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Luis Alvarado, spokesperson for Los Alegres del Barranco, is defending the Mexican band’s right to perform narcocorridos freely, without being punished by authorities.
“Everyone who tells stories, whether with a pencil or an accordion, has the right to tell them,” Alvarado tells Billboard Español.
In an interview on Monday night, the group’s spokesperson rejected the actions taken against the quartet by the Fiscalía de Jalisco (Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office), which accuses them of allegedly supporting drug trafficking. The band projected images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation, while performing the song “El Del Palenque” on March 29 at the Telmex Auditorium in the municipality of Zapopan.
Jalisco is one of 10 out of 32 states in Mexico that have put bans on narcocorridos or any kind of expression that glorifies crime, even though it’s not a federal law. Los Alegres del Barranco is the first group officially accused of allegedly promoting drug culture, along with their manager and the promoter of their concerts.
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At a hearing held on Monday at a court in Jalisco, the judge ordered precautionary measures like showing up at the court every week, paying a bond of 1.8 million pesos (around $92,000), and staying in Jalisco, except for three previously scheduled shows outside the state, at least for the next three months. The judge did not order pretrial detention, so they’ll be able to continue their defense while remaining free.
For Alvarado, this historic criminal case is about more than just the potential legal consequences. In his opinion, it “violates freedom of expression” and goes against a tradition that dates back to the time of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1917), serving as an alternative narrative to the official history, according to experts interviewed by Billboard Español.
Alvarado talked about the steps Los Alegres del Barranco will take to face justice in Jalisco, where they have four open investigations for performances in different municipalities where they allegedly glorified criminal activity.
How is the group feeling after Monday’s hearing and the start of an unprecedented criminal case for alleged glorification of crime?
At the moment, our legal team has advised us not to share details about the judicial process, but we did want to express how the members of the group are feeling. I must say that, although this challenge has been very difficult for them, they remain strong and understand the heavy burden they carry — not only because of the possibility of being punished, but because they are defending an entire musical genre at this moment. As musicians, and alongside journalists, they are standing up for freedom of expression in democratic societies. The line between what is legal and what isn’t is still very blurred. Different government officials have varying opinions, and that’s how democracy works. That’s why they are facing this challenge with focus and determination, but always holding their heads high.
Is there trust in Mexican authorities?
This is where we are right now. They understand that this isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Since the judicial process isn’t immediate, it will take time, as it should, because every issue being reviewed by the judicial system and the government needs time for all voices to be heard. All the group asks is that the members of the judicial system reviewing their case remain independent. The group has faith in the process, and we have a strong legal team supporting us all the way. They will remain strong, but most importantly, they will stay positive.
In addition to Los Alegres del Barranco, other artists like Natanael Cano and Junior H have been called out in other states, although no criminal proceedings have been initiated. How do you see the outlook for corrido performers?
Los Alegres del Barranco are asking for support from all musical groups in the genre — not just those who perform corridos, but also norteño musicians and all artists working in this profession in Mexico. They are calling for unity and for all artists to have the right to freedom of expression.
Would you agree to regulation of narcocorridos without outright prohibition?
I insist, it’s still a very unclear landscape, but like any law that affects so many people, there should be a process to make things clearer and reduce confusion and problems for groups in the future. If that means there should be regulation, we’ll be able to decide what the band will support or not after we finish this proceeding.
The group won an injunction in Michoacán to temporarily perform narcocorridos. Will they attend the hearing scheduled for Thursday (May 15) in that state?
Michoacán is a perfect example of how people can have different opinions about the same issue. The process of figuring out how an artist can practice their profession can vary from state to state, and that’s where we’re working to understand the unique challenges the band faces in each state, while making sure we follow the law and still keep the audience entertained.
We will attend any hearing the government requires us to, and we do everything under the guidance of our legal team. I can’t say this with absolute certainty, but as far as I know, yes, they will travel to Michoacán for the hearing.
What will happen with the tourist and work visas that were revoked by the U.S. government for the group?
We understand from the statement made by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, that they have been canceled. I can’t confirm it personally since the group hasn’t traveled yet, but I trust Deputy Secretary Landau’s word, and we’re treating it as a fact.
What’s next?
We are navigating this with all the necessary attention to detail to avoid any mishap that could not only impact the group but the entire music industry. Los Alegres del Barranco have never faced a challenge like the one they are confronting today.
Jay Wheeler’s breakout hit “La Curiosidad,” featuring Myke Towers, has officially surpassed one billion views on YouTube. The milestone marks the Puerto Rican artist’s first entry into the billion-views club, while cementing “La Curiosidad” as a modern reggaetón classic. The singer joins the ranks of Latin music superstars like Bad Bunny, Karol G, Ozuna, and Daddy Yankee.
