[1] Mostly influenced by popular Puerto Rican singer and actress Iris Chacón, Ashley began her successful career as a member of tropical band Las Chicas del Clan (The Girls of the Clan).
Her debut as a solo artist came in 1997 with the release of the album Yo Soy la Bomba.
The hit song "Yo Soy La Reina" from the album of the same name followed that same year.
She performed with Elvis Crespo at the annual Tu Música awards ceremony.
In 1999 Abrázame, meaning "hug me", became her international breakthrough, supported by a Latin American and U.S. tour.