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Los Alegres del Barranco could achieve the suspension of the criminal proceedings against its members for alleged advocacy of crime during a concert in Jalisco held in March, following the release of an anti-narcocorrido that the group recorded at the request of the state governor, Pablo Lemus.
The song, titled “El Consejo” (or “the advice”) and released on Sunday (June 15) on YouTube, is a call to discourage young people from joining the ranks of organized crime and to warn them about the potential consequences of getting involved in criminal activities. “I’m going to give you some good advice/ If you want to grow old/ Don’t get involved with the bad/ Nothing good comes from that/ If you think it’s easy money/ Pay attention to these verses/ There are dreams that come true/ And later turn into nightmares,” the song says in Spanish, set to the rhythm of a traditional accordion.
“This is a step in the right direction to be able to face the legal challenges,” Luis Alvarado, the group’s spokesperson, told Billboard Español on Monday (June 16).
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The Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office told Billboard Español on Monday that “the group’s willingness” to send a positive message through a song opens the possibility of reducing some of the restrictions imposed on the four musicians, their representative, and their concert promoter.
The case stems from a performance at an auditorium at the University of Guadalajara on March 29, where the band performed a narcocorrido accompanied by images alluding to the leader of a criminal group. This incident even led the United States to revoke the work and tourist visas of its members.
“If the suspension proceeds, the economic guarantee they deposited with the court could be canceled, and it would also be possible for the precautionary measures to be put on hold,” the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement on Sunday.
The group had 5.8 million pesos (about $302,000) frozen, representing the alleged profits from their concert at the Auditorio Telmex, which led the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office to open a fifth investigation against the group, accusing them of alleged “operations with resources of illicit origin.” However, state authorities clarified that the conditional suspension of the process for alleged advocacy of crime does not extend to the investigation into their possible involvement in the crime of operations with resources of illicit origin, which remains ongoing.
The precautionary measures imposed by a judge on Los Alegres del Barranco, which could potentially be put on hold, include: appearing in court every week, paying a guarantee of 1.8 million pesos (about $92,000), and remaining within Jalisco. The band continues to defend themselves while out of custody, as preventive detention was not ordered.
However, the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office is “the only entity that can reach an agreement through alternative means to resolve three — out of four — investigations opened against the group for alleged advocacy of crime” during concerts in other municipalities in the state, a spokesperson for the Government of Jalisco told Billboard Español, adding that they are confident an agreement between the parties will be made public this week.
On the social media platform, X, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus praised the group’s new song. “This new song by Los Alegres del Barranco, titled ‘El Consejo,’ deserves to be listened to closely, especially by young people,” he wrote in a post on Sunday. “Music is essential for connecting with future generations and helping them understand everything that choosing what many portray as the easy path entails.”
Following the ban on narcocorridos imposed by local governments in 10 of Mexico‘s 32 states, some corrido artists have announced changes to their music and repertoires. Such is the case of corridos tumbados star Luis R. Conriquez, whose April 12 performance at the Feria de Texcoco in the State of Mexico ended in chaos after he refused to perform war-themed songs in compliance with the new regulations set by authorities.
Grupo Firme has also announced that it has removed the corrido “Se Fue La Pantera” from its repertoire, which allegedly references an operator of the Sinaloa Cartel. Recently, the group, led by vocalist Eduin Caz, canceled their participation in a festival in Napa Valley, California, due to the visas of its members and the team of its promoting company being in “administrative process” by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.
Foo Fighters, Chappell Roan and Linkin Park will headline the 15th edition of the Corona Capital festival, which will also mark the highly anticipated return of Deftones to Mexican stages after nearly a decade, promoter OCESA announced on Tuesday (June 3).
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The exciting lineup for the annual rock festival — scheduled to take place from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City — also includes Queens of the Stone Age, Franz Ferdinand, Garbage, Vampire Weekend, Alabama Shakes and Weezer.
“Corona Capital is not just a festival — it’s a bridge between cultures, emotions, and generations,” Memo Parra, director of international events at OCESA, tells Billboard Español. “Since 2010, it has evolved into one of the most important festivals in the world, attracting thousands of fans from every corner of the globe to Mexico.”