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Released in 2020 via Linked Music, Dynamic Records and Empire, the reggaetón track unfolds with a storyline that’s captivating and flirty, written by Wheeler, Towers, as well as De La Ghetto. The accompanying music video sees Wheeler and Towers exuding effortless swagger on a rooftop before transitioning to a neon-lit space to close the clip out.
Meanwhile, the subject of their curiosity is shown immersed in the simplicity of her daily routine — mopping floors, studying, and living a low-key life. As the narrative unfolds, her mundane tasks take a playful turn, with suggestive dance moves punctuating her daydreams, until Wheeler suddenly appears unannounced, leaving both characters caught in a moment of shy intrigue.
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The single, which peaked at No. 5 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, is part of his 2020 second studio album Platónicos in collaboration with DJ Nelson.
Most recently, the artist born José Ángel López Martínez dropped his spring-themed LP Girasoles in March, a whimsical and R&B-laced album that “embraced a deeply personal narrative represented by Wheeler’s reflection of growth, love, and a renewed sense of faith,” as described in a press release.
Check out Jay Wheeler’s music video for “La Curiosidad” featuring Myke Towers below.
Kali Uchis is trading intimacy for enormity. Fresh off the release of her most vulnerable album yet, Sincerely, the Colombian American artist is set to bring her lush, genre-melding sound to arena stages across North America this summer. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news With stops at […]
Los Alegres del Barranco, their manager and their concert promoter will face criminal proceedings for projecting images of a criminal leader during a March performance in the state of Jalisco, a judge ruled Monday (May 12). During a hearing at the Puente Grande Penitentiary in Jalisco, Mexico, the judge did not order preventive detention; the accused will be able to continue their defense in freedom.
A document from the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office shared with Billboard Español says that the precautionary measures ordered by the judge for the six accused (including the four members of the band) include regular weekly appearances in court; the enforcement of a financial guarantee of 300,000 Mexican pesos for each of them, equivalent to 1.8 million pesos (approximately $92,000); and their stay in the state of Jalisco, meaning they will only be given permission to attend three concerts in other states previously agreed upon and return afterward.
The accusation stems from a concert by Los Alegres del Barranco on March 29 at the Telmex Auditorium in the municipality of Zapopan, where images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), were projected while they performed the song “El del Palenque.”
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Authorities indicated that the investigation and the precautionary measures imposed by the judge will remain in effect for at least three months. Upon leaving the hearing, Luis Alvarado, spokesperson for Los Alegres del Barranco, told reporters that their fight is “for freedom of expression” and thanked those who have supported them.
Billboard Español has sent a request for comment to representatives of the band.
Los Alegres del Barranco became the first act from the regional Mexican genre to be formally accused by the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office of alleged glorification of criminal activities. The incident even led the U.S. to revoke work and tourist visas for the band members, as announced April 1 by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in a statement on X.
The band, its representative, and the promoter are facing investigation from the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office for four performances in different municipalities of that state in which they allegedly glorified criminal activities, according to information published on May 9 by the same office.
That same day, Los Alegres del Barranco won an injunction granted by a federal judge to sing narcocorridos in the Mexican state of Michoacán, despite the state decree prohibiting the broadcast of music or expressions that promote crime in public spaces, which went into effect in April. For now, the ruling only favors the group for having filed the lawsuit. The federal judge has set a new hearing for May 15 to determine whether to uphold or revoke the temporary suspension granted to the musical group.
“We are going to respond,” said Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla at a press conference on Monday (May 12). “Today I will submit the initiative to amend the State Penal Code, which will establish the crime of apology and now make it a criminal offense.”
Ten out of Mexico’s 32 states have implemented various bans against narcocorridos or any expression that promotes or glorifies criminal activities, though such bans have not yet become federal law.
Dua Lipa had a special surprise in store for fans in Spain during her show at the Movistar Arena Madrid, where she kicked off the European leg of her Radical Optimism World Tour on Sunday (May 11). Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The British pop queen sang a gorgeous rendition […]
A federal judge granted an injunction on Friday (May 9) to musical group Los Alegres del Barranco, allowing them to sing narcocorridos in the Mexican state of Michoacán despite a state decree that prohibits the dissemination of music or expressions that promote the glorification of criminal activities in public spaces since last April.
