The Hidden Messages in Rosalía’s Added Verses to Her Song at the Latin Grammys 2023

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We haven’t yet recovered from the rollercoaster of emotions at LOS40 after the highly anticipated Latin Grammys 2023, held for the first time outside the United States, in the iconic city of Seville. On such an important date as World Flamenco Day, the quintessential folk music day in the country, it had to be Rosalía who opened the ceremony, broadcasted alongside various flamenco musicians and palmeros.

However, it’s worth taking a moment to explore the hidden messages in her appearance on the long-awaited gala stage.

First of all: the meaning behind her performance. The most symbolic aspect was the choice of the song, «Se Nos rompió el Amor,» an emotional single by one of the icons of Spanish folk music, nicknamed «La más grande,» Rocío Jurado. Here, there is talk of a breakup where love gradually fades away until it disappears completely.

However, what has caught attention in this case are the verses added by Rosalía: «Se nos acabó el amor, de tanto usarlo, o de no usarlo» (Our love ended, from using it too much, or not using it at all). Lyrics that don’t appear in the original song, and users in social media speculate that they may denote a very personal message related to her recent breakup with reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro.

@los40spain Así ha sido la actuación de Rosalía en los Latin Grammy con Se nos Rompió el Amor 😍 ¿que te ha parecido? #latingrammy #rosalia #latingrammy2023 #latingrammys2023 #latingrammyespaña #latingrammysevilla #rosaliavt #senostompioelamor ♬ sonido original – LOS40 SPAIN

Rauw, for his part, was not far behind in terms of symbolism, opening his performance with a version of Laura Pausini’s «Se Fue,» a song precisely about the departure of a loved one. Is this an exchange of indirect messages?

Her appearance onstage, one of the most anticipated, has truly been one of the most talked about. The young Catalan diva adorned herself in a dazzling black Schiaparelli strapless dress, well-cut and revealing. Some media outlets have hinted that it’s a ‘revenge dress,’ a stunning outfit inspired by the one designed by Christina Stambolia that Princess Diana wore after her divorce from Prince Charles of England. The singer couldn’t have looked more amazing.

The Staging: Motomami is Over

On the other hand, it’s worth noting the aesthetic chosen for the performance: there’s no trace of «Motomami.» The artist undoubtedly closes one of her most iconic eras. In fact, it’s still difficult to see her with the vibes of ‘El Mal Querer’; her stage setup rather harks back to her ‘Los Ángeles’ era, returning to flamenco, darkness, and mysticism.

In any case, if there’s one thing to say, Rosalía’s performance was truly incredible and draws a magical yet poignant parallel with her performance at the Goya Awards in 2019: from «Me he enamorao» by the flamenco rumba group