Leonardo Aguilar Leaves Behind Family Controversies & Releases ‘Esquina 22’: ‘There Are Things That Are Not in My Hands to Resolve’
Categoria: Musica
The Mexican singer spoke with Billboard Español about his new album and how he has overcome the difficult moments he has experienced in the last years.
Por Billboard | 06/11/2026
Being part of such a renowned dynasty in Mexican music as the Aguilar family is no easy feat. At least that’s the case for Leonardo Aguilar , who in recent years has had to face criticism and accusations on social media surrounding his famous family. It’s something he admits has not only affected him personally, but also professionally, making him think twice before releasing new music. But now, he has decided to set aside his fears and move forward. “There were many years of negative comments that made me put my career on hold — but at this point, I don’t want to live with that anger anymore,” the son of Pepe Aguilar and brother of Ángela Aguilar tells Billboard Español . “I’ve been through a lot of blows, but that shouldn’t stop me anymore. I’ve overcome that fear because there are things that are not in my hands to resolve; my music is.” On Thursday night (Nov. 5), the 27-year-old singer released his fourth solo studio album, Esquina 22 , with indie label Machin Records and distribution by Virgin Music Latino. The 10-track set includes renditions of iconic ranchera songs like “Las Rejas No Matan,” “A Pesar de Todo” and “Acepto Mi Derrota,” as well as original tracks such as “Nada Pa’l Futuro” and “Canción de Rancho,” the latter in collaboration with El Komander. “I created very different versions of the classics. It’s not about trying to be like someone else,” Aguilar says. As for El Komander, he says he “never imagined I’d be able to sing with one of my idols.” Esquina 22 takes its title from an emblematic street in the small town of Tayahua, Zacatecas, where the family ranch is located. Aguilar currently resides there, and it has served as inspiration for this new stage in his career. The album was produced by Alfonso De La Cruz Pekas, also known as a songwriter of major hits by artists like Julión Álvarez, Calibre 50 and Banda Los Recoditos. From the tranquility of Rancho El Soyate, famous in recent years for its triumphs in the traditional Mexican equestrian sport of charrería, Aguilar speaks with Billboard Español about his new music, the difficult personal moments he’s lived through, how he’s learned to manage them and more. After winning last year, Rancho El Soyate didn’t take home the National Charro Championship this year. Was it frustrating for the family? Yes, it was very intense — especially because everything seemed to be pointing toward a victory, but it didn’t happen. The competition was very strong. When someone else does something better than you, there’s no reason to get upset. The El Soyate team is very good, but this time it didn’t work out. Is it important to you that young people like yourself, your sister Ángela and your brother-in-law Christian Nodal preserve and pass on Mexican traditions like charrería and music? Absolutely. Besides what you mention, charrería brings a lot of satisfaction to those who compete, t