Michelle Sussett sings Selena‘s “Techno Cumbia” for her American Idol audition in front of judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

American Idol airs on ABC, check local listings for time.

La Fiebre, The Monsters of Tejano Rock, have released “Soy Tejano,” the second single from the band’s new album Fiesta on Freddie Records.

“Soy Tejano” is a tune that will remind you of the classic La Fiebre hits of the past. It was co-written by original band members and co-founders Rudy Rocha, Joe Angel Reynosa and Luis Ayala, along with vocalist J Angel Cantu and Roland Trevino.  With this great production and arrangement, “Soy Tejano” promises to be one of the biggest hits of 2018.

After nearly 30 years, La Fiebre continues to have one of he most loyal and dedicated fan bases in the music industry. The band looks to continue to build on that with this new hit.

Fiesta was released on March 9 and is available at all major digital platforms and FreddieStore.com.

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LISTEN: “Soy Tejano” — La Fiebre

Beatriz Gonzalez / VEVO

Rising singer Beatriz Gonzalez has covered the Juan Gabriel classic hit, “Se Me Olvido Otra Vez,” for her latest music video released on March 13.

Gonzalez was featured in a video that quickly went viral on social media, when the Rio Grande Valley native belted out a couple of mariachi tunes while eating dinner at the popular San Antonio restaurant Mi Tierra back in October.

RELATED: Video of Beatriz Gonzalez singing ‘Los Laureles’ goes viral

One of the songs she sang was the 1974 classic ranchera from Juan Gabriel, “Se Me Olvido Otra Vez,” which was originally released from his fourth studio album Juan Gabriel with Mariachi Vargas from Tecalitlán. Juan Gabriel later re-recorded the song on his 2001 album, Por Los Siglos and again with fellow Mexican singer-songwriter Marco Antonio Solís on the album Los Dúo in 2015.

Gabriel passed away from a heart attack at the age of 66 in August 2016.

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WATCH: “Se Me Olvido Otra Vez” — Beatriz Gonzalez

We’ve all played Lotería, right?

Well, Tejano performer Veronique Medrano puts that tradition to words with a catchy cumbia, “Lotería,” that takes us through what is the game of our lives. Live it right, or La Calaca might get ya. And that’s just one tune from her latest album titled, Lotería, which proves La Onda Tejana is very much alive and producing great new music.

Loteria is a 12-song mix of Tex-Mex rancheras and cumbias powered by acordeon and bajo sexto and the powerful and confident vocals of Veronique in what I’d call a conjunto style that is very Valle (del RGV!), but available to all of us.

Rancheras such as “Vete Lejos,” “No Aguanto Mas,” “Después De Mi Ultima Copa”, and “El Problema” are made for the listening pleasure of women, and with strong lyrics they take us through the trials and tribulations of relationships from a woman’s perspective. Something we guys need to hear more of, too.

But, there are also those tunes about the big “L”–Love. “Luz En La Noche,” “Hasta La Eternidad,” and the old standard, “Sabor A Mi,” are three rancheras which make the heart beat a little faster, and not just from the dancing.

The cumbias are quite danceable, starting with the title-track, but “La Cosa” and “El Viejo” will be fun to dance to, with its bajo-heavy rhythms and fun lyrics. “Nuestro Amor” is a slower cumbia filled with heartbreak. All of these tunes make for a collection of music that keeps you listening and dancing.

Finally, a fan favorite will likely be the uptempo ranchera, “Tamale Man.” We all know that guy! So, if there are any Tamale Festivals going on around the holidays, Veronique’s one act that should be on your schedule.

This is Veronique’s third album after experiencing success with her sophomore release, Mi Año Dorado. Since then, Veronique has had a busy schedule of performances and community service projects that continue to elevate her popularity. Lotería is sure to add to her popularity as she performs with the greats in the industry.

In fact, Veronique is set to perform on Thursday, March 15 at 4:45 p.m. at the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair 2018 at the San Antonio Market Square’s Gateway Stage. Go check out her live performance and buy all her albums at her Autograph Session at Market Square on Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Lotería is available for purchase at VeroniqueMedrano.com.

Margaret Garza

An autopsy reveals that actress and singer Margaret Garza was legally intoxicated when she died last year at her Round Rock, Texas home.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the Tarrant County medical examiner determined the 31-year-old possibly stopped breathing while in a position that obstructed her airway.

