by Cyn’s Corner

Alberto Aguilera Valadez—known professionally as Juan Gabriel—was an iconic Mexican singer-songwriter whose influence transcended borders. Nicknamed Juanga and El Divo de Juárez, he became known for his flamboyant style, heartfelt lyrics, and fearless defiance of norms within the Latin music industry. Netflix’s new four-part series, Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will, explores his extraordinary life and career through rare footage, candid interviews, and personal reflections, revealing both his dazzling public persona and the private pain that shaped him.

I didn’t know who Juan Gabriel was until I met my husband, who’s from Mexico. But once I learned about him, I discovered one of the most fascinating, unique, and influential performers I’ve ever encountered—a true original. Shaped by a deeply tragic childhood marked by abuse, abandonment, and a complicated relationship with his mother—who left him in an institution at age five and never came to see him—Juan Gabriel transformed his trauma into timeless music. He became one of Mexico’s greatest singer-songwriters and entertainers, his fame stretching across Latin America, the United States, and beyond.

Some of the documentary’s most touching moments come from his own words: “I made loneliness my friend,” and “I don’t use fancy words [in my songs] because I don’t know them.” He wrote about what people made him feel, translating universal emotions into simple yet powerful lyrics that resonated deeply around the world.

Juan Gabriel completely broke the mold with his flamboyance, emotion, and authenticity. Considering the conservative values that dominated much of Mexico during his rise, his success was nothing short of revolutionary. The series also spotlights his landmark performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico’s prestigious “temple of the arts.” Initially dismissed by critics as a mere pop singer unworthy of the venue, he silenced his detractors with a passionate performance that won over the National Symphony Orchestra and the audience alike—a historic moment that redefined cultural boundaries.

The documentary also sheds light on his lifelong search for love and belonging. He surrounded himself with strong maternal figures and built a chosen family—a beautiful circle of love with his children and the woman who helped raise them. It also examines his legal troubles, his closeted yet unmistakable homosexuality, and the growing arrogance that sometimes shadowed his later years. After a bout of pneumonia in 2014—just two years before his fatal heart attack in 2016—Juan Gabriel seemed to sense his time was running out, working with renewed urgency to leave behind as much art as possible. Those final moments on camera feel all the more poignant and heartbreaking for it.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his story, Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will is an essential watch—a moving, beautifully constructed tribute to a man whose life and music defied convention, celebrated emotion, and touched millions.

Rating: 10/10