Rosalía is a Spanish singer, songwriter, and producer who has revolutionized global music by fusing traditional flamenco with genres such as pop, reggaeton, trap, and electronic music.
Rosalía Vila Tobella, born in 1992 in Sant Cugat del Vallès, near Barcelona, developed an interest in music from an early age, especially after discovering the discography of Camarón de la Isla. She began her professional training at the Taller de Músics and later attended classes at a school in the Raval. Thanks to her high marks and multiple recommendations, she transferred to the Catalonia College of Music, where she trained in flamenco singing — an unusual path for an artist of her generation. This training became the foundation for the innovative and experimental style that would eventually catapult her to international fame.
In 2008, at the age of 15, she was rejected on the talent show Tú sí que vales, which sought Spain’s next big star. Determined to succeed, she embarked on an intense schedule of musical training and festival performances.
Her debut album, Los Ángeles (2017), created in collaboration with guitarist Raül Refree, drew attention for its contemporary approach to flamenco and its dark meditation on death, framed by Refree’s aggressive guitar chords. However, it was El Mal Querer (2018) that made Rosalía a star. The album, which doubled as her thesis project at the Catalonia College of Music, was inspired by a 13th-century anonymous novel. Combining flamenco clapping, guitar, and vocals with electronic production, she crafted a unique sound that received universal acclaim from music critics. Rolling Stone ranked it #315 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, making it the highest-ranking Spanish-language album on the list. With it, Rosalía won four Latin Grammys and a Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album, becoming a cultural phenomenon that transcended both Spain and genre boundaries.
After solidifying herself as one of the most influential voices in Latin music, Rosalía expanded her reach through international collaborations with acclaimed artists, including “Con Altura” with J Balvin, “TKN” with Travis Scott, “Lo Vas a Olvidar” with Billie Eilish, and “La Noche de Anoche” with Bad Bunny. Her third album, Motomami (2022), was even more experimental, blending reggaeton, bachata, bolero, jazz, and electronic music. It was widely praised as one of the most innovative records of the decade. The album won all four categories it was nominated for at the Latin Grammys, including Album of the Year, and also earned her the Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album. Motomami not only secured critical recognition but also cemented Rosalía as an artist redefining what it means to be a pop star in the 21st century.
Beyond her music, Rosalía has made an impact on fashion and pop culture with her distinctive style, defined by the motomami aesthetic: long nails, oversized clothing, and a blend of haute couture with urban references. She has partnered with brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Dior, and MAC, becoming a fashion reference on red carpets and stages, and extending her influence well beyond music.
The singer is also a strong advocate for women’s rights and the LGBT community. In 2020, all proceeds from her MAC Viva Glam campaign were donated to support people living with or affected by HIV, as well as LGBT communities, women, and girls.
Most recently, Rosalia has reinvented her sound yet again with her highly acclaimed fourth studio album, Lux, released in November of 2025. Lux, which features several collaborations, including with Björk and Yves Tumor, has a more classical sound as it was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra and features 13 different languages!
On a personal level, Rosalía has become a key figure in conversations around sexual diversity. Over the course of her career, she has been in relationships with artists such as C. Tangana, actor Jeremy Allen White, and singer Rauw Alejandro, to whom she was engaged in 2023. She has also been the subject of speculation regarding her sexuality, especially after being seen on multiple occasions with actress Hunter Schafer, known for her role as Jules in Euphoria (2019–). In 2024, Schafer confirmed in a GQ interview that the two had been in a relationship for five months in 2019, after meeting during London Fashion Week at a Burberry show. Schafer also shared that they remain very close friends to this day.
Rosalía herself addressed the topic in an interview with ELLE. While she avoided labeling her sexuality, she made it clear she feels no pressure to define herself, saying what guides her is freedom.
No, I do not pressure myself. I think of freedom. That’s what guides me.
Even without embracing labels, Rosalía has had confirmed relationships with both men and women. Her personal life reflects her choice to live and celebrate love freely, which places her under the bi umbrella.
Rosalía is not only one of the most influential artists on the international scene, but also a symbol of creative independence and personal freedom. Her impact on music, fashion, and LGBT representation continues to grow, establishing her as one of the most important voices of her generation.