The legal measure, identified as injunction case number 518/2025 and to which Billboard Español had access, was filed on April 28 by a representative of the Mexican band. With this ruling, Los Alegres del Barranco will be able to sing narcocorridos provisionally in the state without facing penalties, as the federal judge determined that the decree violates fundamental rights to freedom of speech and labor protected under the Mexican Constitution. The band’s next show in Michoacán is scheduled for May 30 in the municipality of Tziritzicuaro.
For now, the ruling only benefits Los Alegres del Barranco. The federal judge has scheduled a new hearing for May 15 to decide whether the temporary suspension granted to the group will be upheld or revoked.
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The government of Michoacán enacted a state decree on April 17 that prohibits the performance and/or reproduction of music that promotes the glorification of criminal activities at public events. The regulation includes musical genres derived from regional Mexican music, such as corridos tumbados, narcocorridos, progressive corridos, war-themed corridos, and altered corridos, as well as any other subgenre that promotes illicit acts or glorifies criminal activity.
The Michoacán government announced that it would file an appeal against the judge’s decision to overturn the prohibition for the musical group, according to the newspaper Reforma.
Billboard Español attempted to contact the Secretariat of Government of Michoacán for comment but has yet to receive a response. Billboard Español is also awaiting responses from the Federal Judiciary Council and representatives of the musical group.
Los Alegres del Barranco became the first act from the regional Mexican genre to be formally accused by the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office of alleged glorification of criminal activities. Authorities in that state, located in western Mexico, are investigating the group after images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), were projected during their performance of the song “El del Palenque” on March 29 at an auditorium at the University of Guadalajara.
This incident even led the U.S. to revoke work and tourist visas for the band members, as announced on April 1 by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in a statement on X. A federal judge will now decide whether or not to initiate legal proceedings against the members of the band, their legal representative, and the promoter of their concerts in a hearing scheduled for Monday (May 12).
The band, its representative, and the promoter are facing investigation from the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office for four performances in different municipalities of that state in which they allegedly glorified criminal activities, according to information published on Friday (May 9) by the same office.
Ten out of Mexico’s 32 states have implemented various bans against narcocorridos or any expression that promotes or glorifies criminal activities, though such bans have not yet become federal law.
Johnny Rodriguez, a trailblazing Hispanic figure in country music, has died at the age of 73.
His daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, confirmed her father’s passing in a heartfelt social media post on Friday (May 9). The late Mexican-American singer had entered hospice care earlier in the week, according to Saving Country Music.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny Rodriguez, who left us peacefully on May 9th, surrounded by family,” Aubry wrote on Instagram. “Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions around the world, but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humor, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him.”
She continued, “We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues, and friends during this time of grief.”e
Aubry concluded her tribute by calling her father an “irreplaceable” and an “extraordinary talent,” and requested privacy for the family as they “navigate this painful moment together.”
Born Juan Rodriguez in Sabinal, Texas, in 1951, Rodriguez was discovered at 18 by music promoter Happy Shahan after he was heard singing in a jail cell, where he was briefly held for a minor offense, according to a Ken Burns biography on PBS.org.
Rodriguez’s musical influences ranged from mariachi to honky-tonk, shaped by his South Texas upbringing. “I was drawn to country music because I could relate more to what they were singing about,” he told Burns. “And also it was just like the music of our people. In Mexican music, you have stories. Mexican music and country music said almost the same thing, just in different languages,” he said.
Initially performing under the name Johnny Rogers, Rodriguez played at Alamo Village and soon caught the attention of country stars Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall. At 21, he moved to Nashville, changed his last name back to Rodriguez, joined Hall’s band as a guitarist, and later signed with Mercury Records.
In the 1970s, Rodriguez achieved scored several No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart, including “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and “You Always Come Back (to Hurting Me).” He was nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s entertainer of the year in 1974 and was featured in the Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music show in 1973. In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Rodriguez is survived by his daughter, Aubry, whom he shared with his second wife, Debbie McNeely.
Read Aubry’s touching tribute to her father on Instagram here.
The hits, the dancing, the outfits, there was so much to look forward to at Rauw Alejandro’s Cosa Nuestra tour stop in Chicago on Friday (May 9). Safe to say, there was all of that and more.
Rauw’s first night (out of three) at the United Center was the hottest ticket in town with fans flocking to the West Side of Chicago in full Cosa Nuestra dress code: evening gowns, elegance, flow and style. While I struggled to come up with an outfit that would be on theme, it seemed like no one else had that same issue.
“This dress is from my junior prom,” Jasmin Martínez, who wore a shimmery ball gown adorned with feathers, told Billboard. She traveled to Chicago from Wisconsin with her sister Janet, who exuded elegance in a sheer, rhinestone-studded gown.
