From Heartache to No. 1, Carin León & Alejandro Fernández’s ‘Me Está Doliendo’ Tops Chart: ‘I’ve Learned a Lot From This Experience’

Carin León and Alejandro Fernández turn pain into power on “Me Está Doliendo,” as the heartbreaking ballad crowns Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart (dated Aug. 23). (The title of the song translates to “It’s Hurting Me” in English.)

“Imagine recording with Alejandro Fernández, an icon of Mexican music,” León tells Billboard. “If we discuss this genre and don’t mention him, we’re definitely overlooking something important. It fills me with pride to see so many dreams coming true and to be involved in such beautiful moments with someone so talented.”

“Me Está Doliendo” is part of the extended edition of Leon’s album Palabra de To’s, originally released with 16 tracks via Socios/Island Records. The set, produced by Antonio Zepeda, Alberto Medina, and León, and recorded in his hometown of Hermosillo, earned León a third straight top 10 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart (No. 10 debut and peak, December 2024). The special 20-track edition, which includes the collaboration with Fernández, was released in May of this year.

“Me Está Doliendo” reaches the apex on Regional Mexican Airplay fueled by a 24% growth in audience impressions, to 7.4 million, earned in the United States on the tracking week ending Aug. 14, according to Luminate.

As the heartbreak song hits No. 1, both León and Fernández add a new No. 1 on radio ranking. León secures his ninth chart-topper, while Fernández banks his 14^th and eighth consecutive.

“For someone who has come from humble beginnings and is on a journey to achieve their goals, collaborating with a legend like Alejandro and knowing that the audience connects with our work is incredibly fulfilling,” says León. “Additionally, it’s a privilege to count on the friendship of such a great man and iconic figure. There’s so much more to achieve, and I’ve learned a lot from this experience.”

Beyond the coronation of “Me Está Doliendo” on Regional Mexican Airplay, the song improves 7-2 on the overall Latin Airplay chart with the Greatest Gainer honors, awarded to the song the with largest audience growth. There, Fernández achieves his 31^st top 10, breaking a tie from Calibre 50 for the most among regional Mexican acts.

Check out the video for the song below.