The Latin Grammys are a night of celebration and Mexicans, with their varied traditions and universal pride, always show up and show out in grand style. It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple set or an elaborate spectacle; the performances are always unforgettable, leaving viewers with a powerful reminder that Mexican music is more than mariachis, cumbia and corridos (though we love those, too). Here are the eight iconic performances from Mexican performers who have made lasting contributions to the music industry and are influencing the next generation of hitmakers. These artists don’t just perform; they light the stage up, connecting with audiences worldwide.
While most people associate Mexican music with mariachis, corridos, cumbia and rancheras, alternative rock band Café Tacvba took the stage with its U.S. counterpart Incubus and showed the Latin Grammy crowd how varied Mexican music can be. The two rocked out, covering each other’s songs with Brandon Boy singing “Qué Pasará” in Spanish and Rubén Albarrán belting out “Megalomagnic” in English.
Technically a subsidiary of the award show, pop princess Paulina Rubio paid homage to Luis Miguel on Univision’s 2006 Latin Grammy’s Celebra: Nuestra Música TV special. Asked why she chose to cover Luis Miguel’s “La Incondicional” and “La Chica del Bikini Azul,” she answered simply: because she’s his girlfriend—at least in her head. It’s a sentiment most Mexican people who grew up watching Miguel (also known as El Sol de México) perform can relate to.
The pop icon, better known among fans as Juanga, made a career of singing heartbreaking ballads about love. His impact was on full display the night of the 2009 Latin Grammys as he sang his classic break-up anthem, “Así Fue,” and the packed auditorium in Las Vegas belted out the tune with him. At several points throughout the performance, he stepped back and allowed the crowd to carry the tune for him.
Lila Downs is an artist deeply committed to exploring and celebrating Mexican history and identity through her music. Her 2012 Latin Grammy performance included “Zapata Se Queda,” a tribute to Emiliano Zapata’s enduring legacy and fight for justice and equality. The song speaks to the ongoing relevance of his ideals and the continued struggle for social justice in Mexico. Musician Celso Piña Arvizu, an important figure in cumbia, shared the stage with her as folkloric performers—including Chinelos—danced alongside them.
A year before the U.S. presidential election, pop rock band Maná joined Los Tigres Del Norte for a rousing, rocking version of their norteño hit “Somos Más Americanos” (We’re More American). With lyrics like “I’ve been yelled at a thousand times to go back to where I came from” and “We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us,” the collaboration between these two giants was equal parts high-energy performance and political statement. Both of them later spoke out against Donald Trump.
Natalia Lafourcade lit hearts on fire with a soulful performance of her hit song “Hasta la Raíz.” The lively tune emphasizes the importance of remembering where you come from, despite how much you grow and where you go. The song is inspired by the work of Agustín Lara, one of Mexico’s most prolific composers.
When the legendary Vicente Fernández took to the stage with his son and grandson during the 2019 Latin Grammys, his family made history: It was the first time a family of three different generations performed together during the award show. The three took the stage in traditional charro attire, a nod to their ancestral pride and hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico.
On Latin Grammy night, “La Mujer” became an opportunity for Mexican singer Gloria Trevi and Chilean-Mexican artist Mon Laferte to deliver a message on women’s empowerment. The lyrics urge women to embrace their strength and independence, with the two belting out the Spanish version of “I’m That Girl.” At one point, Mexican pop star Danna can be seen singing aloud from the crowd. A 10-woman mariachi band accompanied their performance.