and authenticity she conveyed. Known for her iconic wigs and unique style, Celia always maintained that beauty was about presence and personality, not physical appearance.
A Legacy of Genuine Beauty
Her stance on aging without cosmetic alterations is celebrated by many of her followers, who admire her authenticity and strength as a woman in a world where superficiality often reigns.
In 2021, the Peruvian-Venezuelan singer Karina stirred controversy among Celia's fans when she referred to her in a television interview as one of the ugliest women she had seen. Although her remark was considered harsh, Karina emphasized that Celia Cruz's greatness did not lie in her looks but in her ability to connect with the public.