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Parra emphasized that, with an attendance of 255,000 people per edition and a team of over 5,000 making it possible, Corona Capital is “living proof of the power of music to bring us together.”
Close to 70 artists and bands make up the 2025 lineup, including Aurora, Damiano David, James, Of Monsters and Men, AFI, Jerry Cantrell, Jehnny Beth, TV On The Radio, 4 Non Blondes, Circa Waves, Mogwai, Shermanology, Jordan Rakei, Kadavar and The Struts, among others.
But the participation of Deftones will undoubtedly be one of the standout moments. The last time the Sacramento, California-based rock band performed in Mexico City was in 2014. In an interview with Billboard Español published in February, vocalist Chino Moreno said that they were in talks for what could be their big return to the country.
Another highly anticipated act is Queens of the Stone Age, who had to cancel its 2024 shows — including one at the Corona Capital festival — due to health issues affecting singer and guitarist Josh Homme.
“What truly sets Corona Capital apart is its musical curation: a carefully crafted selection that has made music the backbone of the festival,” Parra adds, highlighting that people come not only to see their favorite artists, but also to “discover new sounds and be surprised.”
Corona Capital will take place in the context of the centennial celebration of the beer Corona, the festival’s sponsor. Leading up to the event in November, celebrations will be held in several cities across the country under the name Corona Capital Sessions.
The presale for Banamex cardholders will take place on Friday (June 6), with the general sale beginning the following day.
In its 15 years of existence, Corona Capital has solidified itself as the most important international music festival in Mexico, and one of the few in Latin America featuring major English-speaking bands. In the past, it has hosted renowned acts such as Paul McCartney, Jack White, The Cure, Muse, Blur, Nine Inch Nails, Portishead, Interpol, Billie Eilish, Pixies and Richard Ashcroft.
“More than 500 international artists have taken the stage, performing for a curious, open-minded, and passionate crowd that has helped us build a space where inclusion, social impact, and Mexican cultural traditions are celebrated and shared with the world,” Parra says.
Check out the lineup for Corona Capital 2025 below:
Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco canceled their scheduled performance on Friday (May 30) in the municipality of Maravatío, in the Mexican state of Michoacán, citing security concerns, the group’s spokesperson, Luis Alvarado, confirmed to Billboard Español.
“In agreement with the event sponsor, local authorities, state security agencies, and members of the band, it was decided to postpone the event due to security concerns,” Alvarado said in a brief statement, without providing further details about the postponement or a new date for the performance.
Previously, the event’s sponsor, Chilangos Grill, had announced on Thursday (May 29) that the show would be rescheduled “for reasons beyond the control of the company and the band.” Organizers reported that the concert was sold out. “Our priority has always been and will continue to be the well-being and safety of our audience, artists, and everyone involved with the company, which is why a new date for the performance will be scheduled,” read the statement on social media.
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The group had recently secured a legal injunction allowing them to perform narcocorridos in Michoacán, despite a state decree that prohibits the dissemination of music or expressions that glorify crime in public spaces, which went into effect in April.
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.
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.
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.
The cancellation of Los Alegres del Barranco’s concert also comes after five members of Grupo Fugitivo — a locally known regional Mexican music group — were found dead in the state of Tamaulipas on May 29, four days after being reported missing. The deaths are allegedly linked to a faction of a drug cartel operating in that region of the country.
Grupo Firme announced the cancellation of their performance at La Onda Fest in Napa Valley, Calif., scheduled for Sunday (June 1), due to the visas of its members and the team of promoter being in “administrative process” at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. The regional Mexican band shared the news on Friday (May 30) without offering further details about the review their visas are undergoing.
“Currently, the visas of Grupo Firme and the team of Music VIP [Entertainment] are in an administrative process by the U.S. Embassy, a situation that makes it impossible for Grupo Firme to perform at La Onda Fest as planned. We regret any inconvenience this may cause,” the band said in the statement published on its Instagram Stories. “We appreciate your understanding and, above all, the love from our fans in the U.S.”
The band added that they would soon have news about their return to the U.S. “to meet again and sing, dance, and celebrate together.”
