As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, some of the biggest names in sports, media, and entertainment gathered at NBC’s iconic Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza for The Playmakers, a high-profile forum presented by Telemundo, in which HOLA! was invited to be part of.
The event brought together global sports executives, media leaders, and cultural innovators to discuss how sports, music, fashion, technology, and storytelling are reshaping the entertainment industry ahead of one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Among the day’s standout speakers was Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Karol G, who reflected on her groundbreaking career and the growing influence of Latin culture on the global stage.
Karol G Discusses the Power of Latin Culture
During an intimate conversation, Karol G spoke about the significance of representing millions of Latinos worldwide while reaching career-defining milestones. The Colombian superstar reflected on becoming the first Latina to headline Coachella, performing during the NFL’s historic game in São Paulo, and selling out stadiums around the world.
© Kevin MazurShe explained that those accomplishments go far beyond personal success. “Now that I have the opportunity to travel the world with my music, I see that the world is beautiful and our community has so many beautiful things that we need to embrace, too, like our culture,” Karol G said. “We’re very family-oriented, we love our traditions, we love to invite people to what we do. We’re very hard workers, really, really hard workers. We’re very resilient because of our story.”
Becoming the First Latina to Headline Coachella
Karol G also reflected on the historic significance of becoming the first Latina to headline Coachella in the festival’s history, acknowledging both the achievement and the reality that it took decades for that milestone to happen.
Speaking about the moment, she revealed that she discussed its importance with Coachella CEO Paul Tollett following her performance. “There was 27 years of not having Latina in here; it took a lot of time,” she said during the Playmakers conversation. “You’re here representing a huge community… my assignment was done.”
© Bryan Bedder/TelemundoMusic and Sports Share the Same Emotion
With the FIFA World Cup final approaching, Karol G discussed the connection between music and sports, saying both create unforgettable shared experiences inside stadiums. “Stadiums were made to celebrate a goal, but at the same time, it’s beautiful to see that people sing songs in a stadium,” she said. “Sports and music, they’re different languages, but they create the same emotion.”
Karol G also acknowledged that worldwide success has brought greater responsibility as one of Latin music’s most recognizable ambassadors. “The responsibility of carrying my culture, it’s heavy,” she said, explaining that fame has changed how she approaches both her public and private life.
© Getty ImagesDespite the challenges, she continues to emphasize authentic storytelling and creating meaningful connections with fans across generations.
At the Telemundo Playmakers Summit, Karol G briefly discussed her upcoming Tropicoqueta stadium tour and explained why its timing alongside the FIFA World Cup feels especially meaningful. She compared the physical demands of performing night after night to those of elite athletes, saying she has to approach touring with discipline.
“I’m an athlete too,” she explained, adding that putting on a stadium show requires extensive preparation, training, and taking care of her physical and mental health so she can consistently perform at a high level.
© Getty Images for CoachellaThe Playmakers Spotlights the Future of Global Entertainment
The Playmakers opened with NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde in conversation with Tom Llamas about the future of sports media before turning to discussions featuring leaders across sports, business, technology, fashion, and entertainment.
Karol G’s appearance reinforced how Latin artists have become central figures in shaping global culture, particularly as music increasingly intersects with major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup.
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