Colombian Singer Karol G
Colombian Singer Karol G Karol G/Facebook

Colombian superstar Karol G will headline the NFL Halftime Show at the São Paulo game on 5 September 2025, a historic moment for the sport and music fans alike. The performance will take place at the Corinthians Arena during the NFL's first-ever game in Brazil, coinciding with YouTube's first exclusive live NFL broadcast.

The show will be streamed globally for free on YouTube and YouTube TV. Brazilian country star Ana Castela will sing the Brazilian national anthem, while American jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington will perform the US anthem. Fans are now speculating which Karol G songs will make it into the high-profile setlist.

From Reggaeton Star to Global Music Icon

Karol G, born Carolina Giraldo Navarro, has risen from Medellín's reggaeton scene to become a global Latin music icon. Her 2023 album 'Mañana Será Bonito' made history as the first Spanish-language album by a woman to debut at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. The accompanying stadium tour became the highest-grossing Latin female tour in history, generating $313,320,445 (£242,422,921) from 62 shows, according to Guiness World Records.

The NFL's choice to feature Karol G reflects the league's ongoing strategy to engage international audiences. The São Paulo game's halftime show will combine global pop appeal with Latin American cultural pride.

A Milestone Event for the NFL and YouTube

The 2025 NFL São Paulo Halftime Show is more than just a musical performance. It marks the first time YouTube will exclusively stream an NFL game live to a worldwide audience. The partnership is expected to reach millions of viewers, expanding the sport's presence in Latin America. With Brazil's rich music culture and the global popularity of Latin artists, Karol G's performance is set to be a defining moment in the NFL's international outreach.

The 'Tropicoqueta' Era and New Music Highlights

Karol G's latest album, 'Tropicoqueta,' released on 20 June 2025, debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200 and achieved the largest US streaming week for a Latin album by a woman. The record also topped the Top Latin Albums chart.

Among the standout singles is 'Latina Foreva,' released on 22 May 2025, which peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on Hot Latin Songs. Its snowy landscape music video featured an all-Latina cast and a cameo by flamenco guitarist José Del Tomate.

Other notable tracks include 'Verano Rosa,' a collaboration with Feid, and 'Papasito,' a techno-merengue track mixing English and Spanish with a retro cabaret-inspired video starring actor Danny Ramírez.

Possible Songs for the NFL Halftime Show

Setlist predictions are a major talking point among fans online. Based on recent performances and global chart success, the following Karol G songs are strong contenders:

  • Latina Foreva — recent hit with visual spectacle.
  • Verano Rosa — upbeat duet with Feid.
  • Tusa (with Nicki Minaj) — international chart topper.
  • Provenza — a streaming favourite with global recognition.
  • Bichota — high-energy anthem perfect for a stadium crowd.

Karol G has a history of crafting medleys for live performances, allowing her to blend recent hits with fan favourites. Given the scale of the event, a mix of new material from Tropicoqueta and established hits is likely.

Fan Buzz and Cultural Crossovers

Social media has been flooded with speculation about the setlist, stage design, and possible guest appearances. Some fans have drawn parallels between Karol G's vibrant 'Tropicoqueta' visuals and Taylor Swift's promotional imagery for her upcoming album 'The Life of a Showgirl,' sparking debates about creative influence.

Regardless, anticipation is high from both NFL enthusiasts and the global Latin music community for what could be one of the most-watched halftime shows of the year.

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