Karol G took center stage at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards to perform a steamy medley over a large stage of water on Sunday night (Nov. 19).
Wearing white linen pants and a white bikini top, the Colombian artist kicked off her sultry showcase with the Peso Pluma-assisted track “QLONA,” for which she was joined by a buff dancer for a stellar choreo display over water. A minute in, Karol surprised fans with “Labios Mordidos,” an unreleased track that is part of Kali Uchis’ upcoming studio album Orquideas — all hinting that it’s the pair’s second collaborative effort following “Me Tengo Que Ir.”
Joined by an energetic group of dancers, Karol continued to make a splash with her euphoric dembow “Ojos Ferrari.”
The artist born Carolina Giraldo Navarro also nabbed two Billboard Music Awards on Sunday: top Latin female artist and top Latin touring artist.
“I have to say that I’m a little more nervous than usual … but it’s the first time I have accepted an award this close to you all,” she said to fans during her acceptance speech. She used the opportunity to thank her fans — or “los de siempre” (the forever ones), as she calls them — for supporting her music and going to her tour.
“These awards mean the connection is there between all of you and me. I think you’re more than fans; you’re part of the team and the family. … I want to thank all the people that were part of the tour. It was one of the most extraordinary things that happened to me this year. In addition to the album I released, that was very special, very intimate, you know the reasons why. I’m very happy, very grateful. … I give you half of all this because nothing would’ve been possible without you. I always say awards are special because they’re an extra validation to what we do, but like I said before, to have your unconditional love, with or without music, with or without a tour, that will always be the best present ever and that’s what I hope will never fail or go away. I love you and thank you for being with me today and always.”
In December, Karol will embark on her Mañana Será Bonito Tour across Latin America, where she will visit Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and more countries throughout May. She also announced the European leg will come soon.
With five nominations going into the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy, Karol G stood out as the only female nominee in several categories. La Bichota joins a star-studded lineup of BBMA performers that included Mariah Carey, Bebe Rexha & David Guetta, Peso Pluma, NewJeans, Stray Kids and Morgan Wallen.
Watch Karol’s performance above and speech below.
