Early Life & Background
Gigi Perez, born Gianna Brielle Perez on February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey, grew up in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, she was nurtured in a home where cultural pride, emotional openness, and creative expression were encouraged. In high school at The King’s Academy, Gigi began exploring her passion for performance, singing in musicals and showcasing her charisma on stage. She was also crowned homecoming queen in 2017, a moment that highlighted her natural presence and popularity among peers.
At fifteen, she began songwriting, experimenting with lyrics and melodies that reflected her thoughts and emotions. Her early experiences performing with a local band called Wendy Lane gave her valuable exposure to collaborative music-making. Later, she attended Berklee College of Music for a brief period during the pandemic, but soon decided to focus fully on carving her own path in the music industry.
Career Journey & Major Achievements
Gigi’s professional career began to take shape in 2021, when her heartfelt songs “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” went viral on TikTok. Their raw honesty and melodic strength resonated with a wide audience, quickly propelling her into the spotlight. Soon after, she signed with Interscope Records, an opportunity that allowed her to refine her artistry and reach a broader fan base.
In 2023, she released her debut EP How to Catch a Falling Knife, which showcased her lyrical depth and unique sound. Songs like “The Man,” “When She Smiles,” and “Figurines” highlighted her growth as a songwriter and performer. Though she eventually parted ways with Interscope, she continued to thrive independently, releasing powerful singles like “Normalcy” and “Please Be Rude,” each one connecting with audiences for its sincerity and emotional resonance.
Her career reached a new height in 2024 with the release of “Sailor Song.” The track became a global sensation, peaking at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, topping charts in the UK and Ireland, and amassing over one billion Spotify streams within months. Its success cemented her as one of the most exciting emerging voices in pop and alternative music. In April 2025, she released her debut album At the Beach, in Every Life, a deeply personal body of work exploring themes of grief, love, faith, and healing.
Personal Life & Interests
Gigi’s artistry is inseparable from her personal experiences. The tragic loss of her older sister Celene deeply shaped her music, inspiring some of her earliest songs and giving her work a sense of vulnerability that resonates strongly with fans. Music became both a coping mechanism and a means of connection, allowing her to share her journey of grief and healing with the world.
She has also been open about her identity, sharing that she came out as a lesbian during her teenage years. This openness has made her an important voice within the LGBTQ+ community, where fans often turn to her songs for encouragement and representation. Influenced by artists like Hayley Kiyoko, she has embraced her platform as a space to celebrate authenticity, self-discovery, and pride.
Beyond her music, Gigi enjoys engaging with fans through social media, where she often shares behind-the-scenes moments, songwriting insights, and candid reflections about life.
Awards, Recognition & Notable Contributions
While Gigi’s career is still young, her achievements are already impressive. The viral success of “Sailor Song” has established her as a powerful force in contemporary music. She has performed alongside major acts including Coldplay, Hozier, Noah Cyrus, Girl in Red, and d4vd, showcasing her versatility and stage presence to audiences around the world.
Her recognition extends beyond chart success. Gigi is widely praised for her emotional honesty and ability to transform personal stories into universally relatable songs. This rare gift has positioned her as both an artist and a storyteller, connecting deeply with listeners across cultures and generations.
Legacy, Influence & Impact on Society
Though still at the beginning of her journey, Gigi Perez is shaping a legacy defined by authenticity and emotional courage. She has shown that it is possible to balance commercial success with personal truth, inspiring a generation of young artists to share their stories openly. For many listeners, her music is more than entertainment—it is a source of healing, comfort, and strength.
Her work also underscores the power of digital platforms like TikTok, which gave her the breakthrough moment that changed her career. In this way, Gigi represents a new wave of artists who are redefining the music industry, proving that heartfelt storytelling can thrive in the digital age.
Final Thoughts
Gigi Perez’s rise from a high school musician in Florida to a globally recognized singer-songwriter is a remarkable story of resilience, talent, and authenticity. Her music reflects her personal journey while resonating universally, making her one of the most compelling voices of her generation. With her debut album marking the beginning of what promises to be a long and influential career, Gigi Perez is not just an artist to watch—she is an artist who is already shaping the future of music.