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A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico told Billboard Español: “Visa records are confidential under U.S. law; therefore, we cannot discuss the details of individual visa cases.”
Billboard Español reached out to Music VIP and a representative for Grupo Firme on Friday night for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.
Previously, the vocalist of the famous band, Eduin Caz, had denied having issues with his U.S. visa during a press conference in Mexico City on April 8. In the same meeting with the media, the singer also denied that his band performed narcocorridos. Days later, Caz announced on social media that Grupo Firme would refrain from performing corridos, complying with new restrictions imposed by some state governments in Mexico regarding music or any public expression that glorifies crime.
The announcement of Grupo Firme’s concert cancellation adds to that of fellow regional Mexican star Julión Álvarez, who, the night before his scheduled concert on May 24 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, announced that the show had to be canceled after his work visa was revoked, according to the artist himself in a video posted on social media.
The work and tourist visas of the members of Los Alegres del Barranco were also revoked following an investigation by the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office for alleged glorification of crime. This was after the group projected images of Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, during a concert in the band’s home country on March 29 in an auditorium at the University of Guadalajara.
Grupo Firme has become one of the most successful groups in regional Mexican music since the band’s foundation in 2014. In September 2022, they performed a free concert in Mexico City’s Zócalo, the country’s main public square, that drew more than 280,000 people, setting a historic attendance record, according to the government of the Mexican capital.
The Billboard Latin Music Awards and Latin Grammy-winners boast 10 No. 1s on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, including “Ya Supérame” and “El Beneficio de la Duda.”
Christian Nodal‘s highly anticipated new album has officially arrived: The acclaimed regional Mexican artist released ¿Quién + Como Yo?, his first solo LP since Ayayay! in 2020, on Thursday (May 22). The 12-track production highlights Nodal’s commitment to “showcasing the ‘mariacheño’ sound” (mariachi + norteño) he coined, while “making us proud of our roots,” he says to Billboard Español.
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Released through Sony Music México, ¿Quién + Como Yo? — which follows his January EP, PA’L CORA EP. 02 — features previously dropped singles like “El Amigo,” “Amé,” and “X Perro.” These tracks gave fans a glimpse of the direction Nodal’s new music was headed: a fresh blend of sounds that he brought to Mexican music nearly a decade ago, paired with deeply emotional lyrics.
But for those wondering, Nodal clarifies: “There’s nothing personal in it,” he says. “These are songs that truly touched my soul. I think we’ve all been through things like this.”
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In this album, the 26-year-old Sonoran artist teams up with three major stars in regional Mexican music, each bringing their own unique style: Alfredo Olivas, on the heartbreak-filled track “Se Vienen Días Tristes”; Tito Double P, on a corrido tumbado titled “La Loba”; and Netón Vega, on the motivational single “EBVSY,” the focus track.
Ahead of the album’s release, Nodal shared a heartfelt video on his social media, reflecting on this moment in his career. “This isn’t just an album,” says the six-time Latin Grammy winner. “It’s a toast to what’s been lost, to what hurts, and to what still stands.”
Nodal has also announced a new U.S. tour, the Gira 2025, featuring nearly 20 dates starting Nov. 7 in Los Angeles. The hitmaker sat down for an exclusive interview with Billboard Español to discuss the making of his new album, ¿Quién + Como Yo?
Christian Nodal
Courtesy of Sony Music México
Musically, what can we expect to find in this new album?
The goal is to showcase the mariacheño sound, to make us feel proud of our roots, our instruments, and all the beautiful arrangements. In the videos, we’re also highlighting Mexico. There’s just one “tumbado” (urban corridos) track.
How did the collaborations with Alfredo Olivas, Tito Double P, and Netón Vega come about?
The song with Alfredo Olivas came about thanks to my engineer, who’s a friend of his. I asked him to give Alfredo a call, and he agreed to collaborate. It’s a real pleasure working with him — he’s an amazing musician and performer. With Tito, there’s a lot of camaraderie, and as for Netón, we happened to cross paths in Culiacán. He’s one of the most-listened-to Mexican artists in the world.
How was the recording process for these tracks with them?
