“Say yes to every opportunity you can!” That’s the advice former Western New Mexico University (WNMU) student Leah Lopez gives to the dreamers out there.
Earlier this month, Lopez performed as a featured violinist in Bad Bunny’s record-breaking halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. WNMU joined audiences worldwide in cheering its former mariachi program member as she took the global stage.
On February 8, Bad Bunny performed the Super Bowl halftime show almost entirely in Spanish. It marked a landmark cultural tribute to Latino heritage. The production featured a violin orchestra, adding classical depth to the modern genre.
Lopez joined a select group of elite musicians chosen to share the spotlight with the global Latin icon. She wore a signature brown suit and bowtie, a nod to the working-class roots and traditional aesthetics.
Lopez showcased her violin skills to an estimated 125 million viewers worldwide. Her soaring musical accompaniment provided the melodic backbone for Bad Bunny’s hit song “Monaco.” The track masterfully blended high-energy trap with classical orchestral elements.
Lopez’s Journey as a Musician
Lopez’s musical journey began years ago in her hometown, Tucson, Arizona, where she performed with mariachi bands. After enrolling at WNMU, she became a dedicated and foundational member of the university’s mariachi ensembles.
At WNMU, she honed the technical precision, rigorous discipline, and vibrant stage presence needed for professional success. These skills eventually propelled her into the competitive Los Angeles music scene.
The musician’s path took her from the quiet landscapes of Silver City to performing alongside a global icon. Along the way, she lived in Guadalajara, Mexico, and she played with a well-known Mexican mariachi band. She relocated to Los Angeles and, with other top-tier musicians, was independently contracted to perform in the Super Bowl halftime show.
Through her performance, Lopez highlights the connection between traditional musical education and modern entertainment. Her Southwest roots and deep training in mariachi music provided the perfect stylistic versatility required for Bad Bunny’s genre-bending sound. This performance showcased her individual virtuosity. It also emphasized the enduring relevance of traditional music programs in preparing students for a diverse range of careers.
Lopez’s Performance: A Proud Moment for the WNMU Community
“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.”
“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. She has shown our current students that there truly are no limits to where their education can take them,” Carranza further added.