Ivan Cornejo to Make Performance Debut at This Year’s RodeoHouston

Ivan Cornejo is lassoing a special gig for the first time…

The 19-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter will make his performance debut at this year’s RodeoHouston as part of the 2024 lineup, which will showcase some of the biggest names across several genres, including rock, rap, country, Latin, Christian and more.

Ivan Cornejo,Cornejo is set to perform on Sunday, March 3.

But he isn’t the only Latinx act set to perform.

Los Tigres del Norte will perform during the event as part of Go Tejano Day on Sunday, March 10.

Other artists set to perform during RodeoHouston, which will take place at Houston’s NRG Stadium from February 27 through March 17, include

Jelly RollBlake Shelton, 50 Cent, the Jonas Brothers, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church and for King & Country.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to bring such a wide range of musical genres to the RodeoHouston stage,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO, in a statement. “We’re welcoming 10 new entertainers who will make their debut on the star stage, as well as many fan-favorites from a variety of genres from our country roots, to EDM and hip-hop.”

The artists further add to RodeoHouston’s nearly 100-year legacy, in which time the rodeo has committed more than $600 million to aid education and youth-focused efforts in Texas.

Each year, RodeoHouston draws more than 2 million people to its mix of rodeo/Western activities, musical performances and carnival midway.

Tickets go on sale at rodeohouston.com on Thursday, January 18, in two waves — at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Here’s the official lineup of performers:

Feb. 27 – Opening Day, presented by Texas Capital – Blake Shelton
Feb. 28 – Armed Forces Appreciation Day, presented by Crown Royal – Carly Pearce
Feb. 29 – for KING + COUNTRY
March 1 – Black Heritage Day, presented by Kroger – 50 Cent
March 2 – HARDY
March 3 – Ivan Cornejo
March 4 – First Responders Day, presented by BP America – Hank Williams Jr.
March 5 – Oliver Anthony
March 6 – Community Day, presented by TC Energy – Jelly Roll
March 7 – Volunteer Appreciation Day, presented by Phillips 66 – Luke Bryan
March 8 – Major Lazer
March 9 – Lainey Wilson
March 10 – Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart – Los Tigres del Norte
March 11 – Whiskey Myers
March 12 – Bun B
March 13 – Nickelback
March 14 – Zac Brown Band
March 15 – Jonas Brothers
March 16 – Brad Paisley
March 17 – RODEOHOUSTON Finals – Eric Church

Xavi Earns First No. 1 on Any Billboard Chart with “La Diabla”

Xavi has a devil of a hit on his hands…

The 19-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter is starting off 2024 in a big way, earning his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart, as his single “La Diabla” tops the Hot Latin Songs chart dated January 6.

XaviThe song rises 4-1 to become the first champ of the year on the multi-metric ranking. 

“Super grateful with everyone and the whole team; we’ve been doing everything with love, giving it our all to keep pushing our music and culture to new heights,” Xavi tells Billboard.

“La Diabla” takes the lead on Hot Latin Songs as the week’s Greatest Gainer in streams and sales.

The song logged 11.1 million official U.S. streams in the tracking week of December 22-28, according to Luminate; that’s a 24% gain from the week prior.

Plus, the sum pushes the track 4-2 on Latin Streaming Songs. Although sales still account for a negligible amount, “La Diabla” jumps 10-4 on Latin Digital Songs Sales with a 43% increase.

With “La Diabla,” Xavi earns his second top 10 on Hot Latin Songs, which blends airplay, digital sales, and streaming activity. The new champ joins “La Víctima” which advances 7-5 with 7.4 million official streams during the same tracking week.

Further, the singer-songwriter also makes progress through two other tracks: “Poco a Poco,” with Dareyes De La Sierra, jumps 26-18 and “Modo DND,” with Tony Aguirre, lifts to its new No. 21 peak.

Thanks to “La Diabla,” released November 30 via Interscope, the record label returns to No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs for its first champ of the year. Karol G and Peso Pluma’s “Qlona” was the label’s last leader, completing a fifth week at No. 1 on the October 14-dated ranking.

