Mexicans continue their good streak in conquering the world. In 2023, corridos tumbados were the most listened to on Spotify; not only in Spanish-speaking countries; Russia, Germany, Japan and South Korea played the voices of Peso Pluma, Natanael Cano and Junior H. Even with that corrido formula, Xavi, a new 20-year-old star who exalts love instead of gunshots and the dispute for the square, was slowly sneaking in. Now, in 2024, a handful of Mexicans sneak into the list of the most listened to on Spotify. 50 most beautifulaccording to this entertainment magazine, and it features old faces, the same old stars and the well-established stereotypes of at least the last two decades.
The common denominator in the payroll published by People is that individuals are mostly Caucasian, heterosexual, and their faces retouched like Instagram filters. In 2019, Canadian writer Jia Tolentino published an article in which he analyzed a trend that was brewing among American celebrities and what she calls Instagram face (Instagram face), “a cyborg face, young of course, poreless skin, high cheekbones, cat-like eyes, long, cartoonish eyelashes, a small nose,” said Tolentino. This list confirms that the trend is not going to end anytime soon.
It was divided into four categories. One dedicated only to musicians or singers, where Carin León and Banda Ms appear (yes, all 10 members). The others are titled Without Borders; Small screen, big stars and finally New airswhich includes Angélica Vale, Clovis Nienow, Carlos Calderón, Enrique Arrizón, and Michelle Galván. In total, there are 12 Mexicans mentioned if we count the ten from Banda Ms as one.
The tattooed mariachi
One of the faces that heads the list is Christian Nodal, who was also selected, along with three others, to appear on the cover of the magazine alongside Dominicans Natti Natasha, singer and composer, and Clarissa Molina, actress and model. Actor Rafael Amaya, also Mexican, is the fourth member.
A Mexican in Los Angeles
Actress Eiza González, 34, who recently made her mark in Hollywood, is also mentioned. She has appeared in the films Baby Driver, Godzilla vs King Kong, Ambulance and in the latest film directed by the Englishman Guy Ritchie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, released this year. On the red carpet of the 2024 Met Gala, González declared that she feels “very proud to be Mexican. Sometimes I don’t feel the same love back. But, well. I’m very happy to be here and represent my people,” which sparked a wave of criticism on social media.
“Make it nice, buddy Peso”
Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija, better known as Peso Pluma, released his fifth studio album in June, Exoduswhere she collaborates with Kenia Os, Eslabón Armado, and Anitta, to name a few. The Brazilian singer is also on the list of the most beautiful. Peso Pluma closed its 2023 tour at the Foro Sol with 65,000 tickets sold out. “I am part of the Mexican music revolution like Pancho Villa or Porfirio Díaz of the Mexican revolution,” he said in an interview with The weekly country earlier this year.
Trans activism in Hollywood
Actress, screenwriter, producer and director Nava Mau, born in Mexico City, was included in the section Without BordersThe Mexican’s name has been making noise since 2019 with her first audiovisual work Walking Houra short film in which a trans girl debates whether it is a good idea to get involved with a stranger at a party due to the transphobia that society experiences and does not want to expose herself to a dangerous situation. Mau’s most recent work is as an actress in the series Baby Reindeercreated by and starring Richard Gaad. It tells the story of a woman who stalks Gaad and becomes a threat to his life. It is based on real events and Netflix predicts that it will become one of the most watched on the platform along with Stranger Things and Merlina.
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