Calling all mariachi vocalists! The 32nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition returns to San Antonio this December, and the deadline to enter is quickly approaching.
Vocalists have until October 1, 2026 to complete their registration and submit their audition video for an opportunity to advance to the National Vocal Competition Semifinals on Thursday, December 3.
For nearly three decades, the National Vocal Competition has provided young singers with a platform to showcase their talent, develop as performers and take the stage in front of a live audience and distinguished mariachi professionals. The competition is open to students from across the United States through the college/university level, up to age 25. Vocalists may participate as members of a registered mariachi group or compete independently.
How the Competition Works
The road to the Mariachi Extravaganza stage begins with an audition video. Vocalists must submit their video along with their completed registration by the October 1 deadline.
Competitors are divided into four categories based on their current grade level: Elementary (PreK–5th grade), Middle School (6th–8th grade), High School (9th–12th grade), and College/University (up to 25 years old).
Selected vocalists will advance to the National Vocal Competition Semifinals on December 3 in San Antonio. Finalists will then return to the stage on Saturday, December 5, during the final day of the 32nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza.
Preparing Your Audition
A strong audition starts with preparation. Vocalists should select a song that complements their voice and experience level and allows them to demonstrate their musicianship, interpretation and stage presence.
Based on the competition guidelines, entrants should keep these important requirements in mind:
- Perform and submit a complete song rather than a partial selection.
- Keep the performance under four minutes to avoid a time penalty.
- Submit the audition as a YouTube link with the registration rather than a social-media link or downloadable file.
- Make sure the vocalist can be heard clearly over any live or prerecorded accompaniment.
- Record closely enough for judges to clearly see the vocalist and their performance.
- Perform from memory rather than reading lyrics from a phone or another device.
- Choose a song appropriate for the vocalist’s experience and ability level.
Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute. A registration is not considered complete without the required audition video, and late videos are not accepted.
What Are the Judges Looking For?
Judges will evaluate each vocalist across several areas that reflect the technique, musicianship, and expression of a strong mariachi vocal performance.
Competitors will be evaluated on:
- Pitch / Intonation — Maintaining accurate and consistent pitch throughout the performance.
- Diction / Pronunciation — Delivering lyrics clearly with proper pronunciation and articulation.
- Interpretation / Style — Expressing the character, emotion, and traditional style of the selected song.
- Timing / Precision — Maintaining rhythmic accuracy and staying together with the accompaniment.
- Dynamics / Volume / Clarity — Demonstrating control of dynamics and volume while maintaining a clear vocal sound.
- Vibrato — Using vibrato with control and musicality to complement the performance.
- Phrasing — Shaping musical phrases naturally and expressively while maintaining the flow of the song.
Here is an example of our most recent Vocal Gand Champion, Allyson Contador
Important Dates for Vocalists
October 1 — Vocal Competition Registration Deadline (Registration closes at 11:59PM – NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED!!!)
October 31 — Vocal semifinalist will be announced on or before this date
December 3 — National Vocal Competition Semifinals
December 5 — National Vocal Competition Finals
The 32nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza takes place December 3–5, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together student musicians and vocalists for three days of competitions, workshops and performances. The weekend concludes Saturday evening with the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Grand Finale Concert at 7:30 p.m.
Testimonials
“The Extravaganza helps us challenge ourselves, develop as vocalists and musicians and represent our city on a larger stage. It’s something we look forward to attending every year”
Erick Macias
Director, Mariachi Luna Llena
El Paso, Texas
“There’s nothing like this anywhere else. You just have to attend and experience the event for yourself. The dedication these students have towards the music, the culture and keeping the traditions alive is invigorating! “
Stephen Blanco
Director, Mariachi Joya
Las Vegas, Nevada
“The Mariachi Extravaganza has deeply influenced my life. It has given me the opportunity to open for Mariachi Vargas in San Antonio and Detroit while also earning a scholarship to support my college education. Through each song, I share my culture’s beauty and stories, proudly carrying it’s traditions with me both on and off the stage!”
Allyson Contador
McAllen High School
McAllen, Texas
Don’t Miss the October 1 Deadline!
Whether you’re returning to the Mariachi Extravaganza stage or entering the National Vocal Competition for the first time, now is the time to prepare your song, record your audition and submit your registration. Don’t delay, register today. We look forward to hearing the next generation of mariachi vocalists take the stage in San Antonio this December! In the meantime, here is a glimpse on what’s to come, see you soon!
The Mariachi Extravaganza has contributed more than $250,000 in scholarships, grants and travel opportunities to former winners since 1995.
FORMER MARIACHI EXTRAVAGANZA GRAND CHAMPION VOCAL WINNERS
2025 – Allyson Contador
McAllen High School, McAllen, TX $5,000 Scholarship Recipient, 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2024 – Lorraine “Lori” Garza
Roma High School, Roma, TX, $5,000 Scholarship Recipient, 30th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2023 – Yasmine Duenes
College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, $5,000 Scholarship Recipient, 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2022 – Nayelli Peña
Grulla High School, Rio Grande City, TX, $5,000 Scholarship Recipient, 28th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2021 – Mellanie Olivares
La Joya High School, $5,000 ScholarshipRecipient, 27th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2020 – Ashley Treviño
McAllen High School, McAllen, TX, $2,500 ScholarshipRecipient, 26th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2019 – Kaylee Bucio
Riverside Elementary, Murray, UT, $2,500 Scholarship Recipient, 25th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2018 – Nathania Flores
Edcouch-Elsa High School, Edcouch, TX, $3,000 Scholarship Recipient, 24th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2017 – Jizelle Rodriguez
Lehman High School, Kyle, TX, $3,000 Scholarship Recipient, 23rd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2016 – Kassandra Juarez
Rio Grande City High School, Rio Grande City, TX, $2,000 Scholarship Recipient, 22nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2015 – Alexa Posas and Kamryn Ramirez (Tie)
Roma High School, Roma, TX, $1,000 Scholarship Recipient, 21st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
Kamryn Ramirez, McAllen High School, McAllen, TX, $1,000 Scholarship Recipient, 21st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2014 – Jackelyn Barrera
Roma High School, Roma, TX, $1,000 Scholarship Recipient, 20th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2013– William “Carlton” Galvez
Palo Alto College, San Antonio, TX, $2,000 Scholarship Recipient, 19h Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2012 – Karen Zavala
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX (from Laredo, TX), $2,000 Scholarship Recipient, 18th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2011 – Celeste Rio
Texas State University, San Marcos TX (from San Antonio, TX), $1,000 Scholarship Recipient, 17th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2010 – Karenn Lazo
Roma High School, Roma, TX, $1,000 Scholarship Recipient, 16th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2009 – Celeste Curiel
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX (from San Antonio, TX), 15th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2008 – Selena Elizondo
San Antonio College, San Antonio, TX, 14th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
2007 – Esteban Velasqez
Odessa High School, Odessa, TX, $2,000 Scholarship Recipient, 13th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
Thanks for reading. Sign up for the MariachiMusic.com monthly newsletter to stay connected with us between now and the Mariachi Extravaganza. And, be sure to leave a comment or question on this blog for a chance to win a Mariachi Extravaganza t-shirt! Winner will be announced October 1 in the comment section of this blog.