On a global scale, “La Diabla” takes Xavi to his highest-charting effort on Billboard Global Excl. U.S., peaking at No. 23. While the track dips 32-33 on Billboard Global 200, “La Víctima” climbs 79-64.

Elsewhere, Xavi stands strong leading the Latin Songwriters chart for a fourth consecutive week, tying with Ivan Cornejo for the fifth-most weeks in charge among regional Mexican soloists.

Both rank behind Peso Pluma’s 20 weeks at No. 1, Eslabon Armado’s Pedro Tovar with a 10-week domination, and DannyLux with six weeks atop.

Carin León Signs Exclusive Global Publishing Agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group

Carin León has a new worldwide publishing deal…

The 34-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter and Regional Mexican star has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Carin LeonA leading force in the música mexicana genre, the Sonora-born artist has established himself as one of Mexican music’s most versatile and eclectic artists today recording in norteño, banda, R&B and pop.

“There is no doubt, Carin León is one of the most talented artists currently,” Yadira Moreno, UMPG managing director of Mexico and Central America & vp of new business development for Latin America, said in a statement. “He can blend R&B, Folk, Country and Mexican Music easily and gracefully. We are excited to collaborate with Carin and foster his composing career internationally.”

“I feel deeply honored to embark on this creative journey alongside Universal Music Publishing Group. This partnership marks a thrilling new chapter in my career, and I’m eagerly looking forward to expressing my passion and creativity through the art of music,” added Leon.

Since launching his solo career in 2018, León has helped usher a new era for regional Mexican music. With three career entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 12 on the Hot Latin Songs tally, he scored his first top 10 on the Top Latin Albums chart with Colmillo de Leche, released in May. It was the first studio album released on the singer-songwriter’s own label, Socios Music, which he launched late last year.

Jody Gerson, UMPG chairman and CEO, said: “Carin León’s career is limitless and transcends Música Mexicana. His soulful voice, songwriting, live shows and ambition goes beyond language. I look forward to working with Jorge Juarez and our entire global team to support Carin as he opens doors creatively across musical genres and geographies.”

León joins UMPG’s roster, which includes other regional Mexican powerhouses such as Juan Gabriel, Espinosa Paz, Horacio Palencia, Grupo Firme, Yahritza Y Su Esencia and Ivan Cornejo, among others.

Becky G Releases New Album “Esquinas”

Becky G is turning a new corner(s)

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper has released the new album Esquinas via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records.

Becky GBeck G’s new album is a heartfelt exploration of her dual identity as a proud 200 percenter. The title translates to “corners,” symbolizing the meeting point between two cultures.

Celebrating her Mexican and American roots, the Inglewood native weaves a vibrant musical tapestry that spans corridos, rancheras and baladas while showcasing her deep reverence for her heritage.

For instance, “2ndo Chance,” featuring Ivan Cornejo’s haunting vocals, kicks off the album with a dreamy, nostalgic ballad that sets the tone for an introspective journey through her bicultural upbringing. Then there’s the cheeky “Cries in Spanish,” a whimsical duet with fellow Mexican-American DannyLux, that’s set to sad sierreño. The album’s latest single, “Querido Abuelo,” stands as a touching tribute to her late grandfather, a gut-wrenching balada which honors the sacrifices made by our ancestors as children of immigrants. Becky’ Gs vocals are at their most poignant here, manifesting her maturity and emotional depth.

Also starring Yahritza y Su Esencia, Chiquis, Angela and Leonardo Aguilar, Peso Pluma, and Gabito Ballesteros, her third studio album is a testament to her growth as a “genreless” artist, she claims, and her commitment to representing her bloodline proudly.

Ivan Cornejo Signs with Interscope Records

Ivan Cornejo is Inter-ing a new era…

The 19-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter, one of the young artists fueling Regional Mexican music’s resurgence, has signed with Interscope Records.

Ivan CornejoCornejo, a southern California native, was at the center of a major label bidding war after selling out his recently-announced Terapia Tour, which is set to hit cities like New York, Las Vegas and Houston, with additional dates in Mexico.

