Karol G’s Musical & Movie References in ‘CONTIGO’: Did You Spot Them?

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Karol G just turned 33. How did she celebrate? Like a teenager from the mid-2000s. Quite literally! She used the release of her new song with Tiestö, «Contigo,» to recreate some visual scenes that defined her teenage years. Did you catch that? She wanted to show that each shot pays homage to those years when she was discovering love for the first time. Interestingly, in case toy didn’t notice, the song itself samples one of Leona Lewis’s biggest hits: «Bleeding Love.» 

Once again, ‘la Bichota’ collaborated with Pedro Artola for direction. Artola, a young Spanish filmmaker, has directed almost all of her music videos from the MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO (Tomorrow Will Be Beautiful) era. But there’s more to it. Karol G also featured a highly anticipated co-star whom her fans had been eagerly expecting ever since she teased them with a ‘mysterious woman’ for the promotion of this new music video: Young Miko. 

Miko takes on the role of Karol’s romantic interest this time, –in a creative reinterpretation of some of the most iconic scenes from other music videos and movies, but this time with two women. This approach offers LGBTQ+ individuals, who had fewer role models back then, a chance to connect with these visuals in a more meaningful way.

 

So, did you catch the references? If not, we tell you.

Karol G’s Obsession with Rihanna’s «We Found Love» 

While «Contigo» pays musical homage to Leona Lewis, visually, Karol has recreated some of the most iconic moments from Rihanna‘s «We Found Love» music video. When the song was released, Carolina Giraldo was 19 years old and dreamt of becoming a global star. Who would have imagined she’d end up meeting Riri at the 2022 Super Bowl? Not only that, but the Barbadian singer also invited her to her own box. 

In this way, Karol G wanted to recreate some of the most iconic scenes from Rihanna’s famous music video shot in 2011. Some shots are identical, as are certain moments. 

The first one that catches our attention is Karol G and Young Miko getting tattoos together in a house, reminiscent of Rihanna’s scene with model Dudley O’Shaughnessy in the original video. 

The Colombian and the Puerto Rican also recreate the shower scene, with shots that closely mirror the original. 

Of course, Karol G, as if she were Rihanna herself, also sings against a wall adorned with projections, evoking a sense of déjà vu throughout the video. 

 Karol G’s Three Steps Above Heaven Moment 

‘La Bichota’ also resurrects one of the beloved romantic films. And which one is it? None other than the Spanish movie, Three Steps Above Heaven: the love story that became a worldwide sensation starring Mario Casas and María Valverde. In fact, the singer was a huge fan of the actor. In her album Unstoppable, she even wrote a song called «Ganas de ti» inspired by the second part of the film.

     My song ‘Ganas de ti’ is very special to me because it describes a situation that many women go through –falling platonically in love with someone they’ve never met. A guy we see from afar, or an artist, but you genuinely desire them. I fell in love from the first movie I watched; then, I started looking for more and watching other films, seeing interviews, and, as a person, he captivated me.”

Karol G becomes the protagonist of Three Steps Above Heaven at the end of «CONTIGO.» She appears as the lead in the middle of the dance floor to the rhythm of her song. 

Meanwhile, Young Miko, as if she were Mario Casas (Hache), looks down at her from above the dance floor. They even touch each other in the same way as in the movie. 

Original article in Spanish for LOS40 Spain.