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

Importantly, “Sailor Song” wasn’t supposed to be a global hit. Instead, it started as an acoustic queer ballad that she recorded in her childhood bedroom after Interscope Records let her go. However, the song eventually topped charts in three countries, crossed one billion streams, and transformed Gigi Perez net worth from nearly nothing to millionaire status.

Gigi Perez Net Worth 2026: Quick Answer

Gigi Perez net worth in 2026 reaches an estimated $1 million to $2 million. Her wealth comes primarily from the viral success of “Sailor Song” (1 billion+ Spotify streams), her debut album “At the Beach, In Every Life” (April 2025), and touring income from supporting artists like Hozier and performing at festivals like Lollapalooza.

How Did Gigi Perez Build Her Net Worth?

Florida Roots and Early Tragedy

Gianna Brielle Perez was born on February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to Cuban parents. Subsequently, her family raised her in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she attended The King’s Academy. During her high school years, she earned the title of homecoming queen in 2017. Additionally, she began writing songs at 15 and released music in 2018 as part of the band Wendy Lane.

After high school, she briefly attended Berklee College of Music but left during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tragically, in July 2020, her older sister Celene died—a devastating loss that would later shape much of her songwriting. Shortly after, her partner ended their relationship, compounding her grief.

The First Viral Wave That Started Building Gigi Perez Net Worth (2021)

To cope with her grief, Perez started uploading songs to TikTok. Consequently, “Celene” (which she wrote for her late sister) and “Sometimes (Backwood)” went viral in early 2021. Because of this success, industry executives took notice. As a result, Interscope Records signed her, and she released the EP “How to Catch a Falling Knife” in 2023.

The Label Drop and Independent Return

Unfortunately, things didn’t work out with Interscope. The label released her from her contract in early 2024—a blow that might have ended many careers. Nevertheless, Perez chose to go independent and released “Normalcy” and “Please Be Rude,” thereby building momentum on her own terms.

The “Sailor Song” Phenomenon That Transformed Gigi Perez Net Worth

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

When she released the song on July 26, 2024, it exploded immediately. By August, the initial TikTok clip had soundtracked over 40,000 videos. Furthermore, users had incorporated the official audio into over 75,000 additional videos. According to Billboard, “Sailor Song” peaked at #22 on the Hot 100 and topped charts in Ireland, Latvia, and the UK.

Because of this massive success, Island Records signed her in September 2024. Moreover, in May 2025, “Sailor Song” joined the Spotify Billions Club—a remarkable achievement that significantly boosted Gigi Perez net worth.

Gigi Perez Net Worth: Income Breakdown

The Debut Album’s Impact on Gigi Perez Net Worth

On April 25, 2025, Perez released her self-produced debut studio album “At the Beach, In Every Life” through Island Records. Notably, 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

Throughout the album, she showcased her evolution from ethereal acoustic folk to full-band indie rock arrangements. However, she maintained the emotional depth that defined her viral moments. As a result, critics praised her artistic growth while fans appreciated her authentic sound—all contributing to growing Gigi Perez net worth through album sales and streaming.

The Controversy and Artistic Integrity

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

However, her response demonstrated characteristic directness. In August 2024, she wrote on TikTok that her songwriting “is not a democracy.” Consequently, this stance reinforced her commitment to authentic self-expression—and likely strengthened her appeal to fans who valued artistic integrity over commercial palatability.

LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Gigi Perez Net Worth Growth

Perez openly identifies as queer and consistently uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ and trans rights. For example, 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.

Additionally, “Sailor Song” itself functions as a queer love song that describes attraction to a woman who resembles Anne Hathaway. Because of this unabashed queerness in her biggest hit, she has become an icon within LGBTQ+ communities—expanding her audience and, consequently, Gigi Perez net worth.

Major Tour Support Building Gigi Perez Net Worth

Even before her major breakthrough, Perez built credibility through high-profile support slots. Specifically, she opened for several major artists:

Therefore, by the time “Sailor Song” went viral, she had already developed the live performance skills necessary to capitalize on her newfound fame and maximize Gigi Perez net worth through touring revenue.

Gigi Perez Net Worth vs Other Viral Indie Artists

Compared to her peers, Perez has accumulated wealth more quickly because her viral moment occurred after she had already developed industry experience and a loyal fanbase.

The Song Exploder Story

Perez appeared on the podcast Song Exploder in July 2025 to discuss “Sailor Song.” During the interview, she explained that the track emerged from “a place of this deep fear and this hole”—essentially, a love song that she wrote 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.” Clearly, this emotional connection with her audience has driven much of her success and continues to grow Gigi Perez net worth.

Gigi Perez Social Media Following

FAQ: Gigi Perez Net Worth 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 has described it as a love song that she wrote from a place of grief and uncertainty—and it became the primary driver of Gigi Perez net worth.

Why did Interscope drop Gigi Perez?

The label has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons. After Interscope released her from her contract in early 2024, Perez returned to independent music. Subsequently, Island Records signed her following “Sailor Song’s” viral success.

How many streams does “Sailor Song” have?

“Sailor Song” crossed one billion Spotify streams in May 2025. Consequently, it became one of the most successful songs that an artist initially released independently before signing with a major label—and the main source of Gigi Perez net worth.

Is Gigi Perez queer?

Yes. Gigi Perez openly identifies as queer and has consistently advocated for LGBTQ+ causes. Furthermore, “Sailor Song” explicitly functions as a queer love song.

What is Gigi Perez net worth in 2026?

Gigi Perez net worth in 2026 is estimated between $1 million and $2 million, according to industry analysis based on streaming revenue, touring income, and album sales.