The 2019 Viña del Mar Festival is in full swing, bringing some of the hottest acts in music to the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater in Viña del Mar, Chile.
Celebrating its 59th year, the renowned International Song Festival kicked off Sunday and culminates Friday (March 1). The five-day event features local and international artists, who compete for one of three awards: silver torch, golden torch and silver seagull.
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The festival’s audience, aka “the monster,” also plays an important role, openly demonstrating its acceptance or displeasure with the artist. If an artist receives all three awards after their presentation, they are seen as a major artist in Chile and in Latin America.
The 2019 Viña included the first-time participation of artists such as Becky G and Carlos Rivera alongside veterans such as Marc Anthony and Marco Antonio Solis.
Check out some of the highlights below.
Wisin & Yandel make their historic Viña comeback
After six years, Wisin & Yandel returned to the Viña del Mar stage to pump up the crowd with emblematic hits such as “Pegao,” “Rakata” and “Pam Pam.” The Puerto Rican “duo de la historia” walked away with the ultimate award of the night, the Gaviota de Oro.
Sebastian Yatra’s emotional tribute to Venezuela
During his first-ever Viña, Colombian singer Sebastian Yatra used the opportunity to send a special message of solidarity to Venezuela. “I had the opportunity to converse via telephone with the president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, and together we asked God to help those whose families have had to leave their homeland, those who have had to leave their loved ones behind, and all this for the ambition of a miserable regimen like that of Nicolás Maduro,” he said, before singing his single “Un Año.” Yatra, who nabbed the Gold and Silver Gaviotas, was joined onstage by a group of Venezuelan immigrants.
Becky G having a sweet moment with Marc Anthony
Becky G has yet to take the stage at the 2019 Viña del Mar (she’s scheduled for Friday), but clearly, she’s been having a great time at the Chilean festival — especially during the Marc Anthony set. Not only will the “Sin Pijama” singer perform for the first time in Viña, but she’s also the youngest judge this year at 21.
Marc Anthony kept salsa alive at Viña
Marc Anthony, blessed as the official tamer of the “monster,” took the Viña del Mar stage on its third night, hyping the crowd with his best tropical hits, including “Flor Palida” and “Valio la Pena.” “We’ve traveled the world 20,000 times, but there’s no place in the world that feels like being in Viña,” Marc said. After his performance, Marc walked away with the Silver and Gold Gaviotas.
Backstreet Boys return after two decades
Backstreet Boys sold out their show in two hours when Viña announced they were making a comeback at this year’s festival. The ‘90s boy band, who walked away with the Gold Gaviota, sang their greatest hits such as “As Long as You Love Me” and “Everybody.” “It’s incredible to be here, we did this 21 years ago,” group member AJ McLean said. “We’ve been a little busy and it’s so great to be back and we can’t wait to come again with the DNA Tour.”
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Carlos Rivera conquers Viña with heartfelt first-time performance
Besides being part of the jury, Mexican crooner Carlos Rivera also took the Viña del Mar stage for the first time ever. During his set, he performed some of his biggest hits, including “Amo mi Locura,” “Me Muero,” and “Recuerdama” from the Coco soundtrack. One of the highlights from his set was when he was joined by all of the judges, including Yuri, Becky G and Sebastian Yatra, to send a message of solidarity to Venezuela. Rivera walked away with the Gaviota de Plata and Gaviota de Oro.
Becky G celebrates her birthday at Viña del Mar Festival
Singing some of her hits, including “Mayores” and “Sin Pijama,” Becky G did not fail to impress during her first-ever showcase at Viña. Prior to her show, Becky revealed on Instagram stories that she was feeling under the weather. However, the Mexican-American singer poured her heart out during her set, which included fierce dance choreographies and killer visuals. Becky, who also walked away with the Silver and Gold Gaviotas, celebrated her 22nd birthday at the event.
Bad Bunny had all of Chile on their feet!
Bad Bunny took the Viña stage to sing his hits such as “Soy Peor,” “Chambea,” and “Caro.” His energetic set had minimal background dancers, captivating visuals, and lots of fire. In addition to having all of Chile on their feet during his one hour and 30-second presentation, Bunny surprised fans with Arcangel and Frabian, as his special guests. Bunny also conquered the audience, receiving the silver and gold gaviotas.