Two Texas A&M University-Kingsville students were selected as finalists in the Mariachi Vargas Vocal Competition Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio.

Bilingual education doctoral student Michelle Davila and psychology sophomore Xenia Adrian of Kingsville were chosen by a committee made up of members from the world renowned group, Mariachi Vargas.

Davila and Adrian will compete in the college division for an opportunity to open for Mariachi Vargas in concert and the title of “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the U.S.”

Adrian is a member of Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Mariachi Javelina, and Davila is the lead vocalist for Mariachi Torero, a local professional group.

The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition is the largest and most competitive mariachi vocal competition in the U.S. and the only one of its kind judged by members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.

“I am so excited about being chosen to compete at a national level,” said Davila. “It is the realization of a dream to perform alongside such amazing musicians.”

Finalist Adrian said, “I have a great passion for mariachi and am absolutely ecstatic to go and compete in San Antonio this weekend.”

In an official competition press release, Ismael A La Torre, manager of Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio and a member of the vocal competition planning committee, said, “Mariachi Extravaganza Vocal Competition is the American Idol of the mariachi music world.

“It’s a great opportunity for young people to experience some of the greatest talent that exists among their peers and to have the opportunity to perform and be judged by the greatest mariachi musicians and vocalists in the world, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.”

When asked how winning the competition would change their lives, Adrian said, “If I were to win, it would mean a great deal, because I could have the opportunity to open for Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán concert in San Antonio and maybe even tour with them worldwide.”

Davila said, “Winning this contest would allow me to perform on a national level, representing mariachi music, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Hispanic culture to the world.”