the girl in the Taco Bell Cantina Chicken ad

If you've been seeing the new Taco Bell Cantina Chicken commercials everywhere, you're not alone. The campaign has taken over television and social media with its fresh, flavorful take on the brand's menu. But one question keeps popping up in comment sections and group chats: Who are the women in these ads?

The answer isn't simple—because Taco Bell's 2025-2026 campaign features not one, but several incredible women. From reality TV stars to legendary actresses to rising rap sensations, here's your complete guide to every "girl" you've spotted in the Cantina Chicken commercials.

1. Gabby Windey (The Influencer in the Car)

The most widely seen commercial features a woman filming herself selfie-style in her car, enthusiastically digging into the new Cantina Chicken menu. If this is the ad you're thinking of, you're looking at Gabby Windey.

Watch Gabby Windey's official Taco Bell ad here:

Watch YouTube video

Who is Gabby Windey?

Gabby Windey is a television personality who rose to fame on Season 26 of The Bachelor, where she competed for Clayton Echard's heart. She then became co-lead (with Rachel Recchia) of Season 19 of The Bachelorette, making history as one of the franchise's first dual leads.

But Gabby is more than just reality TV royalty. Before her television career, she worked as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic—a detail that endeared her to fans who appreciated her dedication to helping others. She's also a former Denver Broncos cheerleader, bringing full circle her connection to live television and entertainment.

In the Taco Bell ad, Gabby's natural, relatable energy shines through. She's not playing a character; she's being herself—someone genuinely excited about food, filming spontaneously, and sharing the moment with viewers. This authenticity is exactly why Taco Bell chose her for this campaign.

2. Marlene Forte (The "Tía Marta" of the Rules)

In a different commercial, you'll see a powerful scene featuring actor Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai, Blue Beetle) alongside an older Latina woman who serves as the ultimate authority on whether the chicken is "legítimo" according to family rules. That woman is the legendary Marlene Forte.

Watch the official ad featuring Marlene Forte here:

Watch YouTube video

Who is Marlene Forte?

Marlene Forte is a Cuban-American actress with an extensive and impressive career spanning decades. You've almost certainly seen her face before, even if you don't know her name. Her credits include:

Television: Fear the Walking Dead, East Los High, The Bridge, Grey's Anatomy
Film: Real Women Have Curves (a groundbreaking indie film about Latina identity), The Last Stand, Our Family Wedding

In the Taco Bell ad, Forte plays the archetypal Latina aunt—the family member whose opinion on food is final, whose standards are non-negotiable, and whose approval you desperately want. When she nods in satisfaction after tasting the Cantina Chicken, it's not just a commercial moment; it's a cultural seal of approval.

Forte brings decades of acting craft to this role, making what could have been a simple "customer reacts" moment into something genuinely moving. She represents every abuela, tía, and madrina whose cooking has shaped generations.

3. J Noa (The Rapper in the "Caliente" Ad)

If you've seen the high-energy commercial featuring a young woman with braids rapping at incredible speed about the Cantina Chicken, you're watching J Noa, one of the most exciting new voices in Latin music.

Watch J Noa's official Taco Bell ad here:

Watch YouTube video

Who is J Noa?

J Noa (whose full name is J Noa) is a Dominican rapper taking the music world by storm. Born in 2005 in Barrio 27 de Febrero in the Dominican Republic, she began writing poetry at age 11 before transitioning to rap. Her music blends traditional Dominican rhythms with modern trap and hip-hop influences, creating a sound that's entirely her own.

Her rise has been meteoric:

She's been called "the future of Dominican rap" by major Latin music publications
Her lyrics address social issues, women's empowerment, and the realities of life in her community
She's performed at major festivals and collaborated with established Latin artists

In the Taco Bell ad, J Noa's rapid-fire delivery and commanding presence perfectly capture the "caliente" (hot) energy the brand wanted. She doesn't just appear in the commercial—she dominates it, turning a fast-food advertisement into a showcase for her undeniable talent.

The choice of J Noa is significant. Taco Bell could have chosen a more established, mainstream artist. Instead, they bet on a young woman whose music represents authentic Latin street culture, not polished commercial pop. This decision has earned the brand respect from audiences who value genuine representation.

4. The "Fans" Campaign (Super Bowl 2025)

Finally, if the woman you're thinking of looks like an everyday person captured on a security camera in a drive-thru, you might be remembering Taco Bell's brilliant Super Bowl 2025 campaign.

Watch the "Fans" campaign video featuring Doja Cat here:

Watch YouTube video

What is this campaign?

For the 2025 Super Bowl, Taco Bell did something unconventional. Rather than creating a big-budget, star-studded commercial in the traditional sense, they turned the spotlight on their actual customers.

The concept was simple: Taco Bell installed "Live Más Drive-Thru Cams" at select locations, creating a unique photo booth experience where fans could capture their genuine drive-thru moments. Some of these real customers ended up featured in the Big Game commercial.

Here's the twist: while hundreds of real fans appear in the ad, it also features Doja Cat—but not in the way you'd expect. Doja Cat photobombs the fans, appearing unexpectedly in their drive-thru photos. It's playful, unexpected, and perfectly captures the brand's fun-loving identity.

Why this campaign matters

The "Fans" campaign represents a shift in celebrity advertising. Rather than placing stars above fans, Taco Bell placed fans at the center and used Doja Cat to enhance their moments, not overshadow them. It's a humble, human approach that resonated deeply with audiences.

Why These Women Matter

What unites these very different women—a reality star, a veteran actress, a young rapper, and hundreds of everyday fans—is authenticity. Taco Bell didn't cast generic models or manufactured personalities. They chose women with real stories, real careers, and real connections to the cultures they represent.

Gabby Windey represents the millennial/gen Z woman who films her life spontaneously and shares genuine moments
Marlene Forte represents the Latina matriarch whose culinary standards carry generations of tradition
J Noa represents the future—young, unapologetic, and rooted in authentic Latin street culture
The fans represent all of us—ordinary people who make Taco Bell part of our daily lives

Where to Watch

Ready to see all these incredible women in action? Here's your guide:

Gabby Windey – Watch her selfie-style ad in the car

Marlene Forte – See her with Xolo Maridueña delivering the "legítimo" verdict

J Noa – Experience her rapid-fire rap in the "Caliente" commercial

The Fans + Doja Cat – Enjoy the Super Bowl 2025 photobomb campaign

The links throughout this article will take you directly to each video. Watch them all, and you'll understand why this campaign has captured so much attention—it's not just about chicken; it's about the women who make the brand feel real.

Final Thoughts

The question "Who is the girl in the Taco Bell Cantina Chicken ad?" doesn't have a single answer—and that's exactly the point. Taco Bell has created a campaign that celebrates the diversity of women who love their food. From Gabby's car selfies to Marlene's tía wisdom to J Noa's lightning-fast rhymes to the hundreds of real fans living their lives, these women remind us that great food brings everyone together.

So the next time you see one of these commercials, you'll know exactly who you're watching—and you'll appreciate the thought, authenticity, and talent each one brings to the screen.