The career path of Spanish singer Rosalía has not always been lined with roses or marked by resounding success as it is today. Her new album, “Lux,” is breaking every conceivable record. The record has topped the sales charts not only in Spain, but also in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. It also shot up to fourth place on the prestigious American Billboard chart and achieved the same position in the UK charts. The album has become the most streamed in the world on Spotify. The recording features stars such as Björk, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and Estrella Morente, and critics have received the work with enthusiasm.
Recently, Rosalía caused a sensation in Spain by appearing on the show “La Revuelta” with David Broncano, as well as on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in the US. Over the past few years, she has appeared on numerous programs, but her participation in the “Fashion Neurosis” podcast stands out. The unique feature of this show is that guests settle onto a couch, much like Sigmund Freud’s patients—a nod to the fact that the host, Bella Freud, is his great-granddaughter.
A session of confessions on the couch
In this unusual setting, Rosalía reminisced about her less-than-successful appearance on the talent show “Tú sí que vales.” She recalled performing an Alicia Keys song before a strict panel of judges that included Àngel Llàcer, Xavier Sardà, and Noemí Galera. This conversation turned into a kind of psychoanalytic session, revealing the essence of the Catalan artist. She also touched on her past relationships with musicians C. Tangana and Rauw Alejandro, as well as actor Jeremy Allen White, the star of the hit series “The Bear.”
The singer admitted that she learned a very important lesson from that early failure. According to her, that experience helped her realize a fundamental truth: the necessity of serious study. She understood she needed to immerse herself in music, delve into the classics, and read extensively. Bella Freud listened to these revelations with empathy. Notably, her podcast has featured many international celebrities, including writer Zadie Smith, designer Christian Louboutin, and model Kate Moss.
A star-studded dynasty
Bella Freud, herself a designer, hails from a remarkable family dynasty. Her great-grandfather, Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist of Jewish descent, changed the course of psychology forever. However, her father, British artist and engraver Lucian Freud, was equally influential as one of the pivotal figures in twentieth-century figurative art.
Lucian Freud was married three times and had many children. Six of his works are located in Spain: a self-portrait in the collection of businessman Juan Abelló, and five pieces in Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This makes Spain one of the countries with the largest collections of his paintings outside the United Kingdom. Bella herself, who began her fashion career under the guidance of Vivienne Westwood, is one of her father’s most devoted admirers.
Artistic career and personal life
At present, the singer claims that her heart is free. Many fans and critics have interpreted her latest hit, “La perla,” as a pointed reference to her former lover Rauw Alejandro. They draw comparisons to legendary Spanish performers like Isabel Pantoja and Rocío Jurado, who often hid secret messages in their songs. Rosalía herself does not comment on these speculations, leaving room for interpretation.
For reference, Rosalía Vila Tobella, known worldwide as Rosalía, was born in a small town near Barcelona. From an early age, she was immersed in music, especially traditional Spanish flamenco, which became the foundation of her unique style. Her breakthrough album, “El Mal Querer” (2018), based on a 13th-century Occitan novel, brought her international acclaim and several Grammy Awards. This work showcased her ability to blend authentic flamenco with contemporary genres like R&B and pop. Her following album, “Motomami” (2022), further cemented her status as a global superstar, earning rave reviews for its experimentation and eclecticism. Rosalía is known for her perfectionism and her full control over the creative process, from songwriting to visual concepts and choreography. She collaborates actively with top global artists such as Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, pushing the boundaries of modern pop and introducing global audiences to the richness of Spanish culture.
