When Karol G played on Coachella’s main stage several years ago, it marked a before-and-after in her career. Now, the Colombian icon is preparing to headline the festival — becoming the first Latina to ever do so.
“It’s a reality now, but for me, it doesn’t feel real. It’s crazy,” Karol told Rolling Stone while speaking about the launch of her Casa Dragones tequila, 200 Copas. “I am so grateful and feeling so many emotions. I feel a responsibility to represent our Latino community. And that’s what I hope to do with what I’m preparing.”
Karol says conversations around her headlining set began “many months ago,” and that simply performing at the festival once had already been a bucket-list moment. During her 2022 set, she played a medley of Latin pop classics by Selena, Celia Cruz, and Daddy Yankee, and welcomed Becky G for a “Mamiii” duet — now she wants to take the celebration to the next level.
“I really prepared myself that time to create a show that meant so much to people and was about honoring my Latina community. I wanted to be the representation for the community on that stage and with my show,” she says. “Now, I’m really emotional to think that Karol G will headline the festival. I am honored to represent Latinos. I feel a responsibility.”
Without giving too much away, Karol says she’s already started planning a larger-than-life show — especially now that she’s released Tropicoqueta, an album inspired by sounds from across Latin genres.
“I do think, headlining Coachella as the first Latina, it feels like there’s a really high bar for the show I need to reach,” says Karol. “I want to deliver something from my heart that represents my love for my community and my fans.”
She adds: “I’m putting the pressure on myself to deliver something at such a high level so people can leave the show and say, ‘Karol was ready. She was more than ready for this.’ Now it’s on me and my work to deliver that, and I’m so committed to giving the best show ever. I want everyone to feel so represented.”
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It’s been a massive 2025 for Karol G: Earlier this month she headlined the first NFL halftime show in Latin America, performed at the Grace of the World event at the Vatican, and released a Netflix documentary celebrating her history-making Mañana Será Bonito stadium tour.
“I usually say I don’t want time to pass, but I want these next few months to fly by so it can be time for Coachella already,” Karol says. “I want to honor my community, but especially my fans who have been there forever by my side.”
From Rolling Stone US
