J Balvin electrifies RodeoHouston crowd, returns to NRG Stadium years after historic debut

HOUSTON – Global reggaeton superstar J Balvin returned to one of the biggest stages in Texas, performing at RodeoHouston and turning NRG Stadium into a celebration of Latin music.

More than 66,000 fans filled the stadium to see the Colombian artist perform during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, an event traditionally known for its country music lineup but increasingly welcoming artists from across genres.

Before stepping onto the stage, Balvin spoke with KPRC 2 News Reporter Ricky Muñoz about returning to Houston nearly six years after his first rodeo performance.

“I’ve never seen so many people in Houston, Texas,” Balvin said in Spanish. “The reception from the crowd was spectacular. I imagine now, after everything that has happened these past years, that we’re going to have an incredible time.”

Balvin first performed at RodeoHouston in 2018, drawing nearly 75,000 fans and becoming one of the first reggaeton artists to headline the iconic Texas event.

Now, returning years later, the Medellín-born artist says the moment still feels meaningful.

Balvin’s performance marked his second time performing at RodeoHouston, one of the largest rodeo and entertainment events in the world.

Fans packed the stadium waiting to hear some of his biggest hits, including songs like “Mi Gente,” “Ay Vamos,” and “Con Altura,” turning the rodeo stage into a reggaeton party.

The show also featured his new single “Tonto,” a collaboration with fellow Colombian artist Ryan Castro.

Balvin said while his concerts often last several hours, rodeo performances are shorter, giving artists about an hour to deliver their biggest songs.

“It would take many hours to sing everything,” Balvin said. “But we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

RodeoHouston has long been associated with country music, but Balvin’s performance highlights how the event has expanded to reflect Houston’s diversity.

The artist said performing in front of a crowd like this represents something bigger than a single concert.

“Imagine, now it’s time to get up there and enjoy and show the people that we are the Latinos,” Balvin said.

Houston is home to one of the largest Latino communities in the United States, and Balvin said the connection with fans here is something he has felt since the early days of his career.

Long before performing for tens of thousands inside NRG Stadium, Balvin remembers playing smaller venues in the city.

“The first time I came to Houston, I was playing in small clubs,” Balvin said. “Now to come back and be part of events this big gives me a lot of nostalgia. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Since his first RodeoHouston performance, Balvin’s career has continued to grow globally. The artist has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, helped bring reggaeton into mainstream pop culture, and performed on some of the world’s largest stages.

As the lights went down inside NRG Stadium, fans sang along to Balvin’s hits, waving their phones and dancing throughout the stadium.

The colorful performance featured dancers, high-energy visuals and a crowd eager to celebrate Latin music on one of Houston’s most iconic stages.

For Balvin, the moment reflected how far both his career and Latin music have come.

And judging by the energy inside the stadium, Houston fans were ready to make the night unforgettable.