by Shamel Anderson
Published on: On January 06, 2026
Photography by Bianca Mehnert
Kelly Vargas: Navigating Independence in Pop and R&B
Currently based in Los Angeles, the talented Kelly Vargas is a Costa Rican-American singer-songwriter with an upbringing in New York. Vargas’ catalog and talents are exhibited in original productions and as a singer with songs in various genres such as pop, alternative R&B, and Latin. Her work honors her roots, with so many ranging from love to identity, but all of these topics come from an authentic and versatile artist. Her project "Liar" (2025) explored the themes of deception and empowerment. Her ability to harness music as a medium that’s solely sonic but provides a full-on theatrical experience is so unique that many of her projects follow this ‘4D Experience,’ followed by "Lavish" in July—a pop-dancehall hybrid praised for its catchy hooks and official music video. "Luna De Miel," a collaboration with Anastasia, added a honeymoon-inspired vibe to her artistry. As of early 2026, her latest release, "Verte," exemplifies skillful variation and musical diversification.
Kelly Vargas ‘Verte’
"Verte" represents a culmination of this phase. The title translates to "see you" in Spanish; it encapsulates Vargas' thematic focus on passion and connection. Not her first time exploring these themes, but when she does, she delivers. It persuades listeners to tap in to their emotions through the rhythm in that classic way to the adjacent music. This track garnered the attention of some very prominent industry leaders. This release aligns with her appearances on projects like Tune Reactor Summer Sampler Vol. 2 (2024) and Urbano Ibérico (2023). The esteemed critic Steve Baltin hosted an interview with Vargas in a Forbes profile from May 2025, highlighting her potential to "change the culture" through engaging sounds and aspirations as both a performer and songwriter for others. Her music has found placements in media, including Netflix, Telemundo, Peacock, and Sephora. Kelly Vargas isn’t just a singer; she’s a pioneer for people who deserve to tell their stories.