The trek kicked off in Chicago, and most recently included a stop at Lollapalooza.

“At Interscope we have always been attracted to artists who move culture, and Ivan has already proven he is on that path,” said John Janick, chairman and chief executive officer of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. “He is absolutely one of the most exciting new artists in music and we are looking forward to working with him and his team on the next chapter of his incredible career.”

The multi-platinum-selling artist first gained recognition with his heart-aching viral ballad “Esta Dañada,” which launched Cornejo onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Cornejo recently released “Aquí Te Espero,” his first track in nearly seven months.

His last full-length record was the deluxe version of “Dañado,” released in December 2022 via Manzana Records. The album yielded such streaming favorites as “La Curiosidad” and “Perro Abandonado.”

“I am really excited to begin this new chapter of my career,” added Cornejo in a statement. “It’s been a long road even though my career is young and we have built a really strong foundation up until now. I am looking forward to working with John and Nir and the entire team at Interscope to continue to build and take my project to the next level.”

Ivan Cornejo Releases Heartfelt New Single ““Aquí Te Espero”

It’s a waiting game for Ivan Cornejo

The 19-year-old Mexican-American Regional Mexican music singer-songwriter has released “Aquí Te Espero,” his first single in seven months.

Ivan CornejoCornejo, a rising Regional Mexican star who first exploded to fame with his mopey viral ballad “Esta Dañada,” wears his heart on his sleeve on the new single.

The video follows Cornejo inside his messy room as he contemplates the end of his relationship, and how “no one will understand” how much he misses the love he left behind.

“You have me going in circles for your love,” he sings in Spanish. “I’d die for you/It was all for you/because you forgot about me.”

Cornejo recently announced his Terapia Tour, which has already sold out in several major cities. He’ll play in New York, Atlanta, Houston, and will stop in Mexico for the first time. The singer-songwriter is also bringing his talent to Lollapalooza on Saturday.

“The last time I had the opportunity to perform for my fans my sound was more acoustic, and the venues were smaller and more intimate, now I’m exploring new and more sounds for my performances,” Cornejo said in a statement. “I’m taking my tour across all corners of the U.S. I’m especially excited for the festivals like Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, this tour will be my new form of ‘therapy.’”

Stephen Sanchez Named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 List

Stephen Sanchez is officially making his mark in the music world…

The 20-year-old Latino American singer has been named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list for 2023. The annual list features the next generation of superstars.

Stephen SanchezSanchez, who has logged 460.2 million streams, evoked classic romance with his waltzing, 1950s-indebted hit, “Until I Found You,” which soundtracked hundreds of thousands of TikToks featuring wedding and couple celebrations.

The 2021 single crossed over from viral success to radio hit last year, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

And while the Mercury/Republic Records crooner has released several versions of “Until I Found You,” he has also shared some new, retro-leaning tunes ahead of his fall tour.

“There has been a really healthy growth and certainly lots of adjustment,” says Sanchez, “but I’ve been having a hell of a good time along the way.”

But Sanchez isn’t the only Latino artist to make the list.

Angela Aguilar, born to Regional Mexican music royalty, has become a star in her own right.

The 19-year-old Mexican American singer, who has logged 322.8 million streams, scored her third top 10 entry on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart in March with her collaboration with Yuridia, “Qué Agonía.

After spending the past few years on the road with her family for their top-grossing Jaripeo Sin Fronteras show, Aguilar will embark on a solo tour titled Piensa En Mí this summer.

DannyLux has also made the cut…

In April, the 19-year-old Latino American artist made his Coachella debut, performing his signature sad sierreño anthems in front of a significant crowd. It was a full-circle moment for the singer-songwriter, who grew up in the Coachella Valley area. He says he’s most proud of bringing his family along with him, “and for them to experience all of this as well,” but his impact extends well beyond his circle: DannyLux is helping usher in a new global era for Mexican music, which led to a record deal last year with Warner Music Latina in partnership with his independent label, VPS Music.

