About this episode

The episode explores Juan Gabriel's groundbreaking performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes and its impact on cultural identity in Mexico City.

Juan Gabriel sends shock waves across the highbrow art world by performing in Mexico’s Palacio de Bellas Artes. Cultural elites are not thrilled to have a “popular” music artist perform at this temple of opera and ballet. But when JuanGa emerges onstage during the concert wearing sequins and gold fringe, he sends a statement about what’s possible—and gives a legendary performance that’s ritually and religiously rewatched to this day by millions. Maria is one of those millions, and as she follows Juan Gabriel’s footsteps in a gentrifying Mexico City, the journey makes Maria question her place in the city as a Mexican-American. My Divo is an Apple Original podcast produced by Futuro Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts. http://apple.co/MyDivo

Topics covered

• Juan Gabriel
• art world
• cultural elites
• Mexican-American identity
• gentrification
• performance art

Keywords

• Juan Gabriel
• Palacio de Bellas Artes
• performance
• cultural identity
• Mexico City
• gentrification
• popular music

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Apple TV, Futuro Studios

Places: Mexico, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City

More episodes of My Divo

• Introducing Muy Excited with Maria Garcia | 2 · August 6, 2026 · 1 min
• The Sun Rises | 8 · August 12, 2024 · 35 min
• The Old VHS in the Garage | 7 · August 5, 2024 · 39 min
• Jewel of the Nation | 6 · July 29, 2024 · 44 min
• What Can Be Seen Shouldn’t Be Asked | 4 · July 15, 2024 · 44 min
• The Long-Lost Prison File | 3 · July 1, 2024 · 37 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the My Divo podcast page.