Gabriela by KATSEYE: The Latin-Pop Anthem & Cultural Phenomenon (2025-2026 Report)

Introduction

In the landscape of 2025 pop music, few tracks captured the global zeitgeist as effectively as “Gabriela” by the trans-national girl group KATSEYE. Released on June 20, 2025, as the second single from their sophomore EP, Beautiful Chaos, the track marked a significant sonic pivot for the HYBE x Geffen sextet. Blending infectious Latin-pop rhythms with high-gloss American production, “Gabriela” not only secured the group’s highest chart position to date but also earned them a prestigious nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

This report analyzes the components of the song’s success, from its star-studded production team to the viral “telenovela-core” aesthetic that dominated social media in late 2025.

The Genesis of “Gabriela”: Production and Composition

Moving beyond the R&B-inflected pop of their debut era, KATSEYE embraced a more global soundscape with “Gabriela.” The track’s credits read like a who’s-who of modern pop architecture.

Key Production Details

Sonic Architecture: The song is built on a reggaeton-inspired driving beat, layered with Spanish guitar riffs and synthesized brass. Critics noted that the bilingual delivery—seamlessly weaving English and Spanish—capitalized on the multilingual abilities of members like Daniela Avanzini and Sophia Laforteza. The involvement of Charli XCX in the writing process contributed to the track’s sharp, confident lyricism, centering on a fictional “Gabriela” persona that embodies authority and chaotic charisma.

Visual Storytelling: The Telenovela Universe

A major driver of the song’s virality was its high-concept music video, which satirized classic soap opera tropes. The video introduces the concept of “Gabriela Enterprises,” a fictional conglomerate where the members compete to succeed a retiring CEO.

Cinematic Cameos and Concept

• Jessica Alba: The Hollywood icon makes a rare music video appearance as the outgoing CEO of Gabriela Enterprises, passing the torch to the group. Her involvement bridged generational gaps, drawing significant media attention from Western outlets.
• Soo Joo Park: The renowned model appears as a talk show host, further rooting the video in high-fashion culture.
• Aesthetic Themes: The video utilizes “retro” voluminous hairstyles, exaggerated dramatic acting, and 2000s-era office fashion (Office Siren aesthetic), which aligned perfectly with TikTok trends in Q3 2025.

Commercial Performance and Awards

“Gabriela” proved to be KATSEYE’s commercial breakthrough in the United States, outperforming their previous viral hit “Touch.”

“With ‘Gabriela,’ KATSEYE didn’t just enter the conversation; they dictated it. The track’s climb to #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 solidified their status as a mainstay in the global pop market.” — Billboard Chart Analysis (July 2025)

Chart Trajectory

• Billboard Hot 100: Peaked at #21.
• Billboard Global 200: Reached #16, reflecting strong international streaming figures in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
• Grammy Awards (2026): Nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best New Artist.

Clarification: The “Gabriela” Identity

Due to the song’s massive popularity, a common misconception has arisen among new fans regarding the group’s lineup. It is crucial to clarify the distinction between the song title and the members.

There is no member named Gabriela in KATSEYE. The group consists of six members:

• Manon Bannerman (Switzerland)
• Sophia Laforteza (Philippines)
• Daniela Avanzini (USA)
• Lara Raj (USA)
• Megan Skiendiel (USA)
• Yoonchae Jeung (South Korea)

Note: Users often confuse the song title with Gabi (Gabriela Dalcin), a Brazilian member of the K-pop group BLACKSWAN, who is a separate entity entirely.

Advanced Topical Map: KATSEYE’s 2025-2026 Era

To fully understand the context of “Gabriela,” one must view it within the broader Beautiful Chaos campaign.

• Parent Album: Beautiful Chaos (2nd EP)
• Related Singles: “Gnarly” (Lead single), “Internet Girl” (2026 follow-up).
• Remixes: “Gabriela (Young Miko Remix)” – This collaboration further cemented the song’s grip on the Latin market in August 2025.
• Touring: The track is a centerpiece of The Beautiful Chaos Tour, often performed with the specific “CEO” choreography seen in the video.