Gigi Perez Net Worth 2026: The $2M ‘Sailor Song’ Comeback Story

“Sailor Song” wasn’t supposed to be a global hit. It was an acoustic queer ballad recorded in her childhood bedroom after Interscope Records let her go. Now it’s topped charts in three countries, crossed one billion streams, and turned a 25-year-old who was nearly out of the industry into a millionaire.

Gigi Perez Net Worth 2026: Quick Answer

How Did Gigi Perez Build Her Fortune?

Florida Roots and Early Tragedy

Gianna Brielle Perez was born February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to Cuban parents. Raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, she attended The King’s Academy, where she was crowned homecoming queen in 2017. Songwriting started at 15, and by 2018 she was releasing music as part of the band Wendy Lane.

A brief stint at Berklee College of Music followed, though the COVID-19 pandemic cut that chapter short. In July 2020, her older sister Celene died—a devastating loss that would later inform much of her songwriting. Shortly after, her partner broke up with her.

The First Viral Wave (2021)

To cope with grief, Perez began uploading songs to TikTok. “Celene” (written for her late sister) and “Sometimes (Backwood)” went viral in early 2021, catching industry attention. Interscope Records signed her, and she released the EP “How to Catch a Falling Knife” in 2023.

The Label Drop and Independent Return

Things didn’t work out with Interscope. She was released from her contract in early 2024—a blow that might have ended many careers. Instead, Perez went independent and released “Normalcy” and “Please Be Rude,” building momentum on her own terms.

The “Sailor Song” Phenomenon

In February 2024, Perez wrote “Sailor Song” in her bedroom. She recorded it using a Shure SM7 microphone, creating three vocal tracks panned left, right, and center. She began teasing the acoustic ballad on TikTok in April 2024.

Released July 26, 2024, the song exploded. By August, the initial TikTok clip had soundtracked over 40,000 videos. The official audio had been used in over 75,000. “Sailor Song” peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in Ireland, Latvia, and the UK.

In September 2024, she signed with Island Records. In May 2025, “Sailor Song” joined the Spotify Billions Club—a remarkable achievement for an independent release that preceded her new label deal.

Gigi Perez’s Income Breakdown

The Debut Album

On April 25, 2025, Perez released her self-produced debut studio album “At the Beach, In Every Life” through Island Records. The album debuted at #96 on the Billboard 200 and charted internationally:

• #54 in Canada
• #77 in Ireland
• #36 in Norway
• #38 in New Zealand

The album showcased her evolution from ethereal acoustic folk to full-band indie rock arrangements, while maintaining the emotional depth that defined her viral moments.

The Controversy and Artistic Integrity

“Sailor Song” drew criticism from conservative Christian communities online for the lyric: “I don’t believe in God / But I believe that you’re my savior.” Some requested she remove or change the line.

Her response was characteristically direct. In August 2024, she wrote on TikTok that her songwriting was “not a democracy.” The stance reinforced her commitment to authentic self-expression—and likely strengthened her appeal to fans who valued artistic integrity over commercial palatability.

LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Perez is openly queer and has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ and trans rights. At her 2025 Lollapalooza performance, she spoke openly about queer and trans issues—a stance that resonates deeply with her fanbase and aligns with the themes in her music.

“Sailor Song” itself is a queer love song, describing attraction to a woman who resembles Anne Hathaway. The unabashed queerness of her biggest hit has made her an icon within LGBTQ+ communities.

Major Tour Support

Even before her major breakthrough, Perez built credibility through high-profile support slots:

Gigi Perez vs Other Viral Indie Artists: Net Worth Comparison

The Song Exploder Story

Perez appeared on the podcast “Song Exploder” in July 2025 to discuss “Sailor Song.” She explained that the track emerged from “a place of this deep fear and this hole”—a love song written as an escape from uncertainty and grief.

“I never imagined a song I would write would resonate in the ways it has,” she wrote on Instagram when the track hit one billion streams. “One billion is unfathomable but in certain moments, when I look at you guys each night, I feel what it means to you.”

Gigi Perez’s Social Media Following

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Sailor Song” about?

“Sailor Song” describes Gigi Perez’s attraction to a woman who looks like actress Anne Hathaway. In the chorus, she asks her lover to “kiss me on the mouth and love me like a sailor.” She’s described it as a love song written from a place of grief and uncertainty.

Why did Gigi Perez get dropped by Interscope?

The specific reasons haven’t been publicly disclosed. After being released from Interscope in early 2024, Perez returned to independent music before signing with Island Records following “Sailor Song’s” viral success.

How many streams does “Sailor Song” have?

“Sailor Song” crossed one billion Spotify streams in May 2025, making it one of the most successful independently-released songs to later sign with a major label.

Is Gigi Perez queer?

Yes. Gigi Perez is openly queer and has been vocal about LGBTQ+ advocacy. “Sailor Song” is explicitly a queer love song.

What happened to Gigi Perez’s sister?

Gigi Perez’s older sister Celene died in July 2020. Perez wrote the song “Celene” in her memory, which became one of her early viral tracks.