Despite a month and a half hiatus from the stage, Camila Cabello looked comfortable and effortless for the "Mastercard Presents Camila Cabello" exclusive concert Wednesday night at the Orpheum.
"I am thrilled to be a part of a collaboration that offers me the opportunity to engage with my fans in a way that brings them closer to the music," Cabello said in the event's press release. "I can't wait for fans to see what surprises we have in store."
The concert was not only a way to promote her recent collaboration with the "Priceless Moments" credit card company but also to give fans a look into what's expected for the upcoming Grammy Awards.
"I do have a lot of tea for you guys," Cabello said to the crowd. "But the tea I'm referring to you'll see on Sunday and the second album."
The American-Cuban singer-songwriter performed hits like "Never Be the Same" and "Bad Things," however, Cabello shifted electrical tones to political activism during "Something's Got to Give."
"I see more and more of you choosing love over fear, and that is what this song is all about," Cabello prefaced.
With a montage of videos showing protests for gun reform, immigrant rights and feminism, the 21-year-old delivered an emotional tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and Parkland shooting survivor Emma González.
Definitely a newfound respect for @Camila_Cabello, beautiful performance for “Something’s Got to Give” pic.twitter.com/4IAZcsklbC
— hannah preston (@hanprezton) February 7, 2019
Prior to the electric performance, Cabello held an intimate Q&A press event with Mastercard's Raja Rajamannar. After the CMO asked her what ignited the passion for music, the 21-year-old couldn't exactly narrow down the onset; however, identified that music always served as a bridge for her to connect with others.
Cabello moved to America at the age of 6 from Cuba and reminisced on a Cheetah-licious memory.
"The Cheetah Girls had just come out and I had this 'Cheetah Girl' CD ... [that's how] I remember meeting my first best friend in the United States," Cabello recounted. "She was, like, 'Oh my god, I love the Cheetah Girls' and then we formed a little girl group."
"That's always been — especially when I was younger — my way of connecting with people is through music that I loved and music that makes me feel something," she added.
While it isn't confirmed whether Cabello will take a political approach or take the opportunity to debut new songs, her Grammy performance is much anticipated by fans and music enthusiasts alike.
The 21-year-old is nominated for two Grammy Awards, Pop Vocal Album and Pop Solo Performance.
On Sunday, Cabello will be joined by J Balvin, Ricky Martin, Arturo Sandoval and Young Thug for a jam-packed performance.
The Grammy Awards airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Hannah Preston works remotely from the Los Angeles area. She studied Journalism & New Media at California Baptist University and interned ... Read more
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