Discovered while singing in the shower, Villazón shot to international stardom very fast, and his early albums—particularly of French arias—garnered great reviews. His musical curiosity took him from Puccini and Verdi to Mozart and Tchaikovsky before vocal problems prompted a rest and retrenchment. He returned in fine form and has recorded the tenor roles in Mozart's operas to librettos by Lorenzo da Ponte, revealing a winning style and elegance. He continues to maintain a wide repertoire with a stream of solo concerts to satisfy his sizable fan base.