Colombian reggaeton star Karol G is set to turn up the heat in the California desert even further on Sunday with a performance capping the Coachella music festival’s first weekend.
The “Manana sera bonito” singer is the first Latina artist to headline the festival, which draws massive crowds over two consecutive weekends in Indio, California.
Her makeup artist, Duvan Foronda -- who spoke with AFP this Sunday -- teased that Karol G “is going to look absolutely stunning; you’ve never seen her dance the way she’s going to dance today.”
The singer made her Coachella debut in 2022 with a set that turned into a full-blown Latin party, embracing her roots and featuring guests such as fellow Colombian J Balvin, as well as DJ Tiesto and Becky G -- with whom she performed her empowering hit “Mamiii.”
Since then, the Colombian artist has released two albums, the latest being the Caribbean-flavored “Tropicoqueta” that debuted last year with the single “Latina Foreva.”
Sporting a look inspired by tropical showgirls, Karol G is expected to get her thousands of fans up and dancing.
Some of them began their day by visiting a pop-up market near the festival grounds -- an event the singer had promoted on her social media channels to boost Latinx-owned brands in the United States.
“I’m so emotional,” said fan Cristina Medina, breaking down in tears.
“‘Latina Foreva’ represents strength and pride in being Latinx, and in supporting one another. Just look at this opportunity she’s created for the Latinx community. She is truly special,” she added.
Medina stopped by the vintage market organized by Bichota Records to channel the reggaeton star’s signature look.
She could hardly believe her eyes when she came face-to-face with the Colombian singer’s makeup artist, Duvan Foronda, who was on-site to do fans’ makeup and promote his own line.
“People want to wear lots of glitter -- lots of sparkle. They’re ready to see ‘La Bichota,’ but looking absolutely dazzling,” Foronda told AFP, noting that the key to a “Tropicoqueta” look is appearing “super natural,” featuring the orange tones that define the current aesthetic of the Medellin diva.
Other highlights of Sunday’s diverse lineup include songwriter flowerovlove, the group Major Lazer, the godfather of punk Iggy Pop, British dancer and singer FKA twigs, the architect of big beat Fatboy Slim, rapper Young Thug, and kings of K-pop, BIGBANG.
The first weekend of Coachella -- marking the start of the US music festival season -- kicked off on Friday led by pop star Sabrina Carpenter. She brought her “Sabrinawood” concept to the stage -- a sort of love letter to cinema -- which featured appearances by big-screen stars such as Sam Elliott, Susan Sarandon and Will Ferrell.
On Saturday -- following electrifying performances by the techno-industrial collaboration Nine Inch Noize (the result of a partnership between Nine Inch Nails and German producer Boys Noize) and New York rockers The Strokes, among others -- Canadian superstar Justin Bieber reconnected with his audience after nearly four years away from major stages.
Surprises on the second day included Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins, who sang his 90s hit “1979" alongside indie up-and-comer Sombr, and Jennifer Lopez, who made an appearance during the set of French DJ David Guetta.
Coachella is set to wrap up its first weekend with a screening of the first episode of the third season of “Euphoria” -- the HBO hit returning to the small screen this Sunday after a four-year hiatus.
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