Luísa Sonza is more than a pop star. She's a movement, genre-blending powerhouse, a fearless storyteller. Now, she's officially gone global after wrapping her long-awaited debut U.S. tour, which lit up stages from Los Angeles to NYC.
Born on July 18, 1998, in the small southern Brazilian town of Tuparendi, Luísa Gerloff Sonza has been chasing sound and soul since childhood. She was just seven years old when she began singing at local festivals, tiny stages that could barely contain the voice and ambition of a girl destined for so much more.
Fast-forward to today, she has 13.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 5 billion streams, and a seat at the table with pop royalty. Her rise has been meteoric. From viral YouTube covers to topping charts with deeply personal tracks, Luísa has earned her place as a force in both Brazilian and global music.
She's Brazil's #1 pop artist three years in a row and the first artist in the country's history to debut a song with over 2 million streams. Her latest album "Escândalo Íntimo" didn't just break records, it debuted at #2 on Spotify's global chart, cementing her spot among the most listened-to artists on the planet.
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Now, she took that magic on the road across the United States for the very first time. When the initial tour dates dropped, tickets sold out in just two hours. The demand was so intense that she had to add more dates in cities like New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco/Berkeley, Boston, Orlando, and Miami.
Born on July 18, 1998, in the small southern Brazilian town of Tuparendi, Luísa Gerloff Sonza has been chasing sound and soul since childhood.
But Luísa's music isn't just about the numbers. It's about the feeling. Her sound fuses Brazilian funk, alternative pop, dark R&B, and poetic vulnerability in a way that's fresh, fierce, and unmistakably her own. Her lyrics are intimate and introspective, raw explorations of heartbreak, anxiety, healing, and rebirth. With every album, every track, she gives listeners a front-row seat to her evolution as both an artist and a woman.
It's no surprise that she's caught the attention of international heavyweights. Her collaborators include Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Marshmello, Joe Jonas, Anitta, Pabllo Vittar, Paulo Londra, Kenia OS, and Emilia.
Joe Jomas and Luísa Sonza performing in NYC at Irving Plaza on Thursday, June 19th
She's also the only Brazilian artist ever to receive the Billboard Women in Music Global Force Award, and a three-time Latin Grammy nominee, including two nominations in 2024 for Best Contemporary Pop Album and Best Portuguese Language Song.
Luísa has proven she can do it all: sing, write, produce, act, and host events. (Catch her alongside Pabllo Vittar on HBO Max's "Queen Stars.") She's equal parts artistry and authenticity, always pushing boundaries while staying grounded in the truth of her own story.
Luísa Sonza isn't just having a moment; she's redefining what a global pop star can look and sound like. And now, fresh off the jaw-dropping Escândalo Íntimo U.S. tour, she's sitting down with HOLA! USA for an exclusive interview, opening up like never before.
Your Escândalo Íntimo U.S. tour debut sold out in two hours. Did you expect that kind of fan frenzy?
Honestly, I was so amazed! I knew my fans were incredible, but I didn't expect everything to sell out so fast. Seriously, this is surreal. This shows how much my music means to them and how ready they are to support and enjoy every step of my career. It's a huge motivation for me to keep giving my best and putting on shows they'll love even more. I hope this energy only continues growing, and we can share these unforgettable moments.
You're taking Brazilian pop global right now. How does it feel to be carrying your culture across borders?
It feels incredible. Our culture is rich, vibrant, and full of life, and I want people everywhere to experience that energy and authenticity. It's incredible to see how music can connect us beyond borders, and I'm proud to be a part of this movement. Every time I perform or work on my music, it inspires others to learn more about our culture and feel connected to it, no matter where they are in the world.
Escândalo Íntimo is more than an album; it's a visual, emotional rollercoaster. What was the wildest or most unexpected part of bringing it to life on stage?
Since "Escândalo Íntimo" is so personal and raw, I didn't realize how powerful it would feel to bring that energy to the stage until we did it. Then, watching people reacting so passionately was an unexpected (but expected!) part. You know? When the fans start singing the lyrics with me, losing themselves in the music and vibing… like they're living the story too. I feel like I'm not just performing, I'm sharing a real part of myself, and that's what makes it so special.
This album became Brazil's most-streamed on Spotify ever. At what point did you realize you weren't just making music—you were making history?
Look, honestly, I think I realized that when I saw those numbers keep climbing. That was when I realized what I was creating resonated on a different level. It made me feel proud and grateful, like all the hard work, passion, and honesty I put into my music were truly making an impact. It's an unforgettable feeling to know I'm part of something bigger and inspiring people to express themselves.
Visually and sonically, this album feels bold, personal, and cinematic. What was your north star when creating it?
When creating "Escândalo Íntimo," my north star was always to be authentic and genuine to myself. I wanted the visuals and sounds to be like that because I believe that's how I express what's real inside me. I aimed to tell my story honestly, blending my personal experiences with a bigger, almost movie-like vibe that takes people on a journey. The goal was to create something that my fans could hear the music, feel it deeply, and see the story behind every sound and image.
Brazilian music is having a moment on the global stage, and you're right in the middle of that. What does it mean to you to represent Brazil internationally?
It's honestly a huge honor. Right in the middle of this wave of Brazilian music taking over the global stage, I feel proud and inspired. It means a lot to me to represent my culture, my roots, and all the rich sounds of Brazil on an international level. It's a way to show the world that Brazil has so much to offer, and I hope to be a positive voice for my country while inspiring others to embrace their own culture and identity, too.
Is there a part of Brazilian culture, music, fashion, or even food you wish more people worldwide knew about?
For sure! I love Brazilian food, and I think the world should taste it. Classic examples for me are pão de queijo, feijoada, brigadeiro, and quindim. There's no way not to fall in love when you try those.
Luísa is paving a bold new path for Latin artists around the globe. Whether belting emotional ballads, collaborating with icons, or introducing audiences to the beauty of Brazilian culture, Luísa Sonza stays grounded in authenticity. Her music is cinematic, vulnerable, and alive.
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© Pam Martins
© Luísa Sonza
© Luísa Sonza
© Pam Martins
© Pam Martins
© Pam Martins
