State Champ Radio Viña del Mar
Maria Becerra shone brightly as she kicked off the final night of the 63rd Viña del Mar Festival, delivering a performance filled with dance choreographies and hits that were enthusiastically sung along by the Quinta Vergara audience.
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Dazzling in a white denim outfit, the Argentine star — who took the place of Peso Pluma after the Mexican artist canceled — opened her performance with the furious thump of “Perreo Furioso,” backed by a rock band consisting of a bassist, guitarist, drummer and keyboardist, and an Argentine trap beat. She then ignited the vibe with an invigorating cumbia, “El Amor de Mi Vida,” which she originally recorded with Los Ángeles Azules. For more than an hour, she ran through hits including “Corazón Vacío”, “Ojalá” and “Piscina.”
Later, she received sunflowers from fans as well as Silver and Gold Gaviotas, the event’s top award, which she dedicated to her parents. “Thank you so much, really. What an honor to receive this,” she added.
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The atmosphere became more serious when the Argentine singer read an emotional letter she wrote in response to the recent fires that affected the Valparaíso region.
“I want to take a moment to remember that all of us here have taken the commitment to help Viña rise again, after the tremendous tragedy they had to face. I witnessed the burning hills that showed in the marks of the fire, that less than a month ago, there were houses there. I listened with great fear to the story of a mother pulling her little child out of the fire,” she read.
She continued, “I was moved by the story of the female doctors from the small health clinic who climbed the hill beyond what we saw … It’s very sad to see how the fire swept away years of work. Life projects, memories, and above all, the more than 100 people who lost their lives. That’s why, today, I want to ask for a big round of applause for health workers, police officers, volunteers and firefighters. And to all of Chile, I want to tell you that my heart is with you. Our hearts are with every person who today is defying fate.”
Becerra, 24, was honored as a “Visionary” at the inaugural Billboard 2023 Latin Women in Music gala.
Following the performance by La Nena de Argentina, rapper Trueno — featured on Billboard’s list of the 50 most essential Spanish-language rappers of all time — took the stage to close out the event. Armed with intoxicating bars, the wordsmith opened with “Hoop Hoop” and continued the night with “Trueno: Bzrp Freestyle Sessions, Vol. 6,” “Buenos Aires en Llamas” and “Freestyle” before closing with “Dance Crip.”
Later in the evening, he also received his Gold Gaviota and Silver Gaviota awards.
The Viña del Mar 2024 Festival kicked off on Feb. 26 with Alejandro Sanz and Manuel Turizo. They were followed by Andrea Bocelli and Miranda! on the 26th, Maná and Men at Work on the 27th, Mora and Anitta on the 29th, and a Chilean night with Los Bunkers and Young Cister on March 1 before closing on Friday.
If you missed Friday’s performances by Maria Becerra and Trueno, or want to relive them, you can watch them below.
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Maná‘s highly anticipated performance at Viña del Mar on Tuesday (Feb. 27) — their fifth time overall at the Quinta Vergara — didn’t disappoint. The iconic rock en español band performed all of its hits, from “Oye Mi Amor” to “De Pies a Cabeza” and “Labios Compartidos,” inspiring a massive sing-along with the 15,000 people […]
Andrea Bocelli‘s Viña del Mar debut was a grand affair, and the Italian tenor was awarded not only with the Silver Gaviota but also with the Golden one on Monday (Feb. 26). With more than 110 musicians on stage, Bocelli opened the second night of the week-long event, the 63rd edition of Viña’s International Song […]
Despite controversy early this week, Mexican star Peso Pluma will indeed perform at the 2024 Viña del Mar International Festival as previously announced. His participation was confirmed in an official press release sent by festival organizers on Thursday night (Jan. 11).
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“Following the controversy generated in reference to Peso Pluma’s participation in the upcoming edition of the festival, organizers of Viña del Mar International Festival state the festival will not censure or discriminate,” read the release; a festival representative also confirmed to Billboard that Pluma’s performance will go on as scheduled.
The “controversy” the press release refers to is a letter written by René Lues, a Viña del Mar council member, to Viña Mayor Macarena Ripamonti Serrano, asking to cancel Peso Pluma’s performance at the festival during the last week of February. In the letter — published in several media outlets in Chile — Lues says a column written by scholar Alberto Mayol made him, “reflect very much about the music and lyrics of the so-called corridos tumbados, where artists explicitly exult the violence and confrontations of organized crime and corruption, drug dealing and drug cartels: all this together with the ostentation and ambition for money, jewelry, luxury, cars, guns, a life that particularly seduces young people into believing they can easily and quickly achieve everything by ignoring the law.”
It continued, “It’s the so-called narco culture that artists like Peso Pluma put a sound to and validate from their place of great privilege. For this reason, and despite the fame of this musician, considered one of the most popular in the music industry, and his millions of followers, I believe it’s not appropriate to use the channels, resources and public spaces to promote this genre of music and songs linked to drug dealers […] Drug dealing is the biggest tragedy we have in Chile and Viña del Mar and it’s the generator of all forms of delinquency that today overwhelm our country and city.”
However, festival organizers resisted the call to take Peso Pluma out of the lineup, explaining in their statement that, “The biggest Latin festival in the world celebrates the diversity of all artists who step on this stage. Music is universal and describes different realities.”
The release also ticked-off Pluma’s many recent achievements, including winning Artist of the year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in October. “Viña del Mar also recognizes new musical genres and is expecting a successful close to its six nights where music and talent from different artists will continue to be the pillar of the biggest Latin music festival in the world,” organizers said.
The Vina del Mar International Festival will take place from February 25 through March first in Viña del Mar, Chile. The festival — the longest-running in the Spanish-speaking world — will feature Peso Pluma as its closing act.
See the full lineup here. Headlining performances will stream live on Billboard.com in the U.S.
Flowers, mustaches, banners, hearts… On his first visit to Chile to close the Viña del Mar International Song Festival on Friday (Feb. 24), Camilo was greeted by the so-called “monster” (audience) at the Quinta Vergara with gifts, cheers and ovations. And they all sang hits including “Kesi,” “Pegao” and “Índigo” at the top of their lungs.
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With his characteristic simplicity and good vibes, the Colombian singer-songwriter — dressed in white pants and tank top and barefoot — made the 15,000 spectators dance and jump in the central coastal region of Valparaíso, demonstrating once more why he has conquered a growing “tribe” of international followers. And the audience rewarded him with two Gaviotas (the festival prize), a gold and a silver one.
“Good evening Viña. Good evening Chile. Good evening, tribe,” Camilo said shortly after opening his show. “I have been dreaming of this moment for many years. Since I was little, I saw my favorite concerts by my favorite artists from my house [in Colombia] here, in Viña del Mar”.
Accompanied by his band, Camilo sang more than 15 songs, “Favorito,” “Tutu” and “Vida de Rico” among them. His wife, singer and actress Evaluna Montaner, joined him for “Por Primera Vez” and “Macchu Pichu,” and later appeared again to close the show together with their song “Índigo.”
Before arriving in Viña, Camilo began the second leg of his De Adentro Pa Afuera Tour in Argentina. The tour continues on March 1-2 at the Movistar Arena in Santiago de Chile and will take him to Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico until the end of May.
Here are some highlights of Camilo’s performance in Viña del Mar, which was livestreamed in the U.S. exclusively on Billboard.com, Billboard‘s YouTube channel and Twitter account.
“La tribu” seizes Quinta Vergara
It may be traditionally known as “el monstruo” (the monster,) but on Friday, during Camilo’s show at the Viña del Mar Festival, the audience at Quinta Vergara was undoubtedly part of “the tribe” — as the Colombian artist refers to his ardent fans. From children to teens, young adults and not so young, the devotion to the singer was felt in the form of mustaches alluding to Camilo’s famous trait (some natural, others fake,) banners with messages of love, stuffed animals, flowers and more. And throughout the concert the audience could be heard singing, from beginning to end, at the top of their lungs.
A poignant message about self worth
In one of his interactions with the Chilean audience, Camilo urged his fans not to waste time trying to be what they are not. “Many want us to look like others,” he said, “that we have the abs of others, certain amounts of followers and likes, as if that would make us more valuable.” You have to be yourself, he stressed. Value who you are and live in the present.
Camilo and Evaluna irradiate pure love
Camilo shines on his own merit every time he goes on stage, but there’s something definitely special when he shares it with wife Evaluna, and Viña del Mar was no exception. The couple delighted the “monster” at Quinta Vergara with their duets “Por Primera Vez” and “Machu Picchu.” Evaluna looked radiant in black top and pants and Camilo gushed: “How beautiful my wife is,” kissing her sweetly. “A round of applause for my guagüita‘s mother,” he added, using the Chilean term for baby in reference to Índigo, their 10-month-old daughter. Later, he invited Evaluna back on stage to receive the golden Gaviota together and close the show, precisely, with the song that bears the name of their “guagua.”
Camilo and Evaluna Montaner performing on the 6th night of the Viña del Mar International Song Festival on Feb. 24, 2023 in Viña del Mar, Chile.
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Amid his 2023 tour El Amor 30 Años Después del Amor — which celebrates the 30-year anniversary of the seminal album El Amor Después del Amor — Fito Páez made a stop to headline Viña del Mar International Song Festival on Wednesday (Feb. 22).
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The Argentine artist arrived on stage with buoyant energy and colors that brought instant cheer. He sported a lemon yellow coat, turtleneck and lime green scarf combo; his scruffy salt-and-pepper curls looked splendidly unruly, and wore red-tinted glasses to boot.
This was the fifth time the legendary composer rocked the stage at the Quinta Vergara amphitheater; the last time he performed at the festival was in 2014. This time, he was honored with two trophies, a Gaviota de Plata and a Gaviota de Oro. The multi-Latin Grammy-winning artist performed nearly 90 minutes of all killer, no filler hits from Después del Amor and more like “Al Lado del Campo,” “Ciudad de Pobres Corazones,” and “Circo Beat.”
Above all, he testified why the celebrated Amor… became the best-selling album in the history of Argentine rock — it’s simply loaded with timeless hits. Although he had plenty of material to choose from, with close to 30 studio albums under his belt, all the songs from the iconic record were greatly received with fans singing along, and some with tears.
On its fourth night. Here are some highlights from the 64th annual installment of Viña del Mar.
His Genuine Songwriting
He opened the show with the iconic “El Amor Después del Amor,” which made for a grand entrance that needed no elaborate dancers, no smoke effects, no pyrotechnics — just him and his band. His impeccable songwriting was centerfold, highlighting introspective themes about finding love after love (of course), nomadic lives, magic and rock ‘n’ roll. With over 15,000 attendees present, Fito created a kind of bond with the audience that felt intimate and always genuine. Even from my screen, it’s clear how the amphitheater resonated with seemingly each attendee knowing every lyric.
His Piano-Playing Prowess
At any given moment when Páez pounded the keys to his grand piano, the energy instantly amplified. He demonstrated his piano-playing mastery. Although he left many of the album’s songs intact, he did present riveting brass-powered arrangements to a handful of tunes with the help of his live band, which resulted in a livelier Viña. He gave a lot more shine to his main instrument on the piano ballad “Un Vestido y Un Amor,” which inspired a massive singalong.
Genuineness And Flamboyance
There’s a charming quality about his flamboyant swagger that draws us in. Whether he’s pounding away at the piano, strumming his Gibson guitar, or showcasing that rocker flair, his every move captured our attention. He has a unique demeanor; that mixed with his genuineness creates a very beloved rock star that spans generations. Grandmothers, couples, and fellow Argentine newcomer Nicki Nicole was among the crowd.
“Lo que yo necesitaba en esa época cuando era joven y sin ningún tipo de norte, igual que ahora, era irse lejos para reconocer a otra realidad, a uno propio, hay que llegar ser, y en eso apareció esta canción,” he said before playing the stunning “Tumbas de la Gloria.” (“What I needed at that time when I was young and without any kind of direction, was to go far away to recognize another truth, and one’s self. That’s when this song appeared.”)
LONG LIVE LATIN ROCK
Fito showcased heavier rock riffs on a mustard-colored Gibson guitar when performing “Ciudad de Pobres Corazones,” boasting his instrument versatility. With distorted strumming, he turned the night into a Latin rock affair. Yet, in the 60-minute mark of the show, Páez’s lead guitarist — who was clad in black leather pants and a slick blazer — took the spotlight for a riveting three-minute rock solo. Armed with frenetic fretwork and screeching riffs, the man impressed with every improvisational note, and the crowd loved it.
Towards the end of his solo, he kneeled to the floor, and raised his guitar high, thus resurrecting the glory days of hard rock for the current times.
For the first time in its more than six-decade history, the Viña del Mar International Song Festival is being livestreamed in the United States, exclusively on Billboard.com, Billboard’s YouTube channel, and via Twitter @Billboard. The six-day festival continues Christina Aguilera on Feb. 23; and ending with Camilo on Feb. 24. All headliners will perform at 8 p.m. ET.
Find the rest of the week’s schedule below:
Thursday, Feb. 23: Christina Aguilera
Friday, Feb. 24: Camilo
Alejandro Fernández took the stage Tuesday (Feb. 21) at the Quinta Vergara for his highly anticipated performance at Chile’s Viña del Mar International Song Festival.
Accompanied by a live band that included mariachi and norteño musicians, the ranchera superstar — who wore an elegant black and gold charro suit — delivered an impressive performance where he belted out anthems such as “Tantita Pena,” “Estuve,” “Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti” and “Mátalas.” Fernández received silver and gold gaviota trophies for his riveting 90-minute set. “Let’s celebrate, campeones (champs),” he said.
Here are some highlights from his Feb. 21 headlining set at Viña del Mar:
EL POTRILLO RETURNS TO VIÑA
“Chile, Viña,” he said at the beginning, vividly emotional as he made his return to Viña del Mar after last performing there in 2015. “Ahí te va charrito (here you go, charrito),” he added as he walked toward one side of a stage to give a little fan in the audience — who wore a charro outfit — a part of his very own suit. “I always feel great excitement to be on this stage, from the very first time I had the opportunity to be part of this important festival to this day. I promise to leave my soul and heart here. Let music always unite us. Viva Chile! Viva México!”
A SWOON-WORTHY PERFORMANCE
After more urban-leaning sets by Karol G and Tini on the first two days of Viña, Fernández brought romanticism to the festival. Occasionally blowing kisses to his fans — who would scream at the top of their lungs after one of his many charming gestures toward them — the charro sang the classics, or as he called them “viejitas pero bonitas,” that made it seem like the entire Quinta Vergara was either in love or going through a heartbreak that night. The crowd sang along in unison to “Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti,” “Si Tu Supieras,” “Te Voy a Perder,” “Qué Voy a Hacer Con Mi Amor,” “Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella,” “Me Dediqué a Perderte” and “Canta Corazón.”
NEW MATERIAL
The last time Fernández performed at Viña del Mar was eight years ago. “Every single time, the response from the Chile audience only gets bigger,” he said mid-set when he received the silver gaviota. Since he last performed there, he’s released new albums and new singles and he took this opportunity to play his new material, which included “Hecho En México,” “Caballero,” “Decepciones” and “Inexperto En Olvidarte.”
A TRIBUTE TO VICENTE FERNÁNDEZ
One of the most special moments of the night, and definitely a highlight, was when El Potrillo paid tribute to his father, the Mexican icon Vicente Fernández, who died in December 2021. “My father would be so happy to see the response I’ve gotten at Viña this year,” he said. “But, you know, I think he’s here with me. I feel him, he’s probably here on my shoulder.” He went on to perform a medley of Chente’s greatest hits, including “Por Tu Maldito Amor,” “Mujeres Divinas,” “Las Llaves de Mi Alma,” “De Qué Manera Te Olvido” and “El Rey.”
For the first time in its more than six-decade history, the Viña del Mar International Song Festival is being livestreamed in the United States, exclusively on Billboard.com, Billboard’s YouTube channel, and via Twitter @Billboard. The six-day festival continues with Fito Páez on Feb. 22; Christina Aguilera on Feb. 23; and ending with Camilo on Feb. 24. All headliners will perform at 8 p.m. ET.
Find the rest of the week’s schedule below.
Wednesday, Feb. 22: Fito Páez
Thursday, Feb. 23: Christina Aguilera
Friday, Feb. 24: Camilo
02/21/2023
The Argentine star was all energy for 90 minutes.
02/21/2023
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular Viña del Mar International Song Festival kicked off Sunday night (Feb. 19) with Karol G as its headliner.
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Wearing a baby pink, sweetheart dress, ankle-high socks, white sneakers, and her bright red locks, the Colombian artist delivered a “Bichota”-packed one-hour and 30-minute set in front of 15,000 people.
“Hey Chile, what’s up?” she asked the audience after kicking off the set with “Gatubela” and “El Poblado (Remix).” “What energy so chimba (cool). I was very nervous and excited for this day to come.”
Singing completely live, accompanied by a group of 12 co-ed dancers, and her all-female girl band, Karol performed hits such as “Bichota,” “200 Copas,” “Ocean,” “Tusa,” and “MAMII,” before wrapping with the EDM version of “Provenza.”
But this was far more than just another Karol G concert—it had special guests, meaningful fan moments, and more. See the highlights below:
SPECIAL GUESTS
Though Karol G performed many of her collaborations alone, such as “Gato Malo” with Nathy Peluso, she invited two special guests to her Viña set. First, she called Chilean newcomer Criss MJ, with whom she performed the unreleased “Noche de Medellin (Remix)” for the first time. “Unfortunately, this song never came out,” she said before the two acts sang it together. She was later joined by renowned Chilean singer-songwriter Myriam Hernandez to sing a potent duet of Hernandez’s 1988 hit “El Hombre Que Yo Amo.” “It’s been 17 years since I’ve been here [Viña]. Thank you for inviting me,” Hernandez said after the song.
DEBUTS NEW SINGLE
During her set, Karol G also surprised fans by singing the opening track of her upcoming album Mañana Sera Bonito called “Mientras Me Curo del Cora.” She dedicated the Hawaiian-inspired song to her older sister who just had a baby.
GIFTS GAVIOTA TO FAN
Karol G made history as the first female urban artist to headline Viña del Mar and along the way, received the coveted silver and gold gaviotas, the seagull-shaped trophies that are the festival’s signature and are decided upon by fans. Toward the end of her set, Karol invited a “mini Bichota” (young fan) on stage, who flaunted her amazing dance moves, to which Karol and the rest of the audience agreed she deserved the gold trophy. It an only-Karol G moment. The hosts then noted they will be sending Karol another Gaviota to her home.
GIRL-POWER SHOUT OUTS
Not only did Karol interact with her fans but at one point she shouted-out Argentine artists Nicki Nicole and Emilia Mernes, who were enjoying the show. She also expressed how proud she is of forming part of this generation of empowered female voices, which includes Paloma Mami, Tini, and more.
For the first time in its more than six-decade history, the Viña del Mar International Song Festival will be live-streamed in the United States, exclusively on Billboard.com, Billboard’s YouTube channel, and via Twitter @Billboard. The six-day festival then continues with Tini on Feb. 20; Alejandro Fernández on Feb. 21; Fito Páez on Feb. 22; Christina Aguilera on Feb. 23; and ending with Camilo on Feb. 24. All headliners will perform at 8 p.m. ET.
Find the rest of the week’s schedule below.
Feb. 20 — Tini Stoessel
Feb. 21 — Alejandro Fernández
Feb. 22 — Fito Páez
Thursday, Feb. 23: Christina Aguilera
Friday, Feb. 24: Camilo
For the first time in its more than six-decade history, the Viña del Mar International Song Festival will be livestreamed in the United States, exclusively on Billboard.com, Billboard’s YouTube channel and via Twitter @Billboard.
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See latest videos, charts and news
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This year’s fest, returning live after a two-year hiatus due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, features headliners Karol G, Alejandro Fernández, Christina Aguilera, Fito Páez, Tini and Camilo. Each artist headlines one night of the festival, beginning with Karol G on Feb. 19; Tini on Feb. 20; Alejandro Fernández on Feb. 21; Fito Páez on Feb. 22; Christina Aguilera Feb. 23; and ending with Camilo on Feb. 24.
As it has in the past, the six-day festival will take place at Quinta Vergara, a 15,000-capacity amphitheater located in the Chilean city of Viña del Mar, in the central coast region of Valparaíso. Each night features a comedy set, the international song competition contestants, and a performance by up-and-coming acts, which this year are Paloma Mami, Emilia, Rels B, Los Jaivas, Nicki Nicole and Polimá Westwood.
But the main attraction are the headlining superstars.
If you aren’t among those lucky 15,000 who were able to make it to Viña and score a ticket to the fest, never fear. You can catch the headlining performances every night at 7:30 ET (9:30 local Chile time), here on Billboard.com, on Billboard’s YouTube page and on Twitter.
To livestream Karol G’s performance on Sunday, Feb. 19, bookmark this page.
Find the full week’s schedule below.
Sunday, Feb. 19: Karol G
Monday, Feb. 20: Tini Stoessel
Tuesday, Feb. 21: Alejandro Fernández
Wednesday, Feb. 22: Fito Páez
Thursday, Feb. 23: Christina Aguilera
