Brief Introduction of Gigi Perez
Gianna Brielle “Gigi” Perez, known professionally as Gigi Perez, is an American singer-songwriter who has rapidly risen to prominence through her emotive indie folk-rock sound and candid lyrical storytelling. Born on February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Perez gained widespread attention in early 2021 after her songs “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” went viral on TikTok, leading to her signing with Interscope Records. Her career breakthrough was further solidified with the release of her single “Sailor Song” in July 2024, an acoustic queer ballad that achieved significant global success, topping charts in multiple countries and peaking on the Billboard Hot 100. A vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Perez has used her platform to share her experiences and advocate for self-expression, making her an emerging icon in the music industry.
Gigi Perez Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gianna Brielle Perez |
| Known As | Gigi Perez, Gigi |
| Date of Birth | February 4, 2000 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Hackensack, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer-songwriter, Musician |
| Genres | Indie Folk, Indie Pop, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Piano |
| Sexual Orientation | Lesbian |
| Parents | Cuban immigrant parents |
| Siblings | Older sister, Celene (deceased July 2020) |
| Height | 5 ft 9.5 in (176.5 cm) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | ~$46.3K (revenue in 2025 based on music streams); ~$3 million (as of 2023, encompassing broader income sources) |
| Relationship Status | In a private relationship with a girlfriend |
| Current Residence | Florida, USA |
Early Life and Education of Gigi Perez
Gianna Brielle Perez was born on February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey. At the age of five or six, her family relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida, where she was primarily raised. Gigi Perez’s early life was marked by her involvement in music and theatre. She attended a Christian school, The King’s Academy, where she actively participated in musicals and was crowned homecoming queen in 2017. Growing up in a religious environment while discovering her identity as a lesbian proved to be a significant challenge for her. She has openly stated that Hayley Kiyoko’s song “Girls Like Girls” played a pivotal role in helping her accept her sexuality, describing how the song “literally saved my life” by providing a voice and a safe space during her formative years.
Perez began writing her own songs at the age of fifteen, finding a profound outlet for her experiences and emotions. During her high school years, she was part of a band called Wendy Lane, with whom she released her initial musical endeavors. Following high school, Perez briefly attended Berklee College of Music, a renowned institution for contemporary music. However, her studies were cut short due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, prompting her to leave the institution. The year 2020 was a particularly challenging period for Gigi Perez; her older sister, Celene, who was two years her senior and a significant musical influence, passed away in July of that year. Shortly after this profound loss, Perez’s partner at the time ended their relationship. To cope with her immense grief and personal turmoil, Gigi Perez turned to TikTok, beginning to upload videos as a means of processing her emotions and sharing her music.
Gigi Perez’s Career
Gigi Perez’s musical journey formally began in 2018 with her high school band, Wendy Lane. However, her career truly took off in early 2021 when she uploaded snippets of her original songs “Celene” (dedicated to her late sister) and “Sometimes (Backwood)” to SoundCloud and TikTok. These raw, acoustic tracks quickly went viral, resonating deeply with audiences and garnering millions of streams. This rapid online success led to her signing a record deal with Interscope Records.
Under Interscope, Perez continued to release music that explored themes of identity and personal experience. In June 2022, she released “The Man,” a single that delves into gender expectations within the queer community. That same month, she gained significant exposure by supporting Coldplay on their “Music of the Spheres World Tour” during their Florida stadium show, an offer she received on her 22nd birthday. She also toured in support of other notable artists such as Noah Cyrus in October 2022 and d4vd in February 2023.
On April 28, 2023, Gigi Perez released her debut extended play (EP), titled How to Catch a Falling Knife. The EP’s title was inspired by the stock market term “never try to catch a falling knife,” a metaphor she felt captured the essence of what she poured into the project. The EP included songs composed three years prior and was accompanied by a music video for the focus track “Kill for You.” The project further showcased her “brooding but strong-willed indie folk-rock” style and ability to weave immersive stories.
In a significant career move, Gigi Perez was released from her contract with Interscope Records in March 2024. Embracing her independence, she released “Normalcy” as her first single as an independent artist, a queer ballad she had previously promoted on TikTok in December 2022. This was followed by “Please Be Rude” a month later. The most impactful release of her career came in July 2024 with “Sailor Song.” This acoustic queer ballad, described as being about a woman resembling Anne Hathaway, quickly became a massive hit. “Sailor Song” went viral on TikTok and achieved considerable commercial success, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topping the charts in Ireland, Latvia, and the United Kingdom. It also reached the top ten in New Zealand and Norway.
