YANDEL SINFÓNICO TOUR @ YOUTUBE THEATER

When reggaeton is talked about in today's world, names like Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, Feid, and many more come to mind instantly. But the genre has been around for decades, and today’s biggest artists are heavily inspired by some of its pioneers. Before reggaeton became what it is today—before it was a global movement led by artists like Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Arcángel, and of course, the legendary Yandel—there was a different foundation being laid. Artists like Yandel helped pave the way not only for reggaeton to survive but for new artists to aspire to move the genre forward.

Everyone remembers legends, but what separates a good career from a great one is longevity—and that’s exactly what Yandel has achieved. From his time in the iconic duo Wisin y Yandel, to his solo career, taking time off, and now returning like he never left—it’s something rare, something only the greats can do. Yandel continues not only to make hits but to collaborate with the new era of reggaeton, sharing his experience and guidance within the genre.

The first time I saw Yandel perform solo was in 2024 at Baja Beach Fest, and that was the first time I witnessed fans of all ages go wild for an artist and know every single lyric. He performed songs that were released before I was even born—and the craziest part was that people younger than me knew the lyrics too. Yandel’s legacy has been cemented for a while, and when he announced his newest tour, fans knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I couldn’t believe it when I found out it was going to be a Sinfónico tour—performed with a live orchestra. It was something I had never seen a reggaeton artist do before, but if there’s anything Yandel is good at, it’s being a trendsetter.

As fans packed the YouTube Theater, arriving early to settle in and dance to the DJ spinning old-school reggaeton tracks, everyone knew they were about to witness a legendary performance. When the music finally turned down and the lights dimmed, fans began to scream—but it felt different. Instead of the artist entering with loud music, we watched the orchestra walk onto the stage one by one, waving to the crowd. Finally, the conductor greeted the entire theater, and once all the musicians were in place, they began to play. It felt like we were in a movie—the instruments building suspense and thrill as we waited for Yandel to appear. And then, there he was. Yandel emerged on a tall staircase, dressed in all black leather, singing his classic hits with his iconic long goatee.

Yandel performed all of his biggest songs throughout the night—from “Rakata,” “Abusadora,” and “Teléfono,” to “Ay Mi Dios,” “Mayor Que Yo,” and his recent collaborations with Colombian superstar Feid: “Brickell,” “Háblame Claro,” and “Yandel 150.” He is a true pioneer of reggaeton and a major inspiration to many of the genre’s rising stars. Yandel continues to showcase his legacy and support the direction reggaeton has taken by constantly collaborating with new artists and producers.

His concert at the YouTube Theater wasn’t just a sold-out show—it was a statement. A powerful reminder of his legacy in this industry, showing fans across Los Angeles and the world that Yandel is here to stay—forever.

Written by Joseph Hernandez Torrejon

Photos shot by Joseph Hernandez Torrejon