The phenomenal success of Rosalía’s fourth album, “Lux,” continues to astonish music critics and fans across the globe. Despite lacking obvious hits and catchy choruses, the record has conquered world charts thanks to bold experimentation with sounds and genres. Yet, this triumph owes much not only to the artist’s own talent, but also to the powerful support of her family—a family of strong women. At the heart of her team is her older sister Pilar, affectionately known as Pili. She is more than a relative: she is Rosalía’s closest partner, stylist, and creative muse, whose contribution to the singer’s image and artistry is hard to overstate.
While Rosalía basks in the spotlight, topping streaming charts from Spain to the US and UK, her sister prefers to remain behind the scenes. Together with their mother—who manages the financial company Motomami, established to handle the artist’s affairs—Pili provides the stable foundation that enables Rosalía to devote herself fully to her craft. Rosalía’s recent revelation that she has been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) only underscores the importance of this support. According to the star, this trait helps her channel energy into creativity and juggle multiple projects at once.
Personal life and creative partnership
Pilar Vila, known as Pili, is not just the right hand of her famous sister—she is a figure with a fascinating story of her own. She is in a relationship with Diego Ibáñez, the lead singer of the popular Spanish band Carolina Durante, making them one of the most talked-about couples in Madrid’s music scene. Previously, Pilar was a single mother for many years, raising her son Genís, who was born in 2012. Despite the public attention around her family, she carefully protects her private life and rarely shares personal details on social media, focusing instead on her work and family.
Their creative partnership goes far beyond just a family business. Pili, who studied humanities and art history, possesses impeccable taste and a deep understanding of visual aesthetics. She takes part in developing artistic concepts for Rosalía’s music videos and stage images, helping to craft the distinctive style that sets the singer apart. Their synergy is so powerful that Rosalía once admitted: “It took me years to accept it, but Pili is one of my greatest muses.”
Sisters bonded since childhood
The strong bond between Rosalía and Pilar, who is two years her senior, began in their childhood spent in the Catalan town of Sant Cugat del Vallès. They were inseparable: choreographing dance routines to Ricky Martin hits, playing on the same futsal team, and always supporting each other in everything they did. Their happy childhood was overshadowed by their parents’ divorce in 2019, but the family managed to maintain warm and supportive relationships.
Even as a teenager, Pili showed independence and a strong work ethic. To earn pocket money, she worked as a babysitter and even as a hotel cleaner. This toughening up helped her become someone Rosalía can rely on in any situation. The sisters grew up with the same cultural background and understand each other instantly, making their collaboration incredibly productive and harmonious.
An Unexpected Career Turn
With a degree from the prestigious Pompeu Fabra University, Pilar seriously considered getting a second degree in nursing. However, Rosalía’s meteoric rise to fame radically changed her plans. She decided to devote herself fully to helping her sister, putting her own ambitions on hold. That decision proved to be life-changing. Today, her name appears in the credits of songs from the album ‘Motomami’, highlighting her direct involvement in the creative process.
Notably, Rosalía Vila Tobella—known worldwide as Rosalía—is among the most influential and commercially successful Spanish artists of the 21st century. Born on September 25, 1992, in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Catalonia, she received classical music training specializing in flamenco at the Catalonia College of Music. She revolutionized the genre by blending it with pop, R&B, and urban influences. Her second album, “El Mal Querer” (2018), earned her international recognition and a Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album, making her the first solo Spanish artist to win this award. With her unique style, powerful vocals, and innovative approach to music and visual art, she has become a global phenomenon and an icon of contemporary pop culture.
