Luis Ayala’s Fiebre Set to Perform at 2026 Tejano Music Awards

Luis Ayala is ready to bring the party back to the stage when Luis Ayala’s Fiebre performs at the 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards on Friday, November 13, at the Texas Rodeo Saloon in Katy, Texas.

During an interview with The Bo Corona Show, Ayala discussed the band’s upcoming appearance, the evolution of Fiebre, the enduring popularity of the group’s signature hit “Borracho de Besos,” and what fans can expect from its latest lineup.

A New Chapter for Fiebre

One of the biggest topics during the conversation was the evolution of the band and Ayala’s decision to move forward under the name Luis Ayala’s Fiebre.

Ayala explained that the current group represents a separation from the previous La Fiebre lineup rather than a spinoff, emphasizing that he remains committed to the musicians who have helped him keep the band’s sound and stage presence alive.

“I’m on my own now. I’m with Luis Ayala’s Fiebre. It’s not a spinoff. It’s a split. We split our separate ways,” Ayala explained.

He credited the musicians who have been part of the group over the past decade with helping rebuild its momentum and continue its musical journey.

“And the guys that I got, they’re the ones, you know, right? And they’re the guys that have been there for the last 10 years,” he said. “I love these guys and we have a great time, and it shows because whenever we perform, you can see they’re just happy to be on stage.”

That chemistry, Ayala believes, translates directly to the audience.

“When we’re happy to be on stage, we play well. When we play well, the audience likes it, and then the audience is happy and everybody’s happy and the world’s happy, much better place.”

The group has continued performing throughout Texas and beyond as Ayala takes on additional responsibilities in managing the band’s operations.

“Usually I used to have two other guys that would work with me as far as getting all the stuff done, but now it’s kind of on me,” he said. “So it’s on me if it works, it’s on me if it fails, it’s on me. I got to do as best as I can, try and make sure everything goes the way it should go, and we’re going to get this thing done.”

New Musicians Bring Fresh Energy to the Stage

For the upcoming Tejano Music Awards performance, Ayala is especially excited about introducing fans to the band’s current lineup.

The group recently welcomed guitarist Dave Hernandez and bassist Junior Cantu, two additions Ayala says have helped bring a new level of excitement to the stage.

“We also want to make sure that you guys understand we got two new guys, Mr. Dave Hernandez on guitar and Junior on bass,” Ayala told Bo Corona. “And you got to see the energy that we have now. It’s just an amazing energy on stage.”

Seven-member band posing in front of a rusted steel bridge at sunset — Luis Ayala’s Fiebre | Courtesy photo

The band had also hoped to release a new single ahead of the awards show. However, a busy performance schedule and other commitments pushed those plans back.

“We were trying to get a first single out, but it didn’t quite make it,” Ayala explained. “We tried our hardest, but we had so many gigs and so many things we have to do that it took a lot of our time from it.”

Although the new music will come later, Ayala assured fans that the band is preparing to deliver an entertaining performance.

“Still, we’re going to give you a great show,” he promised.

The Story Behind Fiebre’s Signature Hit ‘Borracho de Besos’

The interview also brought back memories of one of Fiebre’s most recognizable songs, “Borracho de Besos,” as Bo Corona recalled the first time Ayala brought the recording to the radio station.

The song, written by Luis Silva and presented to the group through Cara Records executive Bob Grever, was originally delivered as a ranchera with a faster tempo.

Ayala recalled that the original arrangement didn’t feel right for the band, prompting the members to slow the song down despite Grever’s initial reservations.

“We slowed it down. And Bob was not happy with the slowdown. He was not,” Ayala remembered.

Grever eventually agreed to keep the slower arrangement but decided to place the song at the end of the album, without plans to release it as a single.

“He said, ‘You know what? That’s fine. Leave it slow, but we’re going to put it as the last song on the album.’ He wasn’t planning on releasing it. He wasn’t planning on doing anything with it. Just, we’ll just throw it in at the end. That’s it.”

The decision turned out to be a memorable moment in the band’s history. About a year after the recording was released, Ayala began noticing something unusual during live performances.

“We started seeing people raising their beers, raising their glasses, raising their shot glasses, everything,” he recalled.

The song had become an audience favorite and an unofficial drinking anthem at Fiebre performances.

However, Ayala took the opportunity to clarify the meaning behind its title.

“Actually, it isn’t borracho as in intoxicated. It means intoxicated with your kisses.”

The story offered a reminder of how an unexpected recording decision can become one of the defining songs in a band’s legacy.

46th Annual Tejano Music Awards Returns to Katy

Luis Ayala’s Fiebre will join an impressive lineup of performers for the 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards, organized by the Texas Talent Musicians Association (TTMA). Performers include Stefani Montiel, Ram Herrera, Ricardo Castillon Y La Diferenzia, Jay Perez, Siggno, Gary Hobbs, Avizo and Jenny B. Comedian Happy The Entertainer will host the ceremony.

Luxury silver star trophy with gold text reading “XIV LIVITEJANO MUSIC AWARDS” on a reflective black background — Courtesy:TTMA

The ceremony returns to the Texas Rodeo Saloon in Katy, Texas, for the second consecutive year, bringing together established Tejano stars and emerging talent for an evening celebrating the genre.

Jay Perez leads the 2026 Top 5 nominees with five nominations, followed by Ram Herrera and Stefani Montiel with four nominations each. David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Lucky Joe and Siggno earned three nominations apiece.

The awards recognize artists across multiple categories, including Male and Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Tejano and Conjunto Album of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Best New Artist.

Event Details and Tickets

The 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards will take place Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Texas Rodeo Saloon in Katy, Texas.

General admission tickets and reserved VIP tables are available online. VIP tables include admission for four guests. For tickets and additional event information, visit TejanoMusicAwards.com.

Ayala Invites Fans to Celebrate Tejano Music

As the interview wrapped up, Ayala personally invited fans to join the celebration and support the performers taking the stage.

“Come on out to the TTMA’s here in Houston, Texas. We’re going to be playing at the Texas Rodeo Saloon. You cannot miss it. It’s going to be a great show from us and all the other artists that are going to be there. Don’t miss it. Be there.”

For Ayala and his musicians, the November 13 appearance is another opportunity to showcase the band’s renewed energy, reconnect with longtime fans and continue the legacy of a name that has delivered memorable Tejano music for decades.

With a new lineup, a busy performance schedule and plans for new music on the horizon, Luis Ayala’s Fiebre is ready to make its presence felt at the 46th Annual Tejano Music Awards.

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