Photo Credit: WNMU Submitted
DEMING – When millions of viewers tuned in earlier this month to watch the year’s most-watched halftime show, the Western New Mexico University community had a special reason to celebrate. Leah Lopez, a former WNMU student and member of the university’s acclaimed mariachi program, stepped onto the global stage as a featured violinist during the halftime performance headlined by Bad Bunny at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The performance, delivered almost entirely in Spanish, was widely recognized as a landmark cultural moment — a sweeping tribute to Latino heritage that blended modern Latin trap with rich orchestral textures. A full violin ensemble added classical depth to the set, creating a striking contrast that elevated the production’s emotional impact.
Lopez was among a select group of elite musicians chosen to perform alongside the global superstar. Dressed in a brown suit and bowtie — a visual nod to working-class roots and traditional aesthetics highlighted throughout the show — she and her violin were seen by an estimated 125 million viewers worldwide. Her playing formed the melodic backbone of “Monaco,” seamlessly weaving classical instrumentation into a contemporary soundscape.
Her journey to one of the world’s most visible musical stages began in Tucson, Arizona, where she first performed with mariachi groups. After enrolling at WNMU, Lopez became a dedicated and foundational member of the university’s mariachi ensembles, developing the technical precision, discipline, and stage presence that later opened doors in the highly competitive Los Angeles music scene.
“Seeing one of our students represent the culture and the high caliber of talent we cultivate here at WNMU is an incredibly proud moment for the entire university,” said ASWNMU President Carlos Carranza. “Leah’s performance on the world’s biggest stage is a testament to her relentless hard work and the artistic foundation she built while participating in our mariachi program. She embodies the spirit of a Mustang — resilient, talented, and ready to lead.”
Lopez’s professional path also took her to Guadalajara, Mexico, where she performed with a well-known mariachi ensemble, further deepening her connection to traditional Mexican music. She later relocated to Los Angeles, where she was independently contracted — alongside other top-tier musicians — to take part in the halftime production.
Her appearance highlights the powerful intersection of traditional musical education and modern entertainment. Rooted in the Southwest and trained in mariachi, Lopez brought the stylistic versatility required for genre-blending performances at the highest level. Beyond showcasing her individual virtuosity, her success underscores the continued relevance of university-based arts programs in preparing students for diverse professional careers.
“Leah’s ability to translate the emotion and technique of mariachi into a global pop context is exactly what we hope for our students and alumni,” Carranza said. “She has shown our current students that there truly are no limits to where their education can take them.”
Asked what advice she would offer aspiring musicians, Lopez kept it simple: “Say yes to every opportunity you can.”
Today, her achievement is being celebrated at home as well, with Lopez featured on WNMU banners across the Silver City campus and on billboards throughout the community — a visible reminder that talent nurtured locally can resonate on the world’s biggest stages.