Mind-bending twist after singer Julión Álvarez canceled Texas concert when Trump admin revoked travel visa
The huge Mexican star forced to cancel his Texas concert after his visa was cancelled had the last laugh at the American Music Awards.
Julión Álvarez capped off a turbulent three days by winning his first AMA, despite being accused of having links to notorious Mexican drug kingpin Raul Flores, who worked for Joaquin ' El Chapo ' Guzmán of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The 42-year-old's band, Julión Álvarez y Su Banda Norteña, won 'Favorite Latin Duo or Band' at the event presented by Jennifer Lopes in Las Vegas on Monday.
'This award is for my people, who have always supported me every step of the way,' Álvarez said in a statement Tuesday.
'I receive it with deep gratitude,' he added, without making mention the his cancelled visa or the cartel ties believed to be behind the Trump administration revoking his visa.
Álvarez was scheduled to perform before almost 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday.
Álvarez explained on Instagram the sold-out show could 'sadly' not go ahead due to his work visa being cancelled.
'It is not possible for us to go to the United States and fulfill our show promise with all of you. It's something out of our control. That's the information I have, and it hurts.'
President Donald Trump's administration has banned two Mexican music groups from entering the United States in the last two months
Álvarez was apologetic and vowed that the show would be rescheduled for a later date while offering refunds.
The famed musician was showered with messages of support on Instagram after being recognized by the American Music Awards.
'This award only confirms how talented and dedicated @lospasosdejulion is, a great in Mexican music,' wrote Apple Music radio host Evelyn Sicairos.
'Congratulations and good luck! But what about the Visa?' Yazmin Garza said. 'I'll still need psychological therapy because the concert was canceled.'
'Marry me baby,' one follower joked. 'I'll fix your papers.'
It was not the first time that the singer has been targeted by the United States government.
In August 2017, Álvarez had his visa revoked after the Department of Treasury sanctioned him and more than 20 others, including soccer legend Rafael Márquez, under the Kingpin Act for their alleged ties to Flores, who also worked for Hector Beltrán of the Beltran Leyva Organization.
The Department of the Treasury claimed Álvarez had acted as a 'front person' for Hernandez's drug trafficking ring.
At the time, Álvarez admitted to meeting Flores after he was booked to sing at a club he owned.
'I know him as a businessman ... I never had his cell phone number,' Álvarez said. 'I am a very honest person.'
Álvarez was removed from the sanctions list in 2022 and obtained his visa earlier this year.
Flores was convicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in in 2024 and was sentenced to 21 years.
Álvarez's show cancelation comes after another Mexican music group, Los Alegres del Barranco, was banned from performing in America for glorifying infamous cartel leaders during their concerts.
Donald Trump's administration revoked members' work visas in April after they serenaded fans with a mugshot of Ruben 'El Mencho' Oseguera.
The group was about to sing the narcocorrido, or drug ballad, 'El dueño del palenque,' at a show in Guadalajara, Jalisco, when they suddenly blew up photos of the notorious drug cartel leader as part of their set.
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