Once inside, the sisters snapped photos and selfies, just like everyone else did to show off their fits of the night. Around 8 p.m. fans began making their way to their seats, making sure they wouldn’t miss the man of the hour take the stage. And once he did, the crowd roared giving Rauw a warm Chicago welcome.
“I see all the ladies with the dress code,” Rauw said at the top of the show, acknowledging his zealous fans who followed closely his instructions. “We have three sold-out [shows] here in Chicago. I just want to say thank you, gracias de todo corazón.”
Alejandro sang well over two hours, which were divided into four acts. See, at a Cosa Nuestra tour stop, you don’t get your traditional show, this is almost like a play on Broadway, there’s even a Playbill-like program that fans can scan to follow along. (More details on the acts below). There’s acting, singing, interludes, a master of ceremony — the whole deal. I can confidently say, I’ve never seen anything quite like this. Actually, think West Side Story, as Rauw’s concert centers around María and Raúl’s (played by Rauw) twisted love story.
“Today I bring you not only music,” a description of the musical reads in the program. “I bring you a piece of my history, of our culture and of the dreams that walk between the streets of Puerto Rico and New York. This journey is for those who love without fear, dream without permission and fight without rest. Welcome to my world.”
Rauw’s Cosa Nuestra Tour is in support of his latest album under the same name, which he released late last year. The 18-track set — sonically varied from salsa to R&B to reggaetón to electro-funk to kizomba — gave the Puerto Rican star his first top 10-charting effort on the Billboard 200 debuting at No. 6. The set also sits atop both the Top Latin Albums chart and Latin Rhythm Albums charts.
The Live Nation-produced trek continues in Chicago on May 10-11 and will then make stops in New York, Atlanta and Miami. See the dates here.
Here are some best moments from Rauw’s first show at United Center.
The Acts
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Mental Health Support
Mexican star Alejandro Fernández announced that a portion of proceeds from every ticket sold on his ‘De Rey a Rey’ U.S. and Canada tour will be donated to Backline, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health and wellness support for music industry professionals and their families. According to a press release issued by Live Nation, who is behind this upcoming tour, this partnership will “specifically help expand Backline’s services and reach within the Latino music community—an area often underserved by mental health resources.”
The ‘De Rey a Rey’ Tour is tribute to Fernández’s iconic father, Vicente Fernández. The stint kicks off this Saturday, May 10 at Seattle’s WAMU Theater at Lumen Field. See the dates here.
Grupo Frontera Makes Special Visit
Some of the members of Grupo Frontera made a special visit to fan Perla Leyla, a 7 year old girl fighting cancer. Beto and Payo arrived to the hospital with flowers and spent time with Leyla, taking selfies, dancing and FaceTiming other Grupo Frontera members. “Thank you for this beautiful surprise,” she captioned the sweet video posted on Instagram.
Jay Wheeler Honors Mom
A new song for mom. Puerto Rican star Jay Wheeler unveiled “Mejor Que Tú” — which replaced “Track Loading” on his album Girasoles. The previously-hidden track on his eighth studio LP honors the dedication, guidance, and perseverance of the woman who inspired him to become the man he is today.
“‘Mejor Que Tú’ is personally one of three very special tracks on this album,” Wheeler said in a statement. “It’s a very special song dedicated to my mom. To me, my mom has always been a true warrior and someone whom I’ve always admired. Although I admire many members of my family, I feel that my mom represents what I am today — the strength, values, and the love I possess and project today, is because of her.”
Karol G Celebrates Mañana Fue Muy Bonito
Karol G’s new documentary, Tomorrow Was Beautiful, is the culmination of her history, making, record-setting Mañana Será Bonito stadium tour. Now streaming on Netflix, the doc gives insight into the challenges the Colombian star faced along the way. “The tearjerking film brings together key moments from her life and career while highlighting her deep bond with her family, who have always provided her unwavering support,” Billboard Español‘s Isabela Raygoza wrote.
“Watching the documentary gave me the chance to reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had as a person— in the way I think, and even changes physically,” Karol told Billboard Español. “I feel like it all started when I had blue hair, and then came the whole process with red hair, blonde hair and finally pink hair. I can see how my mindset evolved, how my sense of responsibility and commitment to my fans grew, and even how I view myself physically. I also feel that the beautiful kind of self-love you start to develop begins to blossom and becomes more noticeable.”
Read all about Tomorrow Was Beautiful here.
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music, including new albums by Ela Taubert (Preguntas a las 11:11), Grupo Firme (Evolución), and Majo Aguilar (Mariachi Mío), to name a few. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, […]
