Annie Clark, famously known as St. Vincent, fulfilled her promise by returning to Corona Capital after an unfortunate cancellation of her 2021 performance due to a positive Covid-19 test within her team. Her return was nothing short of triumphant! The Grammy-nominated artist showcased music from her latest 2024 album, All Born Screaming, delivering an explosive show that deeply resonated with her Mexican audience—who inspired her recent Spanish album release, Todos Nacen Gritando, just a day prior on Friday (Nov. 15).

She greeted the crowd in Spanish and traversed her diverse discography, performing fan favorites such as “Reckless,” “Fear The Future,” “Los Ageless,” “Big Time Nothing,” “Marrow,” and “Pay Your Way In Pain.” In a heartfelt tribute to her Mexican fans, she also performed the song “Pulga,” further emphasizing her connection to the audience through the language of Cervantes.

For the younger festival-goers, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly Shawn Mendes’ performance. “Hello, Mexico, how are you? I don’t know many words, but I can try,” he said in Spanish, igniting a wave of enthusiasm and applause primarily from the female fans who held signs dedicated to the Canadian heartthrob at the front of the stage.

Mendes’ setlist was a thrilling mix that included popular tracks such as “Treat You Better,” “Wonder,” “Monster,” and the crowd favorite “Señorita,” which he originally recorded as a duet with his ex-girlfriend, the Cuban-Mexican artist Camila Cabello. His palpable excitement was evident as he expressed, “I love being here, I love your country, I love the culture,” celebrating his long-awaited return to Mexico after five years. He closed his set on the festival’s main stage, leaving the audience in awe.

Fran Healy, the charismatic leader of the Scottish band Travis, addressed the enthusiastic audience at Corona Capital, sharing how he had recently revisited the iconic song “Wonderwall” by Oasis. As the first notes of the song began to play, he playfully asked the audience to keep it a secret that he had shared fragments of the beloved track by the Gallagher brothers, who are set to perform in Mexico next year. The crowd responded with roaring applause, joining the band in belting out the chorus with immense enthusiasm.

As a band cherished by Mexican fans, Travis was one of the most eagerly awaited acts of the evening. The setlist featured a blend of their greatest hits, including “Writing to Reach You,” “Side,” “Closer,” “My Eyes,” and “Raze the Bar,” culminating in a powerful performance of their classic anthem “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” that left the audience cheering for more.

One of the most highly anticipated sets of the festival came from New Order, a legendary band formed in the early ’80s after the dissolution of Joy Division. They have cultivated a dedicated fan base in Mexico, as evidenced by the packed National Auditorium just days before their Corona Capital performance. Their show at the Corona Cero stage attracted a massive crowd, eager to experience their iconic sound live.

Among the diverse array of musical offerings at this year’s Corona Capital, the psychedelic soul sound of Black Pumas truly stood out. Their engaging performance was a highlight of the second day, delivering a mesmerizing explosion of soul, funk, and jazz that captivated the audience.

Tracks like “Fire,” “Gemini Sun,” “You Know Better,” and “Ice Cream (Pay Phone)” were featured in their setlist, showcasing the incredible synergy between singer Eric Burton and guitarist Adrian Quesada. They managed to connect not only with their long-time fans but also with many newcomers experiencing their music live for the very first time, solidifying their place in the hearts of many.