Building on the monumental success of “Sailor Song,” Gigi Perez signed with Island Records in September 2024. Her momentum continued into 2025, with the release of her self-produced full-length debut album, At the Beach, In Every Life, on April 25, 2025. The album debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard 200 and also charted internationally, reaching number 54 in Canada, 77 in Ireland, 36 in Norway, and 38 in New Zealand. Gigi Perez has also continued to support other artists on tour in 2025, including Hozier.
Musical Style and Influences
Gigi Perez’s musical style is often characterized as “brooding but strong-willed indie folk-rock” and “earnest indie folk-rock.” She blends emotional depth with a raw, folk-inspired sound, creating intimate storytelling through her heartfelt lyrics. Her early viral songs were noted for their ethereal and acoustic qualities, a foundation she later strengthened with atmospheric synths and full-band indie rock arrangements. Perez has cited her late sister, Celene, as a primary inspiration for her music, and named Ariana Grande as one of her favorite artists. Her background in theater also played a significant role in shaping her approach to music, influencing her ability to create grand, detailed, and expansive sonic experiences.
Gigi Perez Personal Life & Family
Gigi Perez, whose full name is Gianna Brielle Perez, was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on February 4, 2000. She is the daughter of Cuban immigrant parents. A deeply personal aspect of her life, and a significant influence on her music, is the loss of her older sister, Celene, who passed away in July 2020. Celene, who was only two years older, was Gigi’s main introduction to music, being involved in school music theater and training as an opera singer.
Gigi Perez is openly lesbian, a part of her identity that she has embraced and which is often reflected in her music. She has spoken candidly about the challenges of growing up gay in a conservative religious environment, noting that it was “very taxing” on her. She found immense support and self-acceptance through the music of artists like Hayley Kiyoko and Troye Sivan, crediting them with helping her come to terms with her sexuality. While she experienced a breakup with a partner around the same time as her sister’s passing in 2020, she is currently in a private relationship with a girlfriend. She generally maintains privacy regarding the specifics of her romantic relationships.
Currently, Gigi Perez is based in Florida, though she launched her music career from Brooklyn. Her lifestyle reflects her artistic endeavors, often involving touring and engaging with her growing fanbase. Her personal experiences, particularly those related to grief and identity, serve as profound inspiration for her songwriting, allowing her to connect authentically with her audience.
Awards and Achievements of Gigi Perez
Gigi Perez has accumulated several notable achievements throughout her blossoming career:
- 2017 Homecoming Queen: During her high school years at The King’s Academy, she was crowned homecoming queen.
- Viral Success on TikTok: Her songs “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” achieved immense viral popularity on TikTok in early 2021, marking her breakthrough into the music scene.
- Major Label Signing: Following her viral success, she signed with Interscope Records, a significant step in her professional music career.
- Support Tours with Major Artists: She has had the opportunity to support prominent artists on tour, including Coldplay on their “Music of the Spheres World Tour” in June 2022, Noah Cyrus in October 2022, d4vd in February 2023, and Hozier in 2025.
- Chart-Topping Single “Sailor Song”: Her 2024 single “Sailor Song” became a global hit, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and reaching number one in Ireland, Latvia, and the United Kingdom, as well as the top ten in New Zealand and Norway.
- Island Records Signing: After a period of independence, Gigi Perez signed with Island Records in September 2024, signifying continued industry recognition of her talent and potential.
- 2025 MTV VMA Nominations: In 2025, Gigi Perez received multiple nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). She is a first-time nominee in categories including “Best New Artist,” “MTV Push Performance of the Year” for “Sailor Song,” and “Best Alternative” also for “Sailor Song.”
Gigi Perez Net Worth and Income
Estimating the precise net worth of a rising artist like Gigi Perez can be complex due to the varied and often private nature of income streams. As of 2025, Popnable.com provides an estimated revenue for Gigi Perez of approximately $46.3K, with a forecast ranging between $45K and $59.5K. This estimate primarily reflects her earnings from music streams.
However, another source, Sangath.in, estimated Gigi Perez’s net worth to be around $3 million as of 2023. This higher figure likely encompasses a broader range of income sources beyond just music streaming royalties. These can include earnings from acting and modeling contracts, entrepreneurial ventures, brand endorsements, revenue from her significant social media presence (including TikTok and Instagram), and income from public appearances and live performances. Given her touring with major artists, her own headline shows, and the global success of “Sailor Song,” her income sources are diverse. While the Popnable figure reflects current music streaming revenue, the 2023 broader estimate suggests a more comprehensive financial standing, likely accumulating from various aspects of her entertainment career.