Ivan Cornejo secured his first Billboard chart entry with his 2021 debut album, Alma Vacía, at the age of 17, landing at No. 2 on Regional Mexican Albums. That same year, the project’s “Está Dañada” became the second regional Mexican song to ever enter the Billboard Hot 100. The singer-songwriter has since maintained momentum, with his sierreño tunes — mostly backed by melancholic requintos and emotional vocals — helping Cornejo score his first No. 1 on Regional Mexican Albums with his second set, Dañado.

The Linda Lindas, featuring the half-Latina sisters Lucia de la Garza and Mila de la Garza and Latina guitarist/singer Bela Salazar, rose to acclaim in 2021 with a live performance of the band’s song “Racist, Sexist Boy,” performed live at the Los Angeles Public Library. The four-piece punk group settled in last year with its debut album, Growing Up, released on Epitaph. The act subsequently toured the project at festivals, as well as on North American and international treks, during which Lucia de la Garza says she “really got the idea of how widespread the reach of the internet and streaming platforms are.”

Since debuting with his Into the Unknown EP in 2020, Riovaz has released music at a steady pace, with uptempo dance hits like “Prom Night” and “I Feel Fantastic” being among fan favorites. Most recently, the New Jersey native boosted his catalog with his February EP, Disturb the Norm — his first project to arrive since signing to Darkroom Records, in partnership with Geffen, last summer.

To come up with the list, Billboard editors and reporters weighed a variety of factors in determining the 2023 21 Under 21 list, including, but not limited to, impact on consumer behavior, measured by metrics such as album and track sales, streaming volume (listed here as each artist’s on-demand official U.S. career streams, according to Luminate), social media impressions and radio/TV audiences reached; career trajectory; and overall impact in the industry, specifically during the past 12 months. Unless otherwise noted, Luminate is the source for sales/streaming data.

Here’s the complete look at the Latino/a artists named to this year’s 21 Under 21 list:

Ángela Aguilar
Age:
 19
Label: Machín Récords
Publisher: SESAC
Management: Pepe Aguilar
Total Streams: 322.8 million
Born to regional Mexican music royalty — her father is Pepe Aguilar and her grandfather is Antonio Aguilar — the artist has become a star in her own right. In March, her collaboration with Yuridia, “Qué Agonía,” scored the ranchera singer-songwriter her third top 10 entry on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart. After spending the past few years on the road with her family for their top-grossing Jaripeo Sin Fronteras show, the 19-year-old will embark on a solo tour titled Piensa En Mí this summer. Inspired by Pepe’s career, she says, “It’s nice to have someone that you admire at home, someone who can direct me in the right direction because everything that I’m going through, he has already gone through.” 

DannyLux
Age: 19
Label: VPS Music via Warner Latina
Publisher: Warner Chappell Music
Management: Jose Luis Aguilar
Total Streams: 217 million
In April, DannyLux made his Coachella debut, performing his signature sad sierreño anthems in front of a significant crowd. It was a full-circle moment for the singer-songwriter, who grew up in the Coachella Valley area. He says he’s most proud of bringing his family along with him, “and for them to experience all of this as well,” but his impact extends well beyond his circle: DannyLux is helping usher in a new global era for Mexican music, which led to a record deal last year with Warner Music Latina in partnership with his independent label, VPS Music. “I feel like there is a lot of pressure,” he says. “You have to stay consistent because it’s so easy to just fall off.” 

Ivan Cornejo
Age: 18
Label: n/a
Publisher: n/a
Management: Pamela Cornejo
Total Streams: 1.1 billion
Ivan Cornejo was 17 years old when he secured his first Billboard chart entry with his 2021 debut album, Alma Vacía, landing at No. 2 on Regional Mexican Albums. That same year, the project’s “Está Dañada” became the second regional Mexican song to ever enter the Billboard Hot 100. The singer-songwriter has since maintained momentum, with his sierreño tunes — mostly backed by melancholic requintos and emotional vocals — helping Cornejo score his first No. 1 on Regional Mexican Albums with his second set, Dañado. (A deluxe edition arrived last December.) “The most exciting part about being a young artist is the influence my music can have on other upcoming artists,” he says, which can best be reflected in his feature on the Yahritza Y Su Esencia “Inseparables” that dropped last fall. 

