In 2006, Barrientos gained wider recognition following a public dispute with fellow model María José López over a romantic involvement with Chilean footballer Luis “Mago” Jiménez.

In February 2010, Barrientos worked as a reporter and entertainment commentator for Alfombra Roja, with significant involvement in covering the Viña del Mar International Song Festival.

She was also cast by Carmen Barbieri for the revue theater production Barbierísima in 2012, becoming the first Chilean to regularly perform in this type of show in Argentina.

Additionally, she participated in Bailando por un Sueño 2011, hosted by Marcelo Tinelli, where her performance and speaking style attracted criticism from figures like Moria Casán and Cinthia Fernández, but increased her visibility on Argentine television.

She also made an appearance at the Gala of the Viña del Mar Festival that year and was later invited to the morning show TelefeAM in Argentina, where her outfit—featuring the Union Jack—drew criticism from some Argentine commentators.