Pase a la Fama: the Rise of Regional Mexican Music

For decades, regional Mexican music was seen as a genre rooted in the past, reserved for our parents or an audience concentrated between Mexico and the U.S. border. However, over the past seven years, that perception has changed dramatically. A new movement has revived the genre, blending tradition with modernity and reaching new audiences on a global scale.

This resurgence has been driven by a new generation of young artists who have not only reconnected with their roots but also adapted them to contemporary rhythms and digital technologies. The result: a wave of subgenres that mix regional Mexican with hip-hop, trap,

reggaeton, and rap. Artists like Peso Pluma, Carín León, Fuerza Regida, and Christian Nodal haven’t just topped the charts — they’ve broken streaming records that would’ve been unthinkable a decade ago, reigniting enthusiasm not seen since the days of Selena. 

A Reality Show Arriving at the Perfect Moment

In this moment of musical excitement comes Pase a la Fama, a reality show poised to become the definitive platform for discovering the next great regional Mexican band. The production is brought to life by Telemundo and HYBE Latin America — yes, the same HYBE

behind global K-pop phenomena — with a clear bet on Latin American talent.

This show isn’t looking for solo acts: it’s searching for a full band. That’s what sets Pase a la Fama apart from other competitions. Here, musicians and their instruments share the spotlight with the singers. The spirit of brotherhood and collaboration that defines regional Mexican music is at the heart of the show.

The Stage of Pase a la Fama

The selection process began with an open call where aspiring musicians submitted video auditions by email. Dozens participated in virtual tryouts from cities like Monterrey, Saltillo, Houston, and San Diego. The selected talents then traveled to Mexico City for live auditions in front of the judges at the iconic Teatro Ferrocarrilero.

From this process, 55 artists will be chosen for intensive training. While the full format remains under wraps, it’s confirmed that participants will receive vocal coaching, stage presence training, and acting lessons — suggesting a demanding structure akin to South Korea’s idol academies.

The panel of judges spans multiple generations of the genre: Ana Bárbara, the undisputed queen of grupero; Horacio Palencia, one of Mexico’s most prolific songwriters; and Adriel Favela, a rising star in the new regional wave. They’ll be joined by mentors like JOP (FuerzaRegida), Gabito Ballesteros, and Lupillo Rivera.

What’s at Stake?

The winner of Pase a la Fama will receive $100,000 and a recording contract with HYBE Latin America — a true gateway into the international music industry. From rancheras and ballads to corridos, contestants will compete for a place in the hearts of audiences,combining talent, training, and passion for music.

A Growing Movement

Regional Mexican music is far from a passing trend. With over a century of history, it continues to evolve and expand. The numbers speak for themselves: according to Luminate, from January to May 2025, the genre’s consumption in the U.S. grew by 42.1%, outpacing reggaeton, electronic, pop, and country music. With artists like Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera, Yahritza, Natanael Cano, and Eslabón Armado, regional Mexican music is living a new golden age — one that honors the past, thrives in the present, and reinvents the future.

Because more than a genre, regional Mexican is a way of telling our story — and Pase a la

Fama is the next chapter.