Colombian singer Karol G made history last night, becoming the first Latina artist to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The performance featured a heavy rotation of Latin guest stars and a setlist centered on Colombian roots.
Addressing a crowd waving flags from across the region, Carolina Giraldo Navarro expressed both pride and a sense of responsibility. “I am very happy and very proud, but at the same time, it feels late,” Navarro told the audience.
She dedicated the milestone to the predecessors who paved the way for Latin artists in the global mainstream. “Before me, there were so many incredible Latino artists; this is not just about me, but about my Latino community, my people,” Navarro said.
A celebration of Latin identity
The show began with a 30-minute delay, opening with a cinematic video depicting an indomable young woman reclaiming her power. According to La Tercera, the video's graphics prominently featured the slogan, “Always wild, always free, Latina forever” (“Siempre salvaje, siempre libre, latina por siempre”). The stage design mimicked a cavern, illuminated by neon lights and accompanied by a troupe of dancers.
Navarro opened the set with ‘Latina Forever,’ transitioning into a reggaeton-heavy first half. Mariah Angeliq joined the singer on stage to perform ‘El Makinon.’
The second segment shifted toward a retro, tropical atmosphere. During this portion, the 'Bichota' performed tracks such as ‘Tropicoqueta’ and ‘Papacito.’
Navarro also used the platform to honor Mexican culture, performing ‘Ese hombre es malo’ alongside a mariachi band. She later reunited with Becky G for a rendition of their hit ‘MAMIII.’
The setlist included tributes to Latin legends, incorporating fragments of Willie Colón’s ‘La Murga’ and Daddy Yankee’s ‘Rompe.’ Navarro also performed Gloria Estefan’s ‘Mi tierra,’ a song centered on the nostalgia of emigration.
Other notable guests included Wisin, who led the crowd in reggaeton classics like ‘Rakata,’ and Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex, who joined Navarro for an intimate performance of an unreleased song about grief. The concert concluded with ‘Provenza’ under a display of fireworks.
As the set ended, Navarro addressed the immigrant community directly. “To all our immigrants, we love you very much... where is my Latino people?!” she shouted to the crowd.
