Latin Grammys Champion Immigrant Voices With Los Tigres del Norte’s Performance of ‘La Lotería’

During Thursday's Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, the legendary Mexican group Los Tigres del Norte delivered a potent political statement with their performance. Their song "La Lotería," named after the traditional Mexican board game, served as a vehicle for commentary on immigration and a pointed critique of former President Donald Trump, with lyrics referencing his legal challenges and declaring "Our people are rebelling in these times."

The performance's visual backdrop amplified the message, featuring emotional footage of Mexican citizens, intertwined American and Mexican flags, and imagery of families crossing borders alongside street signs calling for immigration reform. The group, which has been a voice for the Latino community for over five decades, first discussed the song's significance with the Los Angeles Times' De Los in February, stating, "We took on the task of recording... this number and hopefully the public will analyze it and reflect on each of the themes." They emphasized its release at a "critical moment," underscoring the corrido's role as a modern form of protest music.

The political charge of the evening was not confined to their stage. In the audience, artists including global superstar Bad Bunny were seen intently watching and nodding along to the rhythm. This convergence of music and activism reflects a long tradition in Latin music, where artists often use their platform to address social injustice and empower their communities.

Earlier that night, "La Lotería" itself was honored with the Latin Grammy for Best Regional Song, while its parent EP of the same name secured the award for Best Norteño Album. However, the most decorated artists of the ceremony were Bad Bunny, whose politically and culturally empowering album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" won Album of the Year among his five awards, and the duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso, who also collected five wins.