Latina country queen Kat Luna is ready to shine on her own.
After stepping into the spotlight as one-half of Kat & Alex, the Cuban-American songstress is embracing her individuality, her roots, and her hard-earned strength with her debut solo project, That Girl. Released earlier this month (March 7), the EP is more than just a collection of songs — it’s a testament to Luna’s resilience, self-discovery, and her deep love for country storytelling.
The past year marked a major turning point for Luna, both personally and professionally. Following her breakup and the end of Kat & Alex, she found herself at a crossroads, but instead of retreating, she chose to reclaim her voice. “This music is what healed me and helped me get through the hardest points in my life,” Luna tells Celeb Secrets exclusively in a virtual interview. “I know it’s going to help somebody else, and just that alone gave me the power and courage to do this.”
The Miami-born artist grew up in a home where Celia Cruz and Garth Brooks played in harmony, thanks to her beloved “Cuban Cowboy” grandfather. Music was always her language, from performing on La Banda and La Voz to later making waves on American Idol. But stepping away from the duo and embracing her solo career was a turning point — one that proved she was stronger than she ever imagined.
Luna poured her heart into That Girl, co-writing every track and infusing them with her signature Spanglish flair. “Spanglish is just how I talk! It felt natural,” she says, reflecting on her Miami upbringing. With seamless transitions between English and Spanish, her music embodies her bicultural identity while keeping true to the country genre she fell in love with.
“My sound just feels right in country music,” she explains. “The storytelling, the honesty — it’s who I am.”
Among the standout tracks is “Happiest I’ve Ever Been,” a deeply personal anthem that marks the light at the end of Luna’s healing journey. “I cry every time I sing it,” she admits. “The girl I was two years ago couldn’t imagine feeling this happy, but here I am.”
Now, she’s also found love again, with her boyfriend being one of her biggest supporters. “He doesn’t speak Spanish, but even when he listens to my Spanglish songs, he tells me he can still feel the emotion,” she shares. The same goes for her grandparents, whose first language is Spanish — proof that music transcends language barriers.
And in a full-circle moment, Luna penned the EP’s title track, “That Girl,” at none other than the Grand Ole Opry — the very venue where she made her solo debut in February. “I knew I had to sing it there. It was a dream come true.”
Her Opry debut was nothing short of magical, a moment she had dreamed about since first setting foot in Nashville. “Stepping into that circle, I just felt this energy — like I was standing where so many legends had stood before me. I was overwhelmed with gratitude,” she recalls. “I definitely cried, and I should have worn waterproof mascara!”
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While Miami raised her, Nashville has become home. Working with producer Nathan Chapman (yes, the same Nathan Chapman who helped shape Taylor Swift’s early sound), Luna recorded the EP at the legendary Blackbird Studio. “I was freaking out,” she laughs. “I still can’t believe I got to work with him.”
Between studio sessions, she kept her biggest supporter by her side: her mini long-haired dachshund, Dallas. “He’s in the studio with me always,” she gushes. “He’ll just chill in the booth while I sing.”
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With That Girl introducing the world to the real Kat Luna, the singer is gearing up for a huge 2025. More live shows, potential tour dates, and a growing social media presence are all in the works — but above all, Luna is focused on staying true to herself.
“I’m in my lover-girl, happiest-ever-been, badass era,” she declares. “I’m working harder than ever, but I’m also prioritizing happiness. I finally know what I want, and I’m going after it.”
And as for her fans? They can expect more music, more Spanglish bangers, and more of Luna owning her narrative. “This is just the beginning,” she teases. “Keep your eyes peeled.”
One thing’s for sure: That Girl isn’t just an EP title. It’s who Kat Luna is.
For more on Kat’s music, make sure to watch our full interview below — and don’t forget to let us know what you think of her new EP by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.
You can connect with Kat by giving her a follow on Instagram at @katlunamusic.
