Carín León and Kacey Musgraves are coming together for their new genre-blending duet “Lost in Translation.” Listen/share HERE.
The song tells a story of desire and connection between two people navigating a language barrier. “This really cute idea came about these people meeting and not being able to speak the same language, but love language and body language is universal and you don’t really need words for that,” says Musgraves.
Musgraves first discovered León through his NPR Tiny Desk performance and was immediately impressed. Born and raised in Texas, she’s long held a deep curiosity and respect for Mexican music and culture. “Growing up singing traditional country and western music,” Musgraves notes, “I’ve always loved exploring the borders of Country and where it blends with other styles like Norteño and some regional Mexican sounds that I heard a lot of in Texas.”
León, widely known for blending traditional regional Mexican music with modern storytelling, was exploring ways to make his sound resonate with U.S. country fans. After listening to some of Musgraves’ music, her genre-fluid style resonated deeply with him. “I relate my career and hers in the way that she approaches other genres,” León says.
Having admired each other’s work from afar, the two met for the first time in Nashville. Musgraves brought along fellow songwriters Amy Allen and longtime collaborator Shane McAnally. To warm up, León and Musgraves sang the famed Juan Gabriel and Rocío Dúrcal duet “Fue un Placer Conocerte.” “It was a big surprise for me that it was one of my favorite songs…and she knew all the words,” León says. “I learned it years ago and it’s just stuck in my mind since then,” Musgraves adds. “I love it. It’s iconic.”
That shared moment sparked the writing of their own duet. Produced by Julian Bunetta, “Lost in Translation” features vibrant horns and rhythmic backing from León’s band, paired with León and Musgraves’ vocals playing off of one another. The result is a nostalgic, genre-blending track that nods to classic Mexican duets while offering something entirely new.
“Even though we speak different languages, we’re all the same, you know?” Musgraves says. León adds, “I’m so blessed to be working with Kacey. All good stuff is going to come.”
ABOUT KACEY MUSGRAVES
Kacey Musgraves, an eight-time Grammy Award winner, released her fifth studio album Deeper Well in March, 2024. Deeper Well marks her biggest debut sales week landing at #1 on the Top Album Sales and her fifth #1 debut on the Top Country Albums chart. She launched the Deeper Well World Tour with sold-out shows around the globe and the album’s single, “The Architect,” won the award for Best Country Song at the Grammys. Beyond music, Musgraves collaborated with Boy Smells on a second candle, designed a sustainable fashion line with Reformation, and created a Deeper Wellness smoothie with Erewhon to benefit LA wildfire relief.
Deeper Well followed Kacey’s acclaimed 2021 album star-crossed and multiple Grammy-winning Golden Hour (2018). In 2023 Musgraves achieved her first Hot100 #1 for “I Remember Everything,” a duet with Zach Bryan. The song is the first country music duet in 40 years since Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ “Islands in the Stream” (1983) to reach this feat. “I Remember Everything” won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song by a Duo or Group in February, 2024. With this win, Musgraves became the only artist ever to receive a Grammy Award for Best Country Album, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Duo or Group Performance.
Musgraves has been recognized and honored by Time Magazine as one of their ‘Women of the Year,’ GLAAD’s Media Awards as their prestigious Vanguard Award recipient, Billboard’s “Women In Music,” Variety’s “Power of Women,” and the Country Music Hall of Fame hosted a comprehensive exhibit of the artist’s life titled Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors.
ABOUT CARÍN LEÓN
Carín León, born in Hermosillo, Sonora, has established himself as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Latin music since launching his solo career in 2018. His innovative approach to regional Mexican music—shaped by influences like pop and rock—has earned him multiple accolades, including three Latin Grammy Awards and a Grammy in 2025 for his acclaimed album Boca Chueca Vol. 1. He has collaborated with international artists such as Maluma, Camilo, and Kane Brown, and has performed on iconic stages like Coachella, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Viña del Mar International Song Festival, where he won the coveted Gold and Silver Gaviotas. In 2025, he also broke attendance records at RODEOHOUSTON with over 70,000 fans. León continues to expand the global reach of regional Mexican music, positioning himself as a modern icon and true ambassador of the genre.
