Manuel Mijares' next album, 1998's El Privilegio de Amar, became a big hit -- the title track even featured Lucero on backing vocals -- and Mijares assumed a larger role in Latin music as a whole, duetting with Elton John and Gino Vannelli and earning a say in the music he chose to release; the latter was exhibited by his ability to toast José José, one of his prime influences, with a full-album tribute, 2005's Honor a Quien Honor Merece. One year later brought the lush LP Acompañame, a duet album with Yuri. Another project close to his heart, 2007's Swing en Tu Idioma, presented some of his favorite songs in a swing or big-band setting. Another covers album, Vivir Así, became a big hit upon its release in 2009; it even prompted Vivir Así Volumen II one year later.

Nearing a landmark date in his career -- the 25th anniversary of his debut in 1986 -- Mijares decided to celebrate with a pair of concerts. Although they sold out quickly, the results also appeared on an audio/video set, Mijares 25: Zona Preferente. He continued to have commercial success with his releases; Canto por Ti, released in 2013, spent several weeks at number one in Mexico. ~ Drago Bonacich, Rovi