Everything was recorded remotely. I only filmed the video with Alfredo, but there was always good communication with everyone, and everything came together really well. The videos will be released little by little. I’m sure people will enjoy this new work.
Has what you’ve experienced personally in recent months influenced the lyrics of the songs?
No, not at all — there’s nothing personal in the album. These are songs that truly touched my soul. I think we’ve all been through things like this. In fact, the songs came out of a songwriting camp, with many people from Sonora, Sinaloa, Mexicali, and so on. There was a lot of great energy. I can honestly say this is one of the albums where I’ve had the least involvement in terms of the lyrics — I let them do their thing. They’ve studied my style really well, so they know what works for me.
If you had to choose your favorite songs from the album, which ones would they be?
Without a doubt, “Sé Feliz Sin Mí” and “Se Vienen Días Tristes.” When I heard “Amé,” I knew it was a perfect song. Honestly, so many great songs came out of this project, and many were saved for the next album.
A very important U.S. tour is coming up this year.
I really miss my fans — it was about time. I’ve been enjoying the shows in Mexico a lot. This year, I did many palenques, which I love because there’s a much closer connection with the audience. This year, I’ll also be heading to Colombia, and we’re working on scheduling the dates for Europe before the U.S. tour.
Your fans have shown their love during the good times and the tough ones…
Without a doubt, they’re the best. About a year and a half ago, I went to France to step away from everything for a bit. When I came back, I wasn’t No. 1, I wasn’t trending, and the regional Mexican scene had changed a lot. It was so beautiful to see people showing up to my shows and singing the songs from [the 2024 EP] Pa’l Cora — an album that was musically experimental — along with my usual repertoire. Those kinds of moments are priceless.
You’re one of the young artists who are truly building a catalog…
I draw a lot of inspiration from the [genre] greats and the legacies they leave behind. Since the beginning of my career, I’ve worked hard to contribute to Mexican music in every way possible, and I’ll continue to do so with great pride so it keeps gaining recognition all over the world.
Stream Christian Nodal’s ¿Quién + Como Yo? below:
Yeri Mua, the Mexican influencer who became TikTok’s No. 1 most-viewed musical artist globally in 2024, officially releases her debut album under Sony Music México, De Chava, tonight (May 15).
“It’s an album that totally captures my essence, who I am as a person,” the 23-year-old artist tells Billboard Español. “I’m not that grown-up, I’m young, but I’m at that stage in life where you start to understand many things — even though I never stop having fun, enjoying myself and falling in love. Literally, it’s about chava (girl) things.”
The 15-track set — which includes previously released singles like “Traka,” “Croketita” with La Lokera, “Avión Privado” with El Malilla, “Él No Es Tuyo” with Bellakath and Uzielito Mix, and “Modo Antidepresivo” alongside Snow The Product — arrives with the focus track “Morrita (Tinker Bell),” a song featuring Chilean artist Lewis Somes, in which she sings to an ex that he’s already lost her, and that he doesn’t have a brain.
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Produced (among others) by SAAK, Uzielito Mix and Jocsan La Loquera, it also includes collabs with La Joaqui (“Salida de Chicas”), Chris Tales (“Viña Mari”), and Marcianeke (“Combi”) — all with very colloquial and explicit language.
Yeri Mua signed with Sony Music México in mid-2024, when she was already amassing more than 600 million streams of her solo music and collaborations, according to a statement issued by the label at the time. From giving beauty tips and undergoing a remarkable physical transformation to becoming one of the top “reggaetón Mexa” performers, she is now entering a new phase in her rising career as a singer.
“I feel very proud of what I’ve achieved so far, much more confident than ever — and above all, deeply in love with what I’ve created with Sony Music — so, I’m ready for whatever comes next,” she says in her signature carefree style.
After a series of performances in the U.S. and Costa Rica, Yeri Mua is preparing for an important milestone in her career: her first solo concert in Mexico City, scheduled for May 30 at the Pepsi Center. She will then take her Traka Tour to other Latin American countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Guatemala.
But today, as De Chava is being released, she reflects on her beginnings, opens up about her fears, and looks forward to the future.
As an influencer, you were used to everything happening quickly. The process of building a career as a singer is different. How have you handled that?
