Ivan Cornejo, born June 5, 2004, in Riverside, California, is a rising star in the regional Mexican music genre. His journey into music began at a young age, spurred by a personal breakup during middle school that became a catalyst for his songwriting. Cornejo taught himself to play the guitar at eight years old through YouTube tutorials, with Ritchie Valens’ classic “La Bamba” being the first song he mastered. Influenced by artists like T3R Elemento and Grupo Los de la O, Cornejo’s early exposure to music shaped his unique style and direction.
Cornejo’s debut album, Alma Vacía, released in 2021, marked a significant milestone in his career. The album achieved notable success, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart and reaching number seven on the Top Latin Albums chart. With 7,000 album-equivalent units sold and a peak position of 156 on the Billboard 200, Alma Vacía showcased Cornejo’s talent and potential. The album’s success was further fueled by the viral hit single “Está Dañada,” which gained traction on TikTok and climbed to number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the few regional Mexican songs to chart on the Hot 100. This exposure led to Cornejo being featured in Billboard’s Artist on the Rise column in October 2021.
Building on this momentum, Cornejo released his second studio album, Dañado, in June 2022. The album debuted at number one on the Regional Mexican Albums chart, where it stayed for a remarkable 37 weeks, becoming one of the longest-running number one albums in the chart’s history. With 8,000 album-equivalent units sold and 11.9 million on-demand streams, Dañado also reached number four on the Top Latin Albums chart and number 28 on the Billboard 200. The success of Dañado was bolstered by another viral hit, “J,” which resonated with fans and further established Cornejo’s growing influence in the music industry. He was also nominated for New Regional Mexican Artist at the 2022 Premios Juventud, reflecting his rising prominence.
In July 2023, Cornejo released “Aquí Te Espero,” which peaked at number 89 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was followed by “Donde Estás” three months later. His continued success was highlighted in March 2024 with the release of “Baby Please,” which earned him his first top 10 hit on the US Hot Latin Songs chart, reaching number eight. Cornejo’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with compelling melodies has solidified his reputation as a significant artist in the genre.
On June 18, 2024, Cornejo announced his third studio album, Mirada, which was released on July 19, 2024, under Interscope and Zaragoza Records. This album marks his first collaboration with these labels and represents a new chapter in his evolving career.
Cornejo’s music has profoundly impacted his listeners, particularly teenagers dealing with their own heartaches. His songs, such as “J,” “Está Dañada,” and “Perro Abandonado,” have provided solace and a means of emotional expression for many. Cornejo’s dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with his audience through his music make him a powerful example of how personal experiences can inspire and influence others. His rise in the music industry reflects his commitment to his art and his ability to resonate with fans on a deep level.