The report said she was found not breathing at 6:39 a.m. May 30 on the kitchen floor near a refrigerator with the right side of her face pressed against a cabinet and her neck hyper-extended. In the position she was found, the autopsy said, her airway generally would have remained open but it was possible that her tongue rolled backward and gagged her.

Her blood alcohol level was .106, the autopsy said. “This would be a significant amount if she were a casual alcohol user,” it said.

Police say Garza, who was born in Laredo, died of natural causes.

Garza, who was crowned Miss Texas Belleza Latina in 2007 and Miss Belleza Latina International in 2008, appeared in many Tejano music videos produced by Ryan Bazan. He shared a video interview of Garza on his YouTube channel after learning of her death.

Bazan also produced the music video for Garza’s debut single “Herida De Amor” released in 2014.

Garza’s Internet Movie Database page shows she had several roles in independent films including Mercury Plains with Scott Eastwood and a role on the AMC show The Son, which stars Pierce Brosnan.

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WATCH: “Herida De Amor” — Margaret

Instagram / Lil Libros

A bilingual children’s book celebrating the life of late Tejano star Selena has topped Amazon’s Best Sellers list.

The Life of/La Vida de Selena was released on March 13 and the bilingual picture book biography of Selena was written by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein.  The two friends created Lil Libros, a series of bilingual children’s books, when they realized they were unable to find any they could enjoy reading to their own children. You may remember, Rodriguez led the petition to create a MAC Selena cosmetics line in 2016.

The book tells the story of Selena’s life and how she went on to become an award-winning artist, earning her the title of “Queen of Cumbia.”

According to the book’s description, “Your little one will learn that Selena’s favorite food was pizza and that the most important people in the world to her were her familia and fans.”

The authors said they wrote the series when they realized they were unable to find any books they could enjoy reading to their own children.

“There was no books at that time that I really felt represented our Latino culture, our elements, our stories and celebrations,” Rodriguez told Circa.

The book is available on their website and on Amazon.

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Joe Lopez / Courtesy photo

Former Tejano superstar Joe Lopez has been released from a Texas prison.

Robert Hurst, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, says Lopez was released from the Huntsville Unit at approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday. He had been in prison since November 20, 2006 after he was convicted of sexually assaulting his niece.

WATCH: Video of Joe Lopez leaving prison

The 67-year-old co-founder of Grammy winning group Mazz was sentenced to 32 years in prison in 2006. He was sentenced to 20 years for one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child, eight years for a second count of aggravated sexual assault of a child and four years for indecency with a child, since Lopez was serving his sentences simultaneously, he was ordered to serve 20 years in prison.

Lopez was granted parole in 2017, conditions of his parole have not yet been released.

The family and legal team for Lopez have always maintained his innocence and plan to exonerate him from all the convictions.

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The anticipation for La Fiebre’s Fiesta has finally reached its end, now that Freddie Records has released their new album.

The recent release of the first single and video, “La Fiesta,” provided fans with a taste of what was to come. A sexy, reggae-tinged cumbia, “La Fiesta” has everything from amazing percussion to soaring trumpets to lyrics that allow a crowd to join in when La Fiebre is tearing it up live.

The second single, “Soy Tejano,” is a timely anthem about Mexican-American pride that stirs the heart. Introduced by a rock instrumental, “The Unknown,” is a ranchera that showcases the Fiebre trumpets and the acordeon playing of Julian Gonzalez. It’s already a favorite among fans and radio DJs will surely have it on regular rotation.

The rest of the album is trademark La Fiebre–the powerful horns of Luis Ayala and Jonas Flores backed by the rock-influenced guitar and bass of Rudy Rocha and Joe Reynosa. Along with the solid vocals of J. Angel Cantu, La Fiebre’s line-up continually electrifies fans across the country with set-lists that still include the golden oldies, such as “Borracho de Besos,” “Aquel Cariño,” and, well, you know the rest.

Fiesta is a mix of styles, from heart-thumping rancheras to the hip-moving cumbias to the ballads that put them on the map.

Among the cumbias are “Esa Mujer,” “Soledad,” “Éxtasis,” and “No Será Fácil,” which offer up thumping beats and memorable lyrics for all to enjoy. Not surprisingly, La Fiebre still offers the Tejano equivalent of power ballads, and “Nuestra Aventura” and “Mía” will set a crowd on fire.

But it’s La Fiebre’s signature rancheras, driven by powerful horns, that will keep the listener’s toes tapping. Whether it’s tunes powered by trumpets, as in “Corazón Que Sufre” and “Es Lo Que Quiero De Ti,” or Ayala’s soulful sax stylings in “Qué Te Pasó,” La Fiebre’s Fiesta will keep you dancing and partying. A personal favorite, though, will be the acordeon-led break-up tune “Karma” and if you’re anything like me after a break-up, you’ll enjoy it, too.

Fiesta is available at your favorite record store, downloadable through your favorite music site and FreddieStore.com. Get your copy today! And if they show up to your town, check out their live show!

Tejano star Roger Velasquez and Hollywood star Jesse Borrego have been friends since high school in San Antonio, Texas and now the duo have released another collaboration, “La Bandera de Tejas,” from Velasquez’s new album Tex Mex Funk.

Tejano Nation caught up with Harlandale High School alum at the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair and the pair talked about their longtime friendship, the use of Velasquez’s “Mal Hombre” song in the classic film “Blood In, Blood Out” and their latest single.

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LISTEN: “La Bandera de Tejas” — Roger Velasquez ft. Jesse Borrego

Los Desperadoz have signed with VMB Music Group as the legendary band have released a new single and expect a new album to be released early this summer.

Tejano Nation caught up with Los Desperadoz backstage of VMB Music Group’s Fan Fair Kickoff show at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, Texas on March 15 and the band gave details on their exciting news.

“We’re very excited about it,” Mike Villarreal told Tejano Nation. “We have a brand new single out on the radio, it’s called ‘Anhelo’, featuring Eric Lee Villarreal, the newest member of Los Desperadoz, be looking out for newest CD coming out here shortly.”

Lee Villarreal added details on the upcoming album, “We have a deadline. The deadline is going to be sometime in early summer, so we’re actually starting to get material right now and their putting a little fire to our butts and we’re going to finish it as quickly as we can.”

Los Desperadoz have spent over 30 years in the Tejano music industry. Three generations of the Villarreal family have added their unique contributions to the texture of Tejano music since the 1950s, with Los Hermanos Villarreal to today’s band Los Desperadoz featuring brothers Mike, Lee and PJ, and now with the addition of Lee’s son Eric Lee as vocalist.

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WATCH: Los Desperadoz on signing with VMB Music Group

Stefani Montiel

After the success of her latest album La Dueña, that garnered Stefani Montiel her first Tejano Music Awards in 2017, the singer tells Tejano Nation she is ready to get back in studio to work on her next album and other projects.

Tejano Nation caught up with Stefani at the VMB Music Group Fan Fair kickoff on March 15 at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio, Texas and she talked about her next album, winning Female Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2017 Tejano Music Awards and upcoming R&B and Country projects.

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WATCH: Stefani Montiel gives details on next album and more

Shelly Lares / Photo by Mingo Mariano

Shelly Lares gets “Up Close with Mingo Mariano” on her career of over three decades, her upcoming album, her relationship with Selena, and the loss of her father.

On this episode, the Tejano music icon gives an emotional and personal interview that is a must watch!

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WATCH: Shelly Lares ‘Up Close with Mingo Mariano’

After the success of her first two albums, rising Tejano star Megan Chapa is set to release her third album that will include a cover of “Si Una Vez” from Selena.

The Best New Female Artist nominee at the 2016 Tejano Music Awards gave Tejano Nation details on her upcoming third album, Desde El Principio, that will feature the biggest hits from her debut album Mi Diario and her latest Sueños Inquebrantables.

Chapa also talked about her cover of the 1995 classic hit from Selena, “Si Una Vez,” that she performed at the 2017 Fiesta De Flor Music Festival in her hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas. She was hesitant at first to record it, but did so after fans demanded a copy of her ranchera version.

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LISTEN: Megan Chapa on Tejano Nation Radio with Romeo

Tejano music legend Joe Bravo is currently in a hospital and is scheduled for multiple bypass heart surgery on March 26.

The 72-year-old singer took to his Facebook page on Thursday to update fans on his current health status.

“Qvo raza…due to some complications with my health my by pass surgery was put off till Monday morning by my Dr’s.I want to thank each n everyone of you for ur concerns n your prayers for me. I will remain here at the heart hospital till I get my bypass done.Gracias n thank you once again….J.B.”

The Tejano music icon was originally scheduled for a 6-way bypass surgery on Thursday, but the surgery was postponed until Monday after Bravo suffered a TIA, or “mini-stroke”, according to a source.

“Just received a call from Joe J. Bravo due to a TIA small stroke this morning his surgery was postpone,” ELSA Foundation CEO Trini Barragan shared on Facebook. “My understand is he will have his 6 vessel bypass surgery on Monday.”

Bravo performed as scheduled at Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair on March 16, but the singer had to end a performance early at a San Antonio night club on March 17.  The singer shared details of that night via Facebook.

“Buenos Dias raza…to everybody who was concerned about what happened to me Saturday night at Angel’s Sport Bar I’m doing a whole lot better. To the nurse n EMS that did a terrific job bringing me bk to life thank you. I’m sorry that I didn’t get to finish the night..hopefully next time…los wacho.”

A few days later, Bravo shared more information about his health status.

“Qvo Locos…what I NEVER thought would never happen to me has happened…I will be having from 5-6 bypass in the morning. That’s how bad My Dr. Says things are. All I can do is just leave it in God’s hands….los wacho hopefully.”

The legendary singer has been entertaining fans for over 5 decades. He recently released a new single, “Dolores,” produced by Grammy Award winner Hugo Guerrero and the comeback track features an all-star team of musicians, including Frankie Caballero on the accordion with Al Gomez on trumpet.

Tejano Nation will keep you updated on the latest health status on Bravo as more information becomes available. Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, for the latest Tejano music, news and entertainment.

Dezigual hablo con Fanny Gurl contribudora de Tejano Nation en el 2018 Tejano Music Fan Fair en  San Antonio, Texas.

El grupo de jovenes originarios de Monterrey, Mexico se presentaron,  en el Tejano Music Fan Fair que se llevo acabo para celebrar la Musica Tejana en San Antonio, Texas.

Dezigual le conto a Tejano Nation contributor Fanny Gurl de sus colaboraciones con artistas Tejanos como Ricardo Castillón del grupo La Diferenzia, David Lee Garza, Roberto Pulido, Tony Guerrero del grupo La Sombra, Albert Canales de Conjunto Oro y Los García Brothers, Bobby Pulido, Emilio Navaria, Las Fenix, y varios mas. Todos con alguno de sus temas más representativos, pero con el estilo de Dezigual.

Dezigual tambien recibio su premio de los Premios de la Musica Tejana por ser “El Mejor Grupo Nuevo del Ano” durante su presentacion.

Sigue a Tejano Nation en Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, para obtener la última música y noticias de Tejano.

Sunny Sauceda | Photo by Evelyn Vasquez / EV Imagez

Tejano superstar Sunny Sauceda suffered a knee injury during a performance at Univision’s Fan Fair in San Antonio, Texas on March 17.

Sauceda, who always performs high-energy shows for his fans, said he suffered the injury near the beginning of the performance.

“It’s two minutes into my KXTN performance,” Sauceda told Tejano Nation. “When I did my first knee drop, that’s when I felt it. I dropped, then when I leaned back I felt a pop. Got up, my knee was wobbly and I felt weak, pain, but I had to push through. So, I played the whole show with all my weight on my left leg. No one could tell, I played it off.”

The singer and accordionist finished the full show that night and also performed the following night at the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair.

“That’s what separates the men from the boys, the show must go on,” he said.

The two-time Grammy winner was diagnosed by his doctor with a torn meniscus in his right knee and will more than likely be sidelined for up to six weeks.

“It’s a common injury,” he said. “Mine is kinda extreme, it is a bucket handle tear, so it’s intense.”

Sauceda still plans to perform as scheduled for Fiesta De La Flor, the two-day music festival that honors Selena in her hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, April 13.

The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Famer also plans to release the official music video for his latest hit “Que Te Vaya Bien” on April 3.

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WATCH: Sunny Sauceda Y Todo Eso perform at 2018 Univision Fan Fair

El cantante Bobby Pulido hablo con Fanny Gurl contribudora de Tejano Nation antes de su presentacion en El Rock Box en San Antonio, Texas Marzo 17.

Bobby le conto a Tejano Nation de su participacion en la serie “Las Buchonas” que se grabo en la ciudad de Mexico y de el musical que iso llamado “Amor Eterno” donde canto y bailo canciones de el legendario “Juan Gabriel”.

Pulido hablo de lo que significa para el compartir el escenario con su papa el Legendario “Roberto Pulido” y de los planes futuros de su hijo “Darian” en la musica.

Sigue a Tejano Nation en Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, para obtener la última música y noticias de Tejano.

YouTube / SercaMusic

Dezigual released the official music video for their latest single, “Suena Cursi,” on March 26.

The fun and colorful visual features the members of band showing off their dancing moves and the skill that each member brings the group.

“Suena Cursi” is the latest single from the cumbia band from Monterrey, Mexico, who won Best New Group at the 37th Tejano Music Awards in November 2017.

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WATCH: “Suena Cursi” — Dezigual

Tejano music legend Joe Bravo is recovering slowly after multiple bypass heart surgery on Monday (March 26).

The 75-year-old crooner’s surgery went well and is in recovery, according to his daughter Lisa Dorantes, who posted an update on his health status via her Facebook page the day after surgery, “He is a lot more alert today. Spent a good part of the day sitting up in his chair. Hasn’t had any solids yet still very nauseous. Most of the tubes are out. Kidneys are acting up a little but are under control. Need him to be a little less dependent on the oxygen but all in all he is recovering slowly but surely.”

Bravo performed as scheduled at Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair on March 16, but the singer had to end a performance early at a San Antonio night club on March 17.  The singer shared details of that night via Facebook.

“Buenos Dias raza…to everybody who was concerned about what happened to me Saturday night at Angel’s Sport Bar I’m doing a whole lot better. To the nurse n EMS that did a terrific job bringing me bk to life thank you. I’m sorry that I didn’t get to finish the night..hopefully next time…los wacho.”

A few days later, Bravo shared more information about his health status.

“Qvo Locos…what I NEVER thought would never happen to me has happened…I will be having from 5-6 bypass in the morning. That’s how bad My Dr. Says things are. All I can do is just leave it in God’s hands….los wacho hopefully.”

The legendary singer has been entertaining fans for over 5 decades. He recently released a new single, “Dolores,” produced by Grammy Award winner Hugo Guerrero and the comeback track features an all-star team of musicians, including Frankie Caballero on the accordion with Al Gomez on trumpet.

Tejano Nation will keep you updated on the latest health status on Bravo as more information becomes available. Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, for the latest Tejano music, news and entertainment.

Veteran singer and musician J.R. Gomez has ventured on his own with the release of the debut single, “Fallaste Corazon,” from his own band J.R. Gomez Y Los Conjunto Bandits.

“Fallaste Corazon” was produced by Grammy winner Max Baca of Los Texmaniacs and is available at all digital music platforms.

Based out of the “Live Music Capital of the World” — Austin, Texas — Gomez began his career at a young age playing with local bands. He would then move on to join more popular bands in the Tejano industry, such as La Fiebre and Xelencia. Not long after he received a phone call to join the band he idolized and dreamed of playing with, Jay Perez and The Band. Learning so much from Perez, he began to make a name for himself in the industry. He was off and on with The Band for 15 years and in between those years he joined Jimmy Gonzalez Y Grupo Mazz, where he earned his two Grammy Awards.

Gomez was known for his entertaining shows and energetic stage presence, which caught the eye of super producer and bass player A.B. Quintanilla III. Gomez started as a backup singer and within a year was named lead vocalist, which allowed him to travel throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America with A.B. and the Kumbia King All Starz.

Now with years of experience, Gomez is ready to light up the state once again with his solo career by taking the Conjunto and Tejano scene by storm. He is ready to show the world his love and talent of music with JR Gomez Y Los Conjunto Bandits!

Learn more about JR Gomez Y Los Conjunto Bandits at their official Facebook page, @JRGyLosConjuntoBandits.

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LISTEN: “Fallaste Corazon” — JR Gomez Y Los Conjunto Bandits