Aria Vega will bring Caribbean maximalism to L.A. and soon, the Latin Grammys

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Set us as preferred One word that could describe Aria Vega’s whirlwind 2026? Chévere.The Colombian expression for “awesome” is also the name of the fast-rising star’s global smash hit.Released in January, the breezy tropical swing of “Chévere” — and the rest of her sun-kissed singles — embodies the spirit of Colombia’s Caribbean coast where she hails from.Ahead of the Latin Grammys on Nov.

12, where Vega will be in the running for the best new artist award, Vega is taking what she calls her “Costeñita Core” pop movement on the road, with her first-ever U.S.tour.“Looking back at all the dreams I’ve accomplished and made come true, it’s all blessings,” a wide-grinning Vega says over Zoom from Miami.“I’ve been crying tears of joy with my family, my friends and my combo chévere, as I like to call my fandom.

Every artist wishes and dreams of a Latin Grammy, and for me, just to be one of the nominees is like, ‘Yo, I’m a winner!’”Vega was born Mariana Padilla Pérez in Barranquilla, where she lived the lifestyle of the costeños — or the people of Colombia’s Caribbean coastal region.She has been steadily chasing her dreams of superstardom since competing on “Idol Colombia” in 2014; but Vega finally started making waves last year when she integrated more costeño culture, rhythms and slang into her mellowed, Spanglish pop flow.“Chévere” exploded in popularity after fellow Colombian singer Ryan Castro jumped on the remix in February.

Since then, Vega has pushed “Costeñita Core” further into the mainstream with songs like the alluring “Cule Poco (Sirena_Besarico_Costeña),” and the sultry “Compa Coleto (Uy_Como),” offering unhurried takes on champeta and other Afro-Caribbean rhythms.Vega just kicked off her U.S.Cariavales Tour, which includes a stop at the Roxy i...