México Canta Reveals U.S. Semifinalists, Celebrating Young Voices Across the Border

-Editorial 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted the role of music in promoting peace and preventing addictions as officials announced the seven Mexico-U.S. semifinalists selected for the 2026 edition of México Canta, a binational singing competition focused on young performers and cultural connections between both countries.

During a presentation at the federal government’s morning press conference, Sheinbaum said the program aims to showcase the cultural ties between Mexican families living on both sides of the border and provide young people with a platform to express their identity through music.

She said the competition reflects the relationship between Mexico and the United States through shared traditions, family connections and cultural expression.

“The cultural connection that exists and the construction through peace, love and against addictions is what we want to show with México Canta,” Sheinbaum said.

The president said the competition seeks to promote messages of peace through music while encouraging young people to develop their artistic abilities. She added that the initiative is part of broader government efforts focused on youth opportunities, including education programs and social support initiatives.

Mexico’s Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel de Icaza said México Canta is part of the government’s “Attention to the Causes” strategy, which seeks to address social factors affecting young people. She said the program highlights young Mexican and Mexican-American artists as participants in cultural development on both sides of the border.

For the 2026 edition, organizers reported receiving 16,289 registrations during the first stage of the competition, which ran from May 11 through June 10. Of those participants, 10,528 registered from Mexico and 5,761 from the United States.

Following online registrations and in-person auditions, the Mexican Music Council selected 14 semifinalists — seven from Mexico and seven from the United States. The Mexican semifinalists are scheduled to be introduced July 31.

The seven U.S.-based semifinalists selected are Grecia Marín of Perris, California; Daniel Ochoa of Tucson, Arizona; Tiffany Galaviz of Glendale, California; Miranda González of Castle Rock, Colorado; Joshua Soto of the Bronx, New York; Lizandro Espinoza of Portland, Oregon; and Rosalba Valdez of Chicago, Illinois.

Organizers said the semifinal rounds will be broadcast through 45 public media outlets on Sundays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The live semifinal events are scheduled for Aug. 23 at the Million Dollar Theater in Los Angeles and Aug. 30 at the Teatro Ángela Peralta in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.

Six finalists will be chosen through public voting during the semifinal broadcasts. A Sept. 6 program will recap the finalists’ performances and include an additional contestant selected by viewers.

The competition’s final event will take place Sept. 13 at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, where winners will be selected. The winners will later participate as invited performers during Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations on Sept. 15 at the Zócalo in Mexico City.

Singer Armando Toledo Rosas, known as “El Bogueto,” praised the initiative, saying it provides young people with an opportunity to pursue creative careers through talent and music. He said the competition allows youth to share their experiences and emotions while celebrating Mexican identity.

Speaking on behalf of the semifinalists, Grecia Marín said being selected was a significant achievement and thanked organizers for creating opportunities for emerging artists. She said the competition provides a way to share messages of hope and demonstrate the positive impact of music.

Joshua Soto said the program represents more than a competition, describing it as an opportunity to show how music can inspire, unite communities and promote positive messages among young people.