CULTURE

Camila Cabello Performed “Havana” Dressed as Marilyn Monroe at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Wonder how Madonna feels about this?


2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards camila cabello
Kevin Winter/Getty Images

One of the most anticipated performers at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards was Camila Cabello, and she definitely did not disappoint. The singer channeled Marilyn Monroe, wearing a hot pink dress, gloves, thigh-high boots, and matching cat-eye sunglasses in a re-creation of both Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes—a look previously re-created by music icon Madonna for her “Material Girl” music video.

The performance also featured male backup dancers wearing tuxedos with tails and top hats, just like in both Marilyn’s and Madonna’s performances. Young Thug, who is featured on the song, popped in for his verse wearing a white turtleneck and blazer and delivered a pink rose to Camila. Both artists, of course, wore large diamond necklaces to tie in the theme.

“Every time I’ve performed this song, I’ve done something different,” Camila said in an introduction to the live performance. “It just takes me to that really sexy, sensual place.” Camila also revealed that the track is close to her heart for another personal reason: “My grandmother loves that song!”

On the iHeart red carpet, the 21-year-old singer, wearing a semi-sheer top and colorful skirt, opened up about her upcoming tour with Taylor Swift and Charli XCX. “For me, it’s a dream come true. When I first met [Taylor Swift] four years ago, I was like, ‘I really love you,’ ” Camila said. “I was like, ‘Man, I really look up to you. You really inspire me.’ She was one of the people that made me wanna start songwriting, so it’s really amazing.”

Fans loved the performance, of course, and posted their excitement on social media—not surprising considering the Camilizers won the iHeartRadio Music Award for Fan Army Celebration earlier in the night. “LOOK AT HER, SHES A PINK PRINCESS,” one person tweeted. Check out the performance for yourself, below.

Related: People Really Want Camila Cabello to Play Maria in the West Side Story Remake