The Linda Lindas
Age Bela Salazar, 18; Lucia de la Garza, 16; Eloise Wong, 15; Mila de la Garza, 12
Label Epitaph Records
Publisher Warner Chappell Music
Management Fly South Music Group
Total Streams 12.8 million
Riding an initial viral wave in 2021 spurred by a live performance of its song “Racist, Sexist Boy” at the Los Angeles Public Library, the four-piece punk group settled in last year with its debut album, Growing Up, released on Epitaph. The act subsequently toured the project at festivals, as well as on North American and international treks, during which Lucia de la Garza says she “really got the idea of how widespread the reach of the internet and streaming platforms are.” In April, the band returned with single “Too Many Things” and a Coachella performance, which it will follow by opening for Paramore and playing at Lollapalooza Chicago in August. 

Riovaz
Age 19
Label Darkroom Records/Geffen
Publisher n/a
Management Jacob Byrnes, Argenis Hernandez
Total Streams 215.6 million
Since debuting with his Into the Unknown EP in 2020, Riovaz has released music at a steady pace, with uptempo dance hits like “Prom Night” and “I Feel Fantastic” being among fan favorites. Most recently, the New Jersey native boosted his catalog with his February EP, Disturb the Norm — his first project to arrive since signing to Darkroom Records, in partnership with Geffen, last summer. “A lot of people are focusing only on streams and followers, which to me doesn’t make me fall in love and remember an artist,” says Riovaz. “Success, to me, is to be remembered for your contributions to the music industry and the scene you’ve built around yourself as an artist … Community has always been a big part of my career in the early days, so taking that from the internet into real life is still such a crazy thing to me.”

Stephen Sanchez
Age: 20
Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
Management: LoyalT Management
Total Streams: 460.2 million
Plenty of aspiring artists write love songs in their bedrooms intended for their crushes. But few have evoked classic romance quite like Sanchez did with his waltzing, 1950s-indebted hit, “Until I Found You,” which soundtracked hundreds of thousands of TikToks featuring wedding and couple celebrations. The 2021 single crossed over from viral success to radio hit last year, reaching No. 23 on the Hot 100 and topping the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. And while the Mercury/Republic Records crooner has released several versions of “Until I Found You,” he has also shared some new, retro-leaning tunes ahead of his fall tour. “There has been a really healthy growth and certainly lots of adjustment,” says Sanchez, “but I’ve been having a hell of a good time along the way.”

Ivan Cornejo to Launch First-Ever U.S. Tour in January

Ivan Cornejo is readying for his first-ever U.S. tour…

The 18-year-old Mexican American Regional Mexican singer-songwriter hitting the road in 2023, with a tour scheduled to kick off on January 31 in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Ivan Cornejo, Cornejo, who won best new artist at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, will headline the 11-date stint, titled Dañado Tour. He is slated to perform in Latin markets like Los Angeles, Houston and Phoenix, before wrapping up in Dallas on February 17.

“I am super excited to go on my first tour,” Cornejo tells Billboard. “We made sure to put a lot of thought into all the details. We wanted intimate venues because now more than ever, the connection to the fans is super important.”

Richard Vega, the WME agent who signed Cornejo in all areas, adds, “We feel very proud to represent such a young rising star. His fans have been wanting to see him live for a while and the response from all our partners has been amazing. This will be the first of many.”

Being produced by local promoters was key to making this happen, points out Ximena Acosta, the strategy consultant on the project. “We went with local promoters in each market [because] we wanted to make sure we had the right partners who really understood him and his fan base,” Acosta says.

Cornejo, who broke out in 2021 with his first album, Alma Vacía, has been making a name for himself in the Mexican music space and beyond (he’s collaborated with urban act JhayCo).

He secured his first entrance on any Billboard chart with his debut album, released through Manzana Records, which arrived at No. 2 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart. On Top Latin Albums, the seven-track set, featuring sad sierreño anthems like “Está Dañada,” peaked at No. 7.

