Two talented Houston students, Zayden Longoria and Alexia Orta, are set to take the stage at the upcoming Mariachi Festival 2025 after their remarkable victory in the 2025 National Youth Vocalist Competition held in May. The competition recognized Zayden, a 17-year-old from the Houston Independent School District (HISD), as the top vocalist in the high school category, while 12-year-old Alexia from the Klein Independent School District (Klein ISD) took the title in the middle school category.
On Tuesday morning, Zayden, accompanied by his father, Jose Longoria, and his brother, showcased their musical talents in a live performance with KHOU 11 reporter Jacob Rascon. The family delivered an engaging rendition that highlighted their deep-rooted connection to mariachi music. Zayden has been performing since the age of six and proudly identifies as a fourth-generation mariachi musician. His father, Jose Longoria, who serves as the director of Mariachi Studies at the University of Houston, expressed pride in continuing the family tradition, stating, “We’re continuing the tradition, and it’s so lovely to see this.”
Zayden’s brother also contributed to the performance by playing the trumpet, further showcasing the family’s musical legacy. Jose Longoria is not only an accomplished performer but also an award-winning educator and the director of the esteemed Mariachi Imperial de América.
Zayden has gained significant attention for his impressive performances. He is a student at the Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center, where his mariachi group recently went viral after an impromptu performance at a Whataburger in Refugio, Texas. The band had just competed in a UIL event when they spontaneously performed the song “El Son de la Negra.” The video of their lively rendition has garnered over two million views, capturing the attention of the local community and beyond.
Following the viral success, Zayden noted that interest in their mariachi performances has surged among students at his school. The mariachi director even made an appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show, further elevating the profile of the program.
The Mariachi Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from August 22 to 24, 2025, at the Wortham Theater in Houston. This event promises to showcase the rich cultural heritage of mariachi music and the exceptional talents of young musicians like Zayden and Alexia. For more information about the festival, visit mariachifestival.com.