In an unprecedented decision, the jury of “Mexico Sings for Peace and Against Addictions” declared a tie during the Central Region semifinal in the United States, held on Sunday, August 24, selecting Carolina Imperial and William Zepeda as the two finalists advancing to the grand finale.
The contest, organized by the Mexican Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Mexican Music Council, is part of the government’s root-cause strategy aimed at promoting peace, combating addictions, and transforming narratives in Mexican music that glorify crime or drug traffickers.
Voices That Cross Borders
Carolina Imperial, originally from Monterrey and part of the Dreamers generation, performed “Yo Soy Mexicana”, co-written with Francisco Nájera, delivering a faithful interpretation of the traditional genre that celebrated Mexico’s cultural roots.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles–based William Zepeda presented “Insomnio Americano”, written by Víctor Osorio and Jonathan Vizcarra, a song that delves into the painful emotions tied to the “American Dream.” Zepeda has explored genres such as mariachi, bolero, and English-language pop.
“It’s about respecting the participants’ dreams, their hopes, and everything they have fought for to be here. It’s the fair thing to do,” said Mónica Vélez on behalf of the jury, which also included América Sierra, Regina Orozco, and special guest Mario Domm, all of whom praised the talent and commitment of both performers.
The two interpreters joined Blue Malboro, who on August 17 became the first semifinalist after moving the judges to tears with his rap song “Cuando niño.”
Originally from Puerta del Monte, Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Blue Malboro (Diego Raya Rosas) emigrated to the United States with his mother and brother at the age of 13. He currently composes and performs urban and hip-hop music with positive messages, connecting with audiences by evoking joyful memories through his songs.
A Binational Initiative for Peace
“México Canta” is a cultural effort that unites communities on both sides of the border, celebrating migrants as bearers of Mexico’s cultural greatness and defenders of family, artistic, and community values.
“We are a people who know how to sing; that’s how we show our pride in our roots, in our present-day experiences, and in our hope for a better future,” is a sentiment that underscores the contest’s philosophy.
The semifinal also featured performances by Lola Baqui, Edith González, Lolita 2MX2, Dama Morr, Isaías González, and Manuel Luna, along with a special appearance by Majo Aguilar, all of whom enriched the evening with musical proposals from both sides of the border.
Toward the Grand Finale
The competition has received more than 15,000 entries and is now in its semifinal stage. The grand finale will take place on Sunday, October 5 at the Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris, where the winner of this binational cultural initiative will be announced.
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