I’m not going to lie, it’s been a very long process — because, obviously, things happen along the way. I even questioned myself about whether I really wanted this, and I lost a bit of motivation. But ultimately, here I am, happy.
How do you feel after transitioning from influencer to singer?
It was difficult, because now I have to earn people’s respect as an artist. Sometimes I even felt embarrassed to say I was a singer — but I am, and I’ve learned to believe in myself and trust in my ability to make this work. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here facing this head-on. I haven’t stopped being who I was — in fact, the album talks a lot about beauty, wanting to look spectacular, the things I enjoy doing, and what I love. I think many people can relate to my songs, regardless of their age.
I’m aware of my privilege, and I think there’s nothing wrong with that. Obviously, an influencer lives much more comfortably than most ordinary people who earn a minimum wage and work long hours. Yes, it’s a privilege to dedicate yourself to social media, but it’s not easy — it’s taken me a lot of effort to get to where I am; I’ve worked hard for this. I worked other jobs before becoming an influencer. Being an influencer was like a period of preparation for what God had planned for me.
Now as a singer, what’s your opinion about this profession?
My dreams have materialized, and it’s largely thanks to my team. An artist can’t achieve something like this alone, so I’m grateful and happy to have them.
There have been restrictions in many Mexican states on narcocorrido singers because of the lyrics. Are you prepared if this happens with reggaetón?
I think it was somewhat logical that this would happen with regional Mexican music because of words connected to drug trafficking. As for reggaetón, I don’t think explicit words will be censored. They might make some people uncomfortable, but they don’t offend or harm anyone.
Your upcoming Latin American tour is another big step forward in your music career.
I did very well on the tour I did in the United States, as well as in Costa Rica. Now it’s time to visit my fans in several countries, and I want to thank them for their support — so I’m going to give it my all.
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.
After shaping some of the biggest acts in global pop, HYBE is setting its sights on Latin music with an ambitious new reality series from its subsidiary, HYBE Latin America. Billboard has exclusively learned that production kicks off this week in Mexico City on the yet-to-be-titled project, which aims to form a new all-male pop group.
The series will train and develop 16 contestants from countries including Mexico, Brazil, the U.S., Peru and Spain, narrowing the field to a final five by the end of the season this fall.
The series’ format and execution differs from other reality talent competition in multiple key ways. First and foremost, it’s HYBE’s first artist development venture of this scale focused entirely on Latin talent, combining the development discipline the company has applied in K-pop with Latin American cultural and artistic sensibility.
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Further, instead of airing as a carefully formatted weekly television show, the reality show is a multi-platform production that integrates long-form storytelling, performance content and behind-the-scenes narratives distributed across streaming, social and music platforms.
The project also features a roster of mentors that may be unprecedented in a Latin reality show. It includes director and choreographer Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, The Descendants) as executive producer; Charm La’Donna (Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 Super Bowl, Bruno Mars) as head choreographer; and Robert J “RAab” Stevenson (SZQ, Rihanna) as head vocal coach.
“This project is about much more than music. It’s about reimagining how Latin talent can be discovered, developed and presented to the world. We are building the foundation for the next generation of global Latin artists with the highest creative and production standards,” said J.H. Kah, CEO of HYBE Latin America, who is leading efforts on the venture, in a statement.
The new project joins a roster of properties that includes newly-announced talent competition Pase a la Fama, which HYBE Latin America developed with Telemundo. The competition show seeks to find the next regional Mexican band and premieres on Telemundo June 8 with Ana Bárbara, Horacio Palencia and Adriel Favela as judges.
This show, however, doesn’t have a partner network.
While contestants officially arrive in Mexico this week (beginning May 12), preproduction for the show has been underway for months. Hundreds of applications poured in from across Latin America and the U.S., leading to an initial shortlist of 300 candidates. From there, 16 finalists were selected to begin intensive training at a custom-built “bootcamp” located in Mexico City’s Parque Bicentenario.
The bootcamp will include some 30 instructors, including vocal coaches, producers, fitness trainers and choreographers and is supported by Weverse, HYBE’s extremely successful social media/fandom platform.
HYBE Latin America
courtesy of HYBE Latin America. ©️ 2025 HYBE Corporation.
Make no mistake — this is a distinctly Latin production. The show is being helmed by two seasoned Colombian producers: showrunner Jaime Escallón (X Factor, Survivor) and production designer Lucas Jaramillo. Both serve as executive producers and co-creators of the format, with a clear mission to build a production environment that authentically reflects Latin culture.
“This is different from other talent reality shows in that it takes place in a space designed for the city to participate in,” says Jaramillo, noting that production is working closely with Mexico City government and fans will be allowed to actually visit the space and be part of performances and media experiences. “That’s why we’ve developed a cultural program that’s both artistic and media driven, and includes things like podcasts. This is a show that’s alive.”
The project is HYBE Latin America’s latest venture after launching in 2023 with the acquisition of Exile Music, the music division of Spanish-language studio Exile Content, led by Isaac Lee, who is now chairman of HYBE Latin America. The company has moved quickly since then. With offices in Mexico City, Miami, and Los Angeles, the division houses labels such as DOCEMIL Music and Zarpazo Entertainment.
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.
Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco has been charged by the Fiscalía del Estado de Jalisco (Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office) for allegedly advocating crime. Authorities in the Mexican state are investigating the band after projecting images of a criminal leader while performing the song “El del Palenque” during a concert on 29 March at an auditorium of the University of Guadalajara.
Now, a judge will determine whether or not to initiate legal proceedings against the members of the group, their legal representative and the promoter of their concerts in a hearing scheduled for Monday (May 12), which would mark a precedent in regional Mexican music.
“The members of a musical group that showed images referencing a figure from organized crime during a concert in Zapopan have been formally charged in a criminal court today for allegedly promoting criminal activity,” read a statement from the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday (May 6) shared with Billboard Español. “Similarly, charges were also brought against the group’s manager and the promoter of their concerts.
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According to the statement, the judge imposed precautionary measures on the four members of the band, their manager and the promoter, meaning they are not allowed to leave Jalisco. Additionally, they will have to pay a bond of 1.8 million pesos (about $92,000), which amounts to 300,000 pesos per person.
Article 142 of the Jalisco Penal Code states that publicly inciting the commission of a crime or glorifying it — or any vice — can be punishable by up to six months in prison. Experts consulted by Billboard Español note that since this type of penalty is less than four years, it can potentially be served outside of prison if the judge allows it.
The group and their representatives chose not to make any statements during a hearing on Tuesday, according to the statement. Billboard Español has reached out to the band’s representatives for comment but has not received a response at time of publication.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to Billboard Español that three open investigations into Los Alegres del Barranco for allegedly advocating crime. The first one corresponds to the investigation against them for projecting images of the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” during their concert on March 29. This fact even caused the United States to revoke the work and tourist visas of its members, as announced on April 1 by the U.S. Undersecretary of State, Christopher Landau, in a post on X.
The second investigation was opened after, on May 3, the group allegedly projected on screens during their show the lyrics of the controversial corrido “El del Palenque,” which alludes to the aforementioned drug lord. The third folder corresponds to another presentation, on May 4, in which the group allegedly incurred in similar acts, in the municipality of Tequila, according to a press release from the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office on May 5.
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, said on Wednesday (May 7) that “it was the decision” of the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute the members of Los Alegres del Barranco for allegedly advocating crime, and reiterated that her government is not in favor of banning the narcocorrido genre.
“My position is that it should not be banned, but that other music should be promoted. Rather than prohibiting, it is more important to educate, guide and encourage people and young people to stop listening to that music,” said the Mexican president during her morning press conference.
The controversy over Los Alegres del Barranco’s alleged homage to the drug trafficker comes in the wake of the debate over how the cartel founded in Jalisco uses clandestine ranches to recruit people to the criminal group through deceitful job offers, as reported by federal authorities and the media. This follows the discovery of the Izaguirre Ranch in the municipality of Teuchitlán, where acts of torture and murder were allegedly committed, as denounced by the Guerreros Buscadores collective in early March.
Ten (out of 32) states in Mexico have implemented several new bans against narcocorridos or any expression that advocates crime, without it being a federal law.