Additionally, Cornejo topped Billboard‘s Latin Songwriters chart dated October 30, 2021.

Subsequently, over the summer, the singer-songwriter scored his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart as his sophomore album, Dañado, debuted atop the chart dated June 18.

Tickets to Cornejo’s tour go on sale Monday (Nov. 7).

Here’s the complete list of his tour dates:
Jan. 31: Santa Clara, Calif. (The Catalyst)
Feb. 2: Los Angeles (Roxy Theater)
Feb. 3: Riverside, Calif. (Riverside Municipal Auditorium)
Feb. 4: Santa Ana, Calif. (Constellation Room)
Feb. 7: San Diego (VooDoo Room)
Feb. 8: Phoenix (Crescent Ballroom)
Feb. 11: El Paso, Texas (Lowbrow Palace)
Feb. 14: McAllen, Texas (Cine El Rey)
Feb. 15: Austin (Antone’s)
Feb. 16: Houston (HOB Bronze Peacock)
Feb. 17: Dallas (Cambridge Room)

Yahritza y Su Esencia Team Up with Ivan Cornejo to Release Heartbreak Track “Inseparables”

Yahritza y Su Esencia have teamed up with another up-and-coming Regional Mexican act.

The record-breaking family trio, led by Yahritza Martinez, have joined voices with Ivan Cornejo to release the single “Inseparables.”

Yahritza Martinez, Yahritza y Su Esencia,For their first collaboration with fellow sierreño artist, Yahritza y Su Esencia released aa powerful heartbreak track.

Powered by the subgenre’s signature requintos and acoustic guitars, the focus point of the song is the teens’ tender vocals and the way they intersect for an explosive pathos-filled delivery.

Penned by both Yahritza and Cornejo, their coming together only strengthens Mexican music’s new movement — where young Mexican-American artists are placing all bets on heartfelt lyrics to connect with their equally emotional and bruised teen fans.

Grupo Frontera Appears on Billboard Hot 100 for First Time with Cover of Morat’s “No Se Va”

Grupo Frontera has joined an elite club…

Five weeks ago, the Latino group appeared on a Billboard chart for the first time, Now the act is officially a Billboard Hot 100 hitmaker with its cover of Morat’s “No Se Va.”

Grupo FronteraThe song, which the group released independently, debuts at No. 99 with 4.8 million U.S. streams (up 43%) and 1,000 downloads sold (up 278%) in the September 23-29 tracking week, according to Luminate.

It concurrently jumps 28-15 on Hot Latin Songs and 18-3 on Latin Digital Song Sales and debuts at No. 15 on Latin Streaming Songs.

Helping the song’s surge in popularity, a snippet of it has been used in more than 130,000 clips on TikTok.

Colombian folk-pop group Morat released its initial recording of the song in 2019, although the track has not appeared on any Billboard charts. The group has earned one Hot Latin Songs hit: “Sé Que Te Duele,” with Alejandro Fernandez (No. 49 peak, 2017).

“No Se Va” became Grupo Frontera’s first Billboard chart entry when it debuted at No. 12 on the Regional Mexican Digital Song Sales survey dated September 3; the song spends a second week at No. 1 on the latest list.

The song also helps the group rise 49-24 on the Emerging Artists chart.

Notably, “No Se Va” is just the fifth Regional Mexican song to reach the Hot 100 in the chart’s 64-year history, a distinction that began with Christian Nodal and Gera MX’s “Botella Tras Botella” in May 2021 (peaking at No. 60). Ivan Cornejo’s “Está Dañada” became the second regional Mexican song to reach the Hot 100 last October (No. 61), followed by Grupo Firme’s “Ya Superame (En Vivo Desde Culiacan, Sinaloa)” in November (No. 91) and Yahritza y Su Esencia’s “Soy El Unico” this April (No. 20).

 

Grupo Frontera comprises six members: Beto, Juan Javier Cantu, Carlos Frontera, Payo, Julian Pena Jr. and Carlos Zamora.