Buenos Aires Herald 
Argentine singer María Becerra was featured in a new music video alongside United States socialite, singer, and youth advocate Paris Hilton, released on Saturday. The song, Without Love, is the 11th track on Hilton’s latest album, Infinite Icon.
The album that included the unexpected collaboration was released in early September. Becerra’s fans were pleasantly surprised, given she had not announced it prior to the release.
The song was produced by Sia and features bilingual lyrics about the passion of first love. The music video, in keeping with its electro-pop sound, shows the singers driving a car in a futuristic setting.
Fans were especially amused by a backstage video that went viral on Saturday. In it, Becerra introduces Hilton to mate, the popular Argentine beverage known for its earthy flavor and traditional gaucho roots.
“Have you ever tried mate?” Becerra asked Hilton while they were sitting in the car featured in the video, both in full-glam makeup and hair. Becerra poured water from a thermos into the mate gourd and explained that it’s a beloved Argentine infusion.
“So it’s like a tea?” Hilton asked as Becerra handed her the gourd. Before she started to drink, Becerra stopped her moving the straw in an attempt to stir the yerba mate — a huge no-no for any experienced mate drinker. They both laughed as Becerra put the straw back in its place.
“It’s so good,” Hilton said after trying her first sip, and warned: “It’s hot.”
You may also be interested in: Mate for beginners: how to enjoy the Argentine staple
Born in Quilmes, a city on the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires, Becerra had humble beginnings as a young YouTuber in 2015. Despite her success as a YouTuber, four years later, at 19, she decided to launch herself as an urban, pop, and trap singer.
Becerra’s collaboration with Hilton marks another step in her ascending international career. Beyond her varied collaborations with artists such as Camila Cabello, J Balvin, Jason Derulo, and Michael Bublé, she is now trying to make her mark on the United States market.
On the 2024 New Year’s Eve, Becerra performed two of her songs at Times Square. That night, stars such as Megan Thee Stallion and Sabrina Carpenter also sang on that same stage.
In October, she kicked off a two-week-long tour in the United States and was featured on Kelly Clarkson’s talk show, where she was interviewed and performed her song IMAN. In September, she was the second most nominated Argentine artist at the Latin Grammys.
Earlier this year, she also became the first Argentine female artist ever to perform sold-out shows at the River Plate stadium, the biggest in Argentina and South America.
