Sphere’s 1st Latino headliner has already sold out on the Strip

Las Vegas Review-Journal

1 day ago

Mexican star Carin León speaks following the announcement for his concert dates at the Sph ... — Mexican star Carin León speaks following the announcement for his concert dates at the Sphere, which are slated for Mexican Independence Day weekend 2026, at Wynn Event Pavilion and Lawn on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Mexican star Carin León greets supporters and friends following the announcement for his concert dates at the Sphere, which are slated for Mexican Independence Day weekend 2026, at Wynn Event Pavilion and Lawn on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

People gather for the announcement of Mexican star Carin León's dates at Sphere, for Mexican Independence Day weekend 2026, as seen from the Wynn Event Pavilion and Lawn on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Mexican star Carin León speaks following the announcement for his concert dates at the Sphere, which are slated for Mexican Independence Day weekend 2026, at Wynn Event Pavilion and Lawn on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

People gather for the announcement of Mexican star Carin León's dates at Sphere, slated for Mexican Independence Day weekend 2026, as seen from the Wynn Event Pavilion and Lawn on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Carín León is the next announced headliner at Sphere, and the first Latino star to play the venue. For those unfamiliar, you have a year to research and download his music. For those familiar, it’s a long wait.

León is playing Mexican Independence Day weekend 2026, Sept. 11, 12 and 13 (tickets are on sale to the general public noon Pacific time Sept. 26; all ticket info is at carinleon.com). AEG Presents is producing the show, also a first at Sphere.

The series was announced Thursday night during an event at Wynn Event Pavilion, the location chosen for its view of Sphere’s splashy Exosphere display.

With León, Sphere has booked a box-office champ. The 36-year-old artist who has has bridged Latin and country music sold out MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday night. He also headlined T-Mobile Arena 0n Mexican Independence Day weekend in ’23 and nearly sold out that show. He has starred at the Grand Ole Opry, and in March was the first Mexican artist to take the main stage at Rodeo Houston and drew more than 70,000, a record for a Hispanic artist.

Maybe you sense a trend. León has a huge global following. León has recorded with such country stars as Kacey Musgraves, on “Lost In Translation,” along with Leon Bridges and Kane Brown, who contributed to the tracks “It was always you (Siempre fuiste tú)” and “The one (Pero no como yo).” Both are singles from his Grammy-winning release “Boca Chueca, Vol. 1.”

Also announced, León has collaborated with Bon Jovi on the “Forever Legendary Edition” album.

From the release announcing his dates, “León’s arrival at Sphere sets a new standard for live Spanish-language music in the United States, while establishing him as a pioneer who opens doors for Spanish-language music globally and solidifying his position as one of the most influential voices in Latino music within the U.S. market.”

León and his team further promise fans “visual displays and staging never before seen in Spanish-language music.”

Fair enough, Now it’s time to sell tickets. The new Sphere star has a year to do so.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.