Two talented students from Houston, Zayden Longoria, 17, and Alexia Orta, 12, are preparing to showcase their exceptional musical skills at the upcoming Mariachi Festival 2025. Both have earned their place in the spotlight after winning the 2025 National Youth Vocalist Competition held in May. Zayden triumphed in the high school category, while Alexia took home the award for middle school.
On Tuesday morning, Zayden, along with his father and brother, delivered a vibrant live performance alongside KHOU 11‘s Jacob Rascon, who joined in the singing. Zayden, a fourth-generation mariachi musician, began his musical journey at the age of six. “We’re continuing the tradition, and it’s so lovely to see this,” expressed his father, Jose Longoria, who is also an accomplished musician and serves as the director of Mariachi Studies at the University of Houston.
Zayden’s brother further enriched the performance by playing the trumpet. The family’s musical lineage and dedication to mariachi music are evident in their dynamic presence. Jose Longoria is not just a proud father; he is also an award-winning performer and the director of Mariachi Imperial de América.
Zayden has made headlines previously, particularly when his mariachi band went viral after a spontaneous performance at a Whataburger in Refugio, Texas. This event occurred following a competition at a UIL event, where students from Sam Houston High School in the Houston Independent School District and Klein Collins High School from Klein ISD came together for an impromptu rendition of “El Son de la Negra.” The video of this performance has since garnered over two million views, significantly raising awareness of mariachi music in their schools.
Following the viral success, Zayden noted that students at Sam Houston High School began to show a greater interest in mariachi performances. He mentioned that their mariachi director even appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show, further propelling the genre into the limelight.
The Mariachi Festival is scheduled to take place from August 22 to 24, 2025, at the historic Wortham Theater in Houston. This event promises to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of mariachi music, providing a platform for talented musicians like Zayden and Alexia to shine. For further details regarding the festival, interested individuals can visit mariachifestival.com.
This celebration of talent not only highlights individual accomplishments but also showcases the enduring tradition of mariachi music within the community, inspiring future generations to embrace and continue the art form.
