Myriam Hernández Triumphantly Returns to Viña del Mar After 23 Years: ‘I Dreamed of This Moment’
Music
“I dreamed of this moment,” says the iconic singer on her first concert at the festival in 23 years.
Myriam Hernndez at press conference in Via del Mar.
Fernando Gutirrez
Espaol
Iconic Chilean songstress Myriam Hernández graced the stage on Monday (Feb. 24) at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival, marking her first performance at the event in over 20 years. At 7:45 p.m. ET, the singer made a memorable entrance with “El Hombre Que Yo Amo,” her hit from 1992, accompanied by a live band featuring keyboards, melancholic violins, and a cello.
Dressed elegantly in a black, beaded gown with a leg slit, Hernández showcased her signature vocal range and poise right from the start. She continued with a seamless transition into “Te Pareces Tanto A Él,” accompanied by striking visuals including fiery planet imagery, masks, and bucolic scenery.
The show continued with the ranchera-tinged “Nos Lo Hemos Dicho Todo,” continuing to display her exceptional vocal prowess. “Good evening Viña, I dreamed of this moment. 23 years have passed, and 35 years since I stood up on this stage for the first time; and you made that dream of that four-year-old girl come true,” she said in between songs. “I just have to give infinite thanks to God, to you, to all of you.”
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Following nostalgic hits like “Mío” and a vibrant medley that included “Dónde Estará Mi Primavera” and “Rescátame,” the stage came alive with more dynamic visuals. Chilean musician Valentín Trujillo also joined her for “Se Me Fue” on the grand piano, enriching the historic moment.
One of the night’s highlights was the appearance of the Power Peralta twins, whose electrifying dance moves in fiery red pants and sparkly B.B. Simon belts — and their washboard abs — complemented Hernández’s performance of “Leña Y Fuego.” The star, now in a shorter, more flamboyant dress, continued to rev up the energy, surrounded by a dozen female dancers, cementing her status as a queen of the stage. “Myriam, you are the queen of Chile, and thank you very much for representing us so well,” exclaimed one of the Power Peralta brothers.
The emotional peak of the night arrived as Hernández was awarded the prestigious Gaviota de Platino (Platinum Seagull) — which has only been awarded four times (Luis Miguel, Juan Gabriel, Lucho Gatica, Los Jaivas) in its 64th history of the festival; she is the fifth artist to receive the coveted prize. She also received Gaviotas de Oro and Plata. “It is so difficult to talk and describe what I feel,” said the emotional performer. “I am proud to be Chilean, and that is my flag to the whole world, you are my greatest motivation.”
As Hernández sang “Ay Amor,” tears streamed down her face. “Myriam Hernández, the balladeer of America, leaves an indelible mark on Viña and all who witnessed this historic return,” remarked one of the announcers as the showcase came to an end.
Ha*Ash Returns to Viña
After seven years, Ha*Ash returns to Viña del Mar where they delivered their unmatched country-tinged pop offerings. Wearing fringe vests and pants, a studded belt and cowboy hat and boots, sisters Hanna Nicole and Ashley Grace arrived all smiles to the stage. The duo captivated the audience with songs such as “Te Dejo en Libertad”; “100 Años” and “Ex de Verdad.” After 20 minutes of performance, the hosts took to the stage to present the Gaviota de Plata award. Then, the show continued with “Perdón, Perdón” and “Lo Aprendí de Ti,” all accompanied by a country twang. “In one hour they gave more art and love than others who gave it almost three hours,” wrote one Instagram user. Ha*Ash ended up winning the Gaviota de Oro as well.
On Wednesday (Feb. 25), Viña will continue with Colombia’s Morat headlining and Sebastian Yatra; Feb. 26 with Carlos Vives headlining and Carín León; Feb. 27 with Incubus, Juan Carlos López and The Cult; and Feb. 28, urban night, with headliner Duki, Eladio Carrión and Kid Voodoo.
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