The singer Joel de León, former member of CNCO, is stepping into a bold new chapter as a solo artist—one marked by authenticity, emotion, and a deep connection to his family roots. In an exclusive interview with Revista Influencer, Joel opened up about everything: his beginnings, his grandfather’s legacy, life inside the band that launched him to stardom, and the heartfelt music he’s now ready to share.
“My grandfather was the one who discovered me”
Joel’s musical journey began in childhood, nurtured by a musically gifted family. “My grandfather sang rancheras, my mom sings opera. It all started when my grandfather heard me singing at age eight. He asked me to sing it again—and from there, everything changed,” Joel recalled. The very song his grandfather taught him, Sin Ovejas, became the piece he used to audition—and ultimately win—a spot in the reality show that formed CNCO.
Although his grandfather passed away shortly before the competition, Joel says he felt his presence throughout. “He was my first judge. He was my Simon Cowell.”
You might be interested: Bethenny Frankel Redefines Wellness at 54: No Filters, No Diets, No Fear
CNCO: A real-life school
At just 16 years old, Joel left everything behind to join the band. “It was my first professional experience. I learned how to sing, dance, perform… It was a brotherhood. We lived together, traveled together, we grew up together.”
One of his biggest challenges was language: having grown up surrounded by English, Spanish didn’t come easy. “I felt shy, insecure. But the fans gave me confidence.”
His time with CNCO took him to massive stages like Times Square and Chile’s Viña del Mar Festival, where they were named Artist of the Festival.
His return: raw, emotional, and truly his
After leaving the band, Joel took a two-year break before releasing new music. His single Piel a Piel marks a deeply personal comeback. “It’s a bachata I wrote live with my fans. It’s about a past relationship and lingering feelings. I wanted to be vulnerable.”
Joel admits his new lyrics might reveal personal stories people have speculated about. “These songs tell the truth. You might even figure out who they’re about.”
The new Joel: no labels, just real emotion
Although Piel a Piel is a bachata, Joel doesn’t want to be boxed into one genre. “I’ve tried pop, urban, ballads. It’s not about the genre—it’s about the feeling. Like C. Tangana, I want my music to have soul, not limits.”
Tour, upcoming plans, and what’s next
Joel has kicked off a series of solo shows. After an intimate performance in Mexico City, his upcoming dates include:
- 📍 Puebla – May 30
- 📍 Monterrey – May 31
- ✈️ Then: Peru, Chile, Argentina, Guatemala
“It’s surreal to now be doing this solo. I’m grateful to everyone who’s supported me since day one.”
To his fans—and himself: “Thank you for letting me dream”
Joel ended with a heartfelt message for his fans:
“Thank you for letting me live my dream. I hope to meet every one of you someday. You’ve changed my life.”
And to his future self: “Keep doing what makes you happy. This is your passion. Don’t stop fighting for it.”
@JoelDeLeon proves that music born from the heart can heal, connect, and transform. His story is just beginning—and it’s already touching lives.
Note by Danna Piñera