The Rosalia phenomenon continues to conquer the world. Her new album ‘Lux’ made a spectacular breakthrough, debuting at number four on the US Billboard chart and topping Spotify’s global rankings. This tremendous success, strengthened by a dazzling performance on Jimmy Fallon’s show in the US and a sensation on Spanish television with David Broncano, is no mere stroke of luck. Behind it are years of hard work and boundless talent, shaped far from the spotlight.
From family business to the world stage
Her path to fame did not start in an artistic environment. Rosalia’s parents, now divorced, were far removed from the world of music. Her mother, Pilar Tobella, ran the family business producing road signs, while her father, José Manuel Vila, worked in industrial facilities. Yet it was her father who was among the first to notice his daughter’s spark and encouraged her dream of singing. A special role in her early love for the arts was played by her maternal grandmother, who adored singing and introduced her granddaughter to films featuring the legendary Lola Flores and Carmen Sevilla.
The future star and her sister Pilar—now responsible for Rosalia’s artistic direction and style—grew up in the town of Sant Esteve Sesrovires. It’s an industrial suburb 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where life moves at a steady pace among low-rise houses and warehouse districts. The sisters were very close, creating collages together and choreographing dances to Ricky Martin hits, as preserved in family home videos.
Epiphany to the sound of flamenco
The turning point for Rosalía came through a chance encounter. She heard the brilliant voice of Camarón de la Isla coming from the speakers of two custom cars dueling in a street music battle. The event was a true revelation for her and set the course for her creative journey. Later, she would be accused of cultural appropriation, but time and global recognition would put everything in its place, affirming her right to her own interpretation of flamenco.
Inspired by the soundtrack of the animated film ‘The Prince of Egypt’, featuring the voices of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, Rosalía practiced dance from age 4 to 15. At 9, she began guitar lessons, and by 13 she had become part of a flamenco community. Her first public performance took place at age 14 at a local sports center. There was also an unsuccessful audition for the TV show ‘Tú sí que vales’ in her biography—an experience that, perhaps, turned out to be a lucky break, steering her development down a more unique path.
Education, love, and a new sound
After graduating high school in 2010, Rosalía continued to refine her craft at Barcelona’s prestigious music institutions, including the Taller de Músics and the Higher School of Music of Catalonia (Esmuc). Her teachers noted her curiosity, erudition, and relentless passion for learning—qualities that explain the eclectic style and cultural diversity found in her work.
Having become an icon not only in music but also in the fashion world, Rosalía also draws attention for her personal life. Previously, she was linked to musicians C. Tangana and Rauw Alejandro, and now to American actor Jeremy Allen White, star of the series ‘The Bear.’ Although the singer prefers to keep her relationships private, fans are convinced that her new hit ‘La perla’ is dedicated to her breakup with Rauw Alejandro, with whom she also had a successful creative partnership.
