HOLLYWOOD, CA. – Rodri J. Rodriguez, creator, producer, and host of MARIACHI USA announced today the JARRITOS MARIACHI USA Talent Search 2023. Officially launched in 2022, the competition aimed to discover the best Mariachi voice in the United States. This year the Talent Search begins on May 18th. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 and the opportunity of a lifetime, to perform live for 17,000 mariachi fans during the 34th Annual MARIACHI USA on June 3, 2023, at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood, California.
“Thanks to Jarritos, our first Talent Search in 2022 was heartfelt by all who worked on this project,” said Rodriguez. “Very invigorating to experience so much talent and working firsthand with our winner, Natalie Carmona for her performance at MARIACHI USA at the Hollywood Bowl. The audience reaction to her wow performance was phenomenal!”
“MARIACHI USA was such a memorable and beautiful experience,” said Natalie Carmona, winner of the 2022 Jarritos MARIACHI USA Talent Search. It felt like a dream being able to perform at the Hollywood Bowl and on the same stage as my idols. Star treatment all the way, from hotel to my dressing room, and accompanied by Grammy Award winner Mariachi Divas…the best!”
To enter the contest, talent must submit a 2:30-minute video of themselves performing a mariachi song in Spanish. A judging panel consisting of three mariachi experts Carlos Alvarez, Cindy Shea, and Juan Ortiz will judge talent based on voice (50%), expression (30%), and showmanship (20%). Judges’ bios are on www.mariachiusa.com/talent-search.
“Jarritos focuses on embracing our Mexican roots and finding an up-and-coming leader in Mariachi music is part of honoring our heritage,” said Eric Delamare, director of marketing for Jarritos. “We are grateful to be alongside MARIACHI USA and Lupita Infante in this quest for Mariachi talent for the second year in a row.”
“Mariachi USA is a magical event where dreams can come true and talent can be recognized. My dream of performing on the Hollywood Bowl stage came true a few years ago, and I have since seen many more of my dreams come true. This talent search puts young performers in front of Mariachi judges that have a star trajectory themselves in this genre. Last year’s winner, Natalie Carmona lit the Bowl with her performance and America witnessed the powerful talent that we have in this country,” said Lupita Infante. “As I reflect upon my journey and get ready to release my new album next month, I’m reminded that everyone needs the right platform to be heard and discovered. Jarritos shares in this vision and I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Lupita Infante was nominated at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs for her song “Dejaré.” Her debut album, La Serenata, was also nominated, as well as at the 2021 GRAMMYs. In early 2022, she signed with Sony Music Latin as her career continues to develop and expand. She is now preparing the release of her new album Amor Como En Las Películas de Antes, along with the release of her new single “Ya No Vuelvas” on May 19. Her name is instantly familiar to tens of millions of Mexicans, as she is the granddaughter of Pedro Infante Cruz (1917-1957), the most beloved Mexican singer and actor of the 20th century.
JARRITOS MARIACHI USA Talent Search invites all aspiring mariachi stars across the country, 18-25 years of age, to participate in the talent competition for a chance to win the Belle Grand Prize, named in honor of the Godmother of Mariachi Education, Belle Ortiz.
“The very first mariachi festival in the US was created over 50 years ago by a Texana, a music educator, Belle Ortiz, whose limitless love for mariachi also drove her to create Texas’ iconic Mariachi Campanas de America. Often single-handedly, Belle has spearheaded mariachi music education to where it now enjoys its rightful place at all levels of education from K1 to University Masters programs throughout the United States,” stated Rodriguez.
JARRITOS MARIACHI USA Talent Search is now open for submissions. All entries must be submitted by 11:59:59 p.m. PST on May 19th, 2023, and the winner announced on May 24, 2023. Only 200 submissions will be accepted. For submissions, official rules, and entry requirements, visit www.mariachiusa.com/talent-search.
Created in 1990, MARIACHI USA has become the premier mariachi music festival in the world. Founded and created by the multi-talented artist-producer, Rodri J. Rodriguez, of Rodri Entertainment. Rodriguez, a visionary and cultural arts advocate, created the festival to give music a forum for artistic expression and a way to celebrate the rich musical traditions that so many have come to enjoy. Held at the Hollywood Bowl since its inception, the Festival continues thrilling audiences of all generations. Rodriguez’s spectacular live event productions have written a whole new chapter in the world of entertainment.