Still (Karol G and Bruno Mars song)

"Still"
Single by Karol G and Bruno Mars
from the album No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto
LanguageEnglish
ReleasedAugust 11, 2026 (2026-08-11)
Genre
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Karol G
  • Bruno Mars
  • Thomas
  • D'Mile (co.)
Karol G singles chronology
"Matadora"
(2026)		 "Still"
(2026)
Bruno Mars singles chronology
"On My Soul"
(2026)		 "Still"
(2026)
Music video
Official Visualizer on YouTube

"Still" is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G and American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars from Karol G's sixth studio album, No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto (2026). It was written by Carolina Giraldo Navarro, Peter Hernandez, Alexandra Yatchenko, Isabel LaRosa and Thomas LaRosa. Karol G, Mars and Thomas produced the track with D'Mile co-producing it. Isabel and Tomás LaRosa sent Karol G the song, who identified with its lyrics. The track was sent to Mars, who agreed to participate.

"Still" was added to contemporary hit radio as the third single from the album in the United States on August 11, 2026. It is a synth-pop and 80s love power ballad and Karol G's first English-language song. The track features the duo harmonizing over a heartfelt reflection on love, heartbreak, vulnerability, and hope. It received mixed reviews from music critics. Some considered it an album highlight and praised Mars's vocals, while others criticized Giraldo's English delivery and the song's message as formulaic.

"Still" debuted at number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Giraldo and Mars have performed the track live twice, once at the latter's Bellagio club, The Pinky Ring, and the other at the SoFi Stadium as part of Giraldo's Viajando Por el Mundo Tropitour (2026-27). The music video was recorded during the latter's performance.

Background and development

On August 5, 2026, Karol G announced the album's tracklist via Instagram.[1] It included "Still" with Bruno Mars. The latter re-shared Giraldo's post on their Instagram Stories and left a rose emoji in the comments.[2]

Giraldo spoke about her collaboration with Mars in a TikTok video. "There's a fully English song on the album, but I don't want it to be seen as simply my English-language track," She continued. "I've always embraced making music in different languages whenever it feels genuine. This song came into my life at exactly the right moment as it captured everything I was feeling, and I hope it resonates with many people." She also dedicated a message to Mars: "Thank you, Bruno Mars, for the magic in this song and for feeling it the way I did. You're incredible."[3]

"Still" was written by Carolina Giraldo Navarro, Peter Hernandez, Alexandra Yatchenko, Isabel LaRosa and Thomas LaRosa. It was produced by Karol G, Mars, Thomas, and co-produced by D'Mile. Joel Iglesias and Charles Moniz were the recording engineers, while Eli Heisler provided additional engineering. Bryce Bordone and Serban Ghenea mixed the song at MixStar Studios, Virginia Beach. Randy Merrill mastered the track at Sterling Sound, Edgewater, New Jersey.[4]

Writing and recording

Various publications noticed "Still" was Giraldo's first track sung only in English.[5][6][7] It becames her first entirely English-language song on one of her albums, No Me Arrepiento De Sentir Tanto (2026). Nevertheless, she has previously sang entirely in English on Tiësto's collaborative single, "Don't Be Shy" (2021).[8]

Giraldo said she had long considered recording music in English but had never actively pursued it. She affirmed that when songwriters Isabel and Tomás LaRosa sent her the song, she identified with its lyrics and decided to retain its original English-language form rather than translate or adapt it. The song was subsequently sent to Mars, who agreed to participate and contributed to its production. Mars also directed Giraldo's vocal performance during a recording session, advising her to retain her accent while ensuring the lyrics remained understandable. The pair recorded the song during an overnight studio session while Mars was on tour.[9]

Giraldo described the collaboration as a natural development rather than an attempt to target the English-language market. She said she remained open to recording music in English in the future, but preferred to do so when a song felt appropriate rather than deliberately producing an English-language album.[9]

Release

"Still" was initially released on August 7, 2026, through Interscope and Bichota Records, as the sixth track on Giraldo's sixth studio album, No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto (2026).[10] New Music Server announced the track was serviced to US Pop radio on the same date.[11] The track's official single release was formalized on August 11, 2026, being added to contemporary hit radio by Interscope and Atlantic.[12] On August 18, 2026, the song was added to rhythmic contemporary radio stations by the aforementioned labels.[13] On August 20, 2026, the track was given a distinct release on digital platforms, featuring a single-specific cover art.[14] This transition was formally acknowledged by her record label, Bichota Records, through their official platforms.[15]

Composition

"Still" is a synth-pop and 80's love power ballad.[16][17][18] Jessica Roiz from Billboard described the song as "80s-inspired synthwave power ballad with a nostalgic, neon-drenched sound" as the duo harmonizes over its lyrics.[3] Complex's Dimas Sanfiorenzo found the duet to be "80s-influenced emo", while Billboard's Isabela Raygoza dubbed it as a "nostalgic, '80s-inspired power-ballad sheen" with an "emotional hook".[19][20]

The Latin Times found "Still" to be "an '80s-tinged duet about love that outlasts a breakup."[5] HOLA! 's Shirley Gomez noticed that Mars smooth vocals blend effortlessly with Karol G's softer, "more restrained" delivery, creating a duet driven by emotion rather than "flashy production". Giraldo and Mars exchange verses before joining forces on a "soaring chorus" that captures the struggle of letting go once a relationship ends.[8]

Lyrically, "Still" offers a heartfelt reflection on love, heartbreak, and "lingering emotions". It is a departure from Giraldo's "signature reggaeton and pop sound." The song depicts an "unconditional love despite no longer being together." The pair passionately sing, "I still love you even with a broken heart."[3] "Still" conveys a familiar image of sleeping in an ex's sweater, framing heartbreak through themes of vulnerability and hope.[21]

Critical reception

"Still" received mixed reviews from music critics. Sanfiorenzo commented that the track was an "unexpected highlight" from the album, noticing the duo's undeniable chemistry shining throughout.[19] Anna Sky Magliola writing for Rayo praised Giraldo's vocals.[22] María Munsuri from Vogue Spain called the song a "big surprise" reminiscent of Giraldo's "covers no YouTube", such as "Killing Me Softly" (1972). Munsuri dubbed the collaboration "unexpected", but ultimately praised it as "more than convincing".[23] Gomez labeled "Still" as one of the album's "emotional highlights" and that Giraldo remains true to the heartfelt storytelling that has become a hallmark of her music, despite her international appeal.[8] When reviewing No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, Alden Corvit from Gigshack called the track a "softest bruise rather than a crossover stunt."[7]

During Billboard's "Five Burning Questions" segment, Lyndsey Havens highlighted Mars's abilities for downtempo collaborations. Cata Balzano affirmed that "Still" has Mars's "DNA in the rhythms and style", but praised Giraldo's "versatility and ability to adapt". In a mixed review, Sigal Ratner-Arias appreciated Mars's vocals, but thought it would have been more suitable for Giraldo if sung in Spanish. However, she found that Giraldo was able to display a different side "of her voice". Raygoza shared a similar view as she praised Mars's vocals, calling them "mesmerizing". Nevertheless, she was skeptical regarding Giraldo's English delivery as it "may feel less natural". In a more negative review, Roiz first acclaimed the lyrics and harmonies, and found the "power ballad approach" a surprise and described the "Wedding Singer" feeling it had.[20]

In a ranking of all 14 tracks from its accompanying album, No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, Roiz placed "Still" at number 11.[17] Pitchfork's Maria Nenet Barrios criticize the "drenched in chintzy synths" song as its message of healing and moving forward comes across as more formulaic than emotionally lasting. Barrios felt the collaboration fell short when compared to the track "Bby Wow" with Judeline and Rusowsky.[21]

Commercial performance

"Still" was the album's highest-charting on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 41 and 124 on the Billboard Global 200 chart.[20][24] It also reached the top 20 of various Monitor Latino charts, including Argentina, El Salvador, and Guatemala.[25][26][27]

Music video

On August 15, 2026, before the debut live performance of "Still," a message on the venue's giant video screen announced that the performance would be filmed for the official music video of the song.[28][29]

Live performances

On August 5, 2026 Giraldo and Mars debut their duet during a performance at the latter's Bellagio club, The Pinky Ring.[5][30] On August 15, 2026, Mars made surprise cameo to sing "Still" with Giraldo for the first time during the latters's second date of three headlining tour dates at the SoFi Stadium as part of her Viajando Por el Mundo Tropitour (2026-27), in Los Angeles.[28][31] During the performance, Giraldo wore a "sparkling white dress", while Mars wore a "flower-embroidered white suit with a matching cowboy hat".[28]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Apple Music digital single liner notes.[4]

Personnel

Charts

List of chart positions
Chart (2026) Peak
position
Argentina Anglo Airplay (Monitor Latino)[25]6
El Salvador Anglo Airplay (Monitor Latino)[26]8
Global 200 (Billboard)[24]124
Guatemala Anglo Airplay (Monitor Latino)[27]16
Honduras Anglo Airplay (Monitor Latino)[32]8
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[33] 17
Latin America Anglo Airplay (Monitor Latino)[34] 20
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[35]35
Netherlands (Single Tip)[36] 17
Panama Anglo Airplay (Monitor Latino)[37]16
US Billboard Hot 100[38]41
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[39]30
US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)[40]36

Release history

List of release history, showing region, date, format and label
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various August 7, 2026
  • Interscope
  • Bichota
 [10]
United States August 11, 2026 Contemporary hit radio
  • Interscope
  • Atlantic
 [12]
August 18, 2026 Rhythmic contemporary radio [13]

References

  1. ↑ Roiz, Jessica (August 7, 2026). "Karol G's New Album 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto' Featuring Drake & More Is Here: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  2. ↑ Karimjee, Aliya (August 7, 2026). "New Karol G album on Friday features Drake and Bruno Mars". Now. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Roiz, Jessica (August 7, 2026). "Karol G Says Her Power Ballad With Bruno Mars 'Expressed Exactly What I Was Feeling'". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  4. 1 2 "Still - Single by Karol G & Bruno Mars - Credits". Apple Music. August 7, 2026. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 Reporter, LatinTimes Staff (August 10, 2026). "Karol G Turns Heartbreak Into Her Most Vulnerable Album Yet, Capping a Landmark Year for Latina Representation". Latin Times. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Karol G Has Released Her Seventh Studio Album". Hudson Valley. August 19, 2026. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  7. 1 2 Corv, Alden (August 7, 2026). "No Me Arrepiento De Sentir Tanto Karol G". Gigshack. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 Gomez, Shirley (August 7, 2026). "Karol G's unexpected collab with Bruno Mars is deeply moving: Listen here their new song 'Still'". ¡Hola!. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  9. 1 2 Lopez, Julyssa (August 7, 2026). "The Meaning Behind Every Song on Karol G's Most Personal Album, In Her Own Words". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  10. 1 2 "No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto by Karol G". Apple Music. August 7, 2026. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  11. ↑ @USRadioUpdater (August 7, 2026). ".@karolg & @BrunoMars' "Still" has officially been serviced to US Pop radio" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 21, 2026. Retrieved August 20, 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  12. 1 2 "A Recap of Radio Add Recaps". Hits. August 11, 2026. Archived from the original on August 20, 2026. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  13. 1 2 "A Recap of Radio Add Recaps". Hits. August 18, 2026. Archived from the original on August 18, 2026. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Still - Single by Karol G & Bruno Mars". Apple Music. August 4, 2026. Archived from the original on August 21, 2026. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  15. ↑ @bichotarecords (August 19, 2026). "Algo pasó con Still… Ya lo notaron? 🙈🩵" (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on August 21, 2026. Retrieved August 20, 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  16. ↑ Georgi, Maya (August 7, 2026). "Karol G Feels It All on the Vulnerable 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  17. 1 2 Balzano, Cata; Ratner-Arias, Sigal; Roiz, Jessica (August 7, 2026). "Karol G's 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto' Album: All 14 Tracks Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2026.
  18. ↑ Roiz, Jessica (August 10, 2026). "Fans Choose Karol G's Album 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto' as Best New Latin Music of the Week". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  19. 1 2 Sanfiorenzo, Dimas; Johri, Antonio (August 7, 2026). "Karol G's 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto' Reviewed". Complex. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  20. 1 2 3 Havens, Lyndsey; Roiz, Jessica; Raygoza, Isabela; Balzano, Cara; Ratner-Arias, Sigal (August 18, 2026). "What Do We Make Of Karol G's 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto' Top 10 Debut". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  21. 1 2 Barrios, Maria Nenet (August 18, 2026). "Karol G: No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  22. ↑ Sky Magliola, Anna (August 19, 2026). "Karol G & Bruno Mars' 'Still' could be the most unexpected hit of 2026". Rayo. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  23. ↑ Munsuri, María (August 7, 2026). "En 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto', Karol G abraza su corazón roto sin dejar de bailar". Vogue Spain (in Spanish). Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  24. 1 2 "Karol G Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  25. 1 2 "Top 20 Argentina Anglo música". Monitor Latino. Retrieved August 25, 2026.
  26. 1 2 "Top 20 El Salvador Anglo música". Monitor Latino. Retrieved August 25, 2026.
  27. 1 2 "Top 20 Guatemala Anglo música". Monitor Latino. Retrieved August 22, 2026.
  28. 1 2 3 Peters, Mitchell (August 16, 2026). "Karol G Brings Out Bruno Mars for Surprise Live Debut of 'Still' at L.A. Concert". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  29. ↑ Alston, Trey (August 16, 2026). "Karol G Brings Bruno Mars Onstage to Debut "Still" and Film Music Video Live". Complex. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  30. ↑ Katsilometes, John (August 14, 2026). "Bruno Mars has a hit with live-music club on the Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  31. ↑ Thomas, Carly (August 16, 2026). "Karol G Brings Vibrant Vibes to Los Angeles With Her Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  32. ↑ "Top 20 Honduras Anglo música". Monitor Latino. Retrieved August 25, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of August 26, 2026". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved August 26, 2026.
  34. ↑ "Top 20 Internacional – Anglo – Del 10 al 16 de Agosto, 2026" [Top 20 International – English – From 10 to 16 August, 2026] (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. August 17, 2026. Retrieved August 22, 2026.
  35. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 34, 2026" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved August 22, 2026.
  36. ↑ "DC Tip 30 – 22/08/2026" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts. Retrieved August 22, 2026.
  37. ↑ "Top 20 Panamá Anglo música". Monitor Latino. Retrieved August 25, 2026.
  38. ↑ "Karol G Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  39. ↑ "Karol G Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
  40. ↑ "Karol G Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
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