On Friday, March 15, rising regional Mexican artist Christian Nodal headlined Billboard’s annual THE STAGE at SXSW concert series, which takes over Austin’s Mood Amphitheater within Waterloo Park. Nodal delivered the second of three stellar performances as part of the series, including PartyNextDoor, who kicked things off on Thursday, and Illenium, who will close out the set on Saturday.
Following a rousing opening set from Estevie, at 9:23 p.m. Nodal’s expansive band had started to line up along both sides of the staired stage – prompting the crowd to burst out in screams. Two minutes later, Banderas’ “Alma de Guitarra” begins to blare from the speakers as everyone settles into place. And just before 9:30, Nodal himself emerges atop the stairs while triumphantly raising his arms in the air and taking a bow.
Throughout the set, Nodal – who pioneered mariacheño, a subgenre that fuses mariachi’s strings and horns with the norteño accordion – leans into his heartthrob appeal, blowing kisses and flashing his warm smile that could melt an iceberg. “The most beautiful thing is to flow with what is happening,” he said in his recent Billboard cover story. “I’ll just keep releasing music from my heart [and] enjoy the process and what my fans have given me.”
THE STAGE takes place from March 14-16 as part of SXSW, Austin’s annual music, film and tech festival, and features performances from Billboard’s latest cover stars: Party, Nodal, and Illenium. Tickets can be purchased here.
Last year’s THE STAGE headliners included Lil Yachty, Feid and Kx5.
Read on for the five best moments from Nodal’s show below.