The Academy of Tejano Music, organizers of the highly anticipated 5th Annual Premios Tejano Mundial, announced on Monday that the late Johnny Canales will be honored for his immense contributions to the Tejano music scene. The tribute will take place at the Shrine Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas, on February 20, 2025, and will be presented to his beloved family.
Johnny Canales, the charismatic host known for his iconic TV show The Johnny Canales Show, played a pivotal role in the growth and exposure of Tejano music throughout the 1980s and beyond. The Canales family—his wife Nora Canales and daughters Miroslava and Zelestial Canales—will represent Johnny at the event to accept the honor on his behalf.
Johnny Canales with family | Evelyn Vasquez/EV Imagez
Johnny’s journey to becoming one of Tejano music’s most cherished figures began when he moved to the United States from Mexico at a young age. His show, which featured live performances from Tejano artists, quickly became a staple for Tejano fans and served as a powerful platform for new talent. Johnny’s signature catchphrase, “You got it, take it away,” became synonymous with his energetic style and enduring impact on the genre.
The 5th Annual Premios Tejano Mundial will also showcase the top 5 fan-nominated categories, including Entertainer of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, and Song of the Year (Homenaje). In addition to these categories, winners will be selected by the Academy of Tejano Music members in areas like Female and Male Vocal Performances, Songwriter of the Year, and Producer of the Year. A dedicated committee will also choose the Video of the Year.
Tickets for the awards ceremony are available now at tejanotix.com, and the event will be live-streamed exclusively on the Roku channel, Tejano 360+, making it accessible to fans around the world without a subscription. The 2025 Premios Tejano Mundial will feature performances by some of the biggest names in Tejano music, along with special tributes and presentations celebrating the culture and legacy of the genre. Nominations and performance lineup is expected to be announced soon.
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