Colombian pop star Karol G took center stage for the half-time show of the NFL game in Sao Paulo on Friday night – and fans were loving it.
The multi-platinum Latin Grammy winner performed at Corinthians Arena during the break in the matchup between the Chiefs and Chargers.
The 34-year-old star powered through a high-energy set in an eye-catching outfit that featured a pineapple-themed top and flowing carnival-inspired skirt.
The performance was well received by NFL fans on social media who, perhaps, were underwhelmed with the action they’d seen on the field.
One fan wrote: ‘Can this be every NFL halftime show in America too? Or do I have to move to Brazil?’.
Another user, on X, said: ‘Halftime show in Brazil is waaaaay better than the game. #CanNotLie’.
Karol G took center stage for the half-time show of the NFL game in Sao Paulo on Friday
Some fans suggested her performance upstaged that of Travis Kelce and the Chiefs
The Chargers took a 13-3 lead into the break after an impressive first-half display from quarterback Justin Herbert – and an lacklustre showing from the Chiefs.
For Latin music fans, the moment was long overdue. Karol G – whose real name is Carolina Giraldo Navarro – has become one of the biggest Latin artists in the world.
Her halftime slot was part of the NFL’s push to tailor the Brazil showcase to a local and Latin American audience, with the entire event broadcast worldwide on YouTube.
In addition to Karol G, the NFL also featured a rendition of Brazil’s national anthem by Ana Castela and a jazz performance of The Star-Spangled Banner by Kamasi Washington.
However, fans were not as convinced about Washington’s pre-game performance as they were Karol G’s.
One fan wrote on X: ‘The worst national anthem performance of all time. Nice going NFL’. Another user posted: ‘This national anthem is an abject disgrace.’
Fans were quick to praise Karol G and her performance at the Corinthians Arena
Karol G – real name Carolina Giraldo Navarro – is one of the biggest Latin artists in the world
Similarly, one fan swiftly took to social media and said: ‘Holy f*** this might be the worst national anthem I’ve ever heard’.
Washington, 44, is an acclaimed composer known for fusing jazz with soul, funk and hip-hop influences.
The decision to tap Washington for the anthem was part of a broader push by the NFL to reflect a more global and culturally diverse audience.
NFL Senior Director for Global Game Presentation Tim Tubito said before the game: ‘With our incredible NFL fan base in Brazil and across the world, we worked hand-in-hand with our YouTube partners to tap into the larger Latin Pop music scene with an innovative, global artist.
