At just 22 years old, singer-songwriter Gigi Perez is living a dream most artists only imagine. She’s earned multiple MTV Video Music Awards nominations, secured a spot on the Coachella 2026 lineup, and toured the world opening for Hozier. But this rapid rise isn has a clear foundation: the musical influences from her childhood and teenage years, many of them Latin, that still guide her every move.
In a recent conversation with Us Weekly, Gigi shared how music was always part of her family’s fabric. Her parents are of Cuban descent, and Latin classics filled their home. "Celia Cruz is very important to my family," she revealed. "’La Vida es un Carnaval’ is the song we always sing before going on stage." For the young artist, this anthem is more than just a tradition; it’s a powerful reminder of resilience and hope. "Even in sadness, there is always light. That song sustains us in difficult times."
Gigi also mentioned that Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull were idols she deeply admired during her childhood. "I was definitely a JLo fan and grew up loving Pitbull," she said. "They showed me that Latin artists could conquer any stage." Over time, her musical tastes broadened. Lady Gaga became a guide for authenticity, while Lana Del Rey, Radiohead, and The Killers sharpened her melodic and lyrical senses. "Gaga taught me that being honest is revolutionary," she confessed.
This radical honesty became the very soul of her music. When she started writing songs at 15, Gigi found that composing was the only way to speak truths she couldn’t say aloud, including her queer identity. With time, this need for sincerity blossomed into a unique style that now connects with thousands of listeners worldwide.
Her debut album, At The Beach, In Every Life (2025), perfectly shows this. The record is shaped by the grief of losing her sister, Celene, and even includes real recordings of Celene’s voice. Tracks like "Sailor Song" and "Fable" became iconic. They gained attention not just for their deep emotion, but also for the stir they caused by discussing faith and religion with daring lines, such as, "I don’t believe in God, but I believe you are my savior." Gigi explained to Us Weekly, "I didn’t write it to provoke, but because it was the most honest way to describe what I felt at that moment."
Gigi has openly discussed her sister’s death and how that grief pushes her to create music in Celene’s absence. However, she has never publicly shared the details of what caused the sudden death of Celene, who was an opera singer.
What Her Sister Celene Would Say Today
When asked what her sister would think of her success today, Gigi didn’t hesitate. "I think she would tell me, ‘I knew it,’" she said. "Because she always believed in me even when I didn’t." This certainty is strengthened by a message from 2018. Gigi had never shared it with any media outlet until now, and it remains her driving force.
"Gigi Perez, you are a star," Gigi began, reading her sister’s last message. "I have never been more proud of anything in my life. Thank you for inspiring me and for filling our home with your beautiful music and jam sessions. I am honored to call you my sister. Thank you for keeping your head in the clouds and dreaming towards your goals and your best self. You have the ability to take the world’s noise and turn it into beautiful music. Keep telling stories, my love, because you are going to change the world."
For the young songwriter, grief isn’t something that simply ends; it’s a process that changes over time. "My relationship with pain has changed, but it never disappears," she admitted. "Sometimes I don’t cry, but the sadness is still there, like when you lose your best friend."
Even so, Perez keeps moving forward. Her grief also fuels her strength. On stage, as "Fable" begins, she often looks into the eyes of her audience. She finds the same despair reflected there that inspired her to write. In those moments, she feels her music not only honors Celene but also comforts others in their own pain.
Beyond any controversy, Gigi’s authenticity has opened doors to incredible opportunities. The VMA nominations gave her a place at the ceremony she admired so much as a child. Now, her confirmation for Coachella 2026 puts her on a global stage. There, she can show everything she’s learned after a year of nearly one hundred performances with Hozier. "At the end of the day, it’s always about the song. That’s my compass," she repeated.
With a blend of Latin roots, global idols, and a unique voice unafraid of vulnerability, Gigi Perez truly represents a new generation of artists who live their truth out loud. As she prepares for the world’s biggest stages, she never forgets where she came from: a home filled with Celia Cruz, a family that sings together, and the sure knowledge that authenticity, as her idols taught her, is the key to lasting impact.