Regional Mexican star Julión Álvarez made a triumphant return to U.S. stages on the night of April 17, 2025, kicking off his highly anticipated 42/18 Tour at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This event marked a historic moment as it set a record for a Latin artist at the venue, surpassing the previous record held by Los Bukis, who performed there in August 2021.
After an eight-year hiatus from performing in the U.S. due to allegations of money laundering by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Álvarez finally graced the stage again. He was cleared of these charges in 2022, allowing him to reclaim his place in the spotlight. "I must confess that I was close to tears. I’m trying to stay strong, but I’m truly very emotional and happy. You can’t imagine the amount of feelings and emotions I’m experiencing right now. I hope you enjoy this as much as I am," Álvarez expressed to the enthusiastic crowd shortly after beginning his performance.
The concert opened with the artist waving a Mexican flag and singing a snippet of the traditional song "Cielito Lindo," captivating the audience with his heartfelt delivery. "I hadn’t come to sing for you in eight years," he continued, expressing gratitude to his fans and supporters. "Thank God and thanks to all of you, I’m still doing what I love—the work on which so many families depend. Thanks to my family, who supported me through everything. Thanks to the friends who were always there. But above all, a thousand thanks to the audience, and to the media who were always present. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
During the concert, Álvarez took the audience on a musical journey through his extensive career, performing beloved hits such as "Regalo de Dios," "Te Hubieras Ido Antes," "Rey Sin Reina," "La Frontera," and "Mi Mayor Anhelo." The latter song evoked fond memories of his time as the lead vocalist for Banda MS, a group he credited for teaching him invaluable lessons.
In a touching moment, Álvarez's daughters, Maria Julia and Maria Isabel, joined him on stage to celebrate his recent birthday, which took place on April 11. The family shared a special rendition of the classic "Las Mañanitas," making the night even more memorable for the singer. Known for his marathon performances that can last up to four hours, Álvarez had to adjust to venue regulations that limited him to two hours on this occasion. "I hope you can forgive me, but I must respect the laws of this land," he explained to the audience before closing with a medley of José Alfredo Jiménez’s classic rancheras "El Rey" and "Ella," along with his rendition of "Volaré."
Following the successful opening night, Álvarez was set to perform two more shows at SoFi Stadium on April 18 and 19, before continuing his 42/18 tour at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on May 24. The excitement surrounding his return to the U.S. has been palpable, with tickets selling out rapidly. Fans have been eager to secure their seats, and while many tickets are already gone, options still exist through various third-party sellers.
Álvarez first announced his 4218 Tour in November, generating significant buzz and anticipation among fans. His three performances at SoFi Stadium are expected to break records for the largest audience ever for a Latin act at the venue. For context, previous Latin artists like Grupo Firme and Bad Bunny performed two nights, while Beyoncé has been the only artist to book three consecutive nights.
Although tickets quickly sold out on Ticketmaster, fans can still find options through platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Gametime. Prices vary, with some tickets for his Dallas date on May 24 starting at $197. Vivid Seats offers instant delivery and has tickets available from $176 for his L.A. dates. Additionally, SeatGeek provides a unique 3D-style view of seats, ensuring fans know exactly what to expect before they buy.
Álvarez's popularity has soared in both Mexico and the U.S. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for Best Regional Mexican Album and won a Latin Grammy Award in 2023 for Best Banda Album. His return to the stage is not just a personal triumph but also a significant moment for his fans and the regional Mexican music scene.
As the singer continues his tour, expectations are high for what Álvarez will bring to each performance. His ability to connect with audiences through his music and heartfelt messages has solidified his status as a beloved figure in the industry. With the momentum of his recent shows, it’s clear that Julión Álvarez is back and ready to reclaim his throne in the world of regional Mexican music.
