Coldplay frontrunner Chris Martin’s wisdom in hunting musical talent is right on the money. When the 'Fix You' hitmaker first came across Victoria Canal, a former Dubai student, he knew she’s blessed with melodic prowess that can move people. Not only did he support her while scoring a deal with a major record label, Martin also recently welcomed her as one of his special guests on stage during his stint at Glastonbury 2024.
Coldplay were joined by Victoria while belting out one of their smash-hits Paradise. She was born to a Spanish father and an American mother in Germany but Victoria spent her childhood in different countries, which included a living and studying stint in Dubai. Canal only has one functional arm owing to her birth condition amniotic band syndrome and she spent her developing years studying at Gems Education World Academy in Dubai.
Victoria’s music career began during her teenage years where she’d often bag UAE gigs in cafes. But now her Glastonbury gig with Coldplay remains to be one of her most memorable performances, so she says on Instagram. “GLASTONBURY with Coldplay! My 13-year-old self would faint if she saw this. Thank you so much to Chris and the band for having me. This truly is Paradise,” wrote Victoria.
The former Dubai student and Coldplay's association goes back in 2021, when Martin came across her reshared April’s Fools post which said Victoria made it in college because of her photoshopped headline alongside Chris Martin about their hoax performance. Martin fell in love with her music thereby taking on the role of her mentor and supporting her to acquire music deals.
In 2022, Victoria also shared a sweet video of singing and playing the piano for the Coldplay frontrunner. “I literally dissolved and went to songwriter heaven when this happened. I love you Chris Martin," she captioned the tweet. Footage showed Martin praising her original as “One of the best songs ever written.”
i literally dissolved and went to songwriter heaven when this happened. i love you chris martin 😭 @coldplay #coldplay #chrismartin pic.twitter.com/SyPPE96TdD — victoria canal (@victoriacanal) August 17, 2022
As an independent artist, Victoria has released several EPs including Into The Pull, Victoria (without the drama), and more.
Meanwhile, Coldplay headlining Glastonbury 2024 marks their fifth time at the festival, previously they graced the stage in 2002, 2005 2011 and 2016.