Legacy and Influence
Gigi Perez is rapidly establishing herself as a significant voice and an LGBTQ+ icon in the contemporary music landscape. Her candid songwriting, which often delves into themes of identity, grief, and queer experiences, resonates deeply with her audience, fostering a strong sense of connection and community. By openly discussing her journey of self-acceptance as a lesbian, particularly within a religious upbringing, she provides an inspiring and relatable narrative for many, empowering others to embrace their own truths.
Her music is characterized by its intimate storytelling and raw, emotional depth, prompting listeners to engage with her work on a profound level. The immense viral success of songs like “Celene” and “Sailor Song” highlights her ability to craft music that not only captures public attention but also generates significant cultural conversation, particularly around LGBTQ+ themes. Through her art, Gigi Perez contributes to a growing movement of artists who use their platforms for social commentary and advocacy, encouraging dialogue on queer and trans rights. Her willingness to be outspoken, asserting that her songwriting is “not a democracy” in response to conservative criticism, further solidifies her image as a fearless artist committed to authentic self-expression.
Interesting Facts about Gigi Perez
- Gigi Perez’s real full name is Gianna Brielle Perez.
- She began writing songs at the age of 15.
- Her hit song “Celene” is named after and dedicated to her older sister who passed away in 2020, serving as a powerful tribute to their bond.
- She found coping and healing through uploading videos to TikTok after experiencing significant personal losses in 2020.
- Her experience in musical theater during high school significantly influenced her approach to music, leading her to perceive and create music with a sense of grandeur and intricate detail.
- The title of her debut EP, How to Catch a Falling Knife, was inspired by a stock market term, which she felt aptly represented the raw and unfiltered nature of the project.
- She is credited Hayley Kiyoko’s “Girls Like Girls” and Troye Sivan’s “Blue Neighbourhood” with profoundly impacting her journey of accepting her sexuality, calling them “life-saving” and a “safe space.”
- Despite the success, she expressed surprise at how big “Sailor Song” became, noting that she had been released from her previous record deal just months before its release.
- She has performed at major festivals like Lollapalooza in 2025, where she used her platform to advocate for queer and trans rights.
Controversies
While Gigi Perez has largely maintained a positive public image, her breakthrough single “Sailor Song” did spark some controversy, particularly from conservative Christian communities. The specific lyric “I don’t believe in God, but I believe that you’re my savior” drew complaints. In response to this criticism, Perez asserted her artistic freedom, reminding her followers that her songwriting process was “not a democracy.” This stance reinforced her commitment to authentic self-expression and her role as an LGBTQ+ advocate, prioritizing artistic integrity over external approval.
Social Media Presence
Gigi Perez maintains a strong and engaged presence across various social media platforms, which has been instrumental in her career growth, particularly her initial viral success on TikTok. Her platforms serve as key channels for connecting with fans and sharing updates on her music and personal journey.
- TikTok: Gigi Perez has a substantial following on TikTok, with approximately 7 million followers as of August 2025. This platform was crucial in her early career, with her songs “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” going viral there.
- Instagram: On Instagram, Gigi Perez engages with her fanbase, sharing updates and personal insights. While older data indicated over 280,000 followers, more recent consolidated figures are not explicitly available for her direct account in current searches, but her presence is consistent with her public profile.
- YouTube: Her official YouTube channel boasts approximately 284,000 subscribers, where she shares music videos, visualizers, and other content related to her releases and performances.
- X (Twitter): Gigi Perez also has a presence on X (formerly Twitter), though specific follower counts were not readily available in recent search results. She uses this platform to interact with her audience and share thoughts.
Final Words about Gigi Perez
Gigi Perez has cemented her position as a compelling and authentic voice in the contemporary music scene. From her viral origins on TikTok to securing major label deals and releasing a globally charting album, her trajectory has been marked by resilience and artistic integrity. Her ability to channel personal experiences of grief and identity into universally resonant music has cultivated a dedicated fanbase and established her as a powerful figure, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
As of 2025, Gigi Perez is thriving, having released her debut studio album, At the Beach, In Every Life, through Island Records in April, which also saw international chart success. Her continued touring, including supporting established artists like Hozier, signifies her growing stature in the industry. Looking ahead, Gigi Perez is poised to further build upon her success, continuing to create music that is both deeply personal and widely impactful. Her commitment to fearless self-expression and advocacy ensures that her legacy will be one of authenticity, inspiring countless individuals through her art and her journey.