Sheinbaum presents US semifinalists for México Canta 2026

President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the seven Mexican-American semifinalists of the second edition of the binational contest México Canta 2026 during her morning press conference on July 23. The competition aims to promote peace and combat addictions through music, strengthening cultural ties between Mexico and the United States. Source: excelsiormx

Selection and participants

The first stage of the contest saw 16,289 participants register between May 11 and June 10 — 10,528 from Mexico and 5,761 from the US. Source: mileniomx From these, the Mexican Music Council selected 14 semifinalists: seven from the US (announced July 23) and seven from Mexico (to be announced July 31). Source: excelsiormx The US semifinalists are:

• Grecia Marín (Perris, California)
• Daniel Ochoa (Tucson, Arizona)
• Tiffany Cruz Galaviz (Glendale, California)
• Miranda González / Miranda Knappe (Castle Rock, Colorado)
• Joshua Soto (El Bronx, New York)
• Lizandro Espinoza (Portland, Oregon)
• Rosalba Valdez (Chicago, Illinois) [Sources: infobae, heraldomx]

Schedule and format

The semifinals are scheduled for August 23 at the Million Dollar Theatre in Los Angeles, and August 31 at the Teatro Ángela Peralta in Mazatlán. On September 6, the three finalists from each will be revealed plus a seventh chosen by public vote. The grand final will be held on September 13 at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, and the winners will perform on September 15 at the Zócalo during Independence Day celebrations. Source: mileniomx All shows will be broadcast live on 45 public media outlets. Source: heraldomx The three winners will receive recording contracts. Source: heraldomx Public voting will determine 100% of the results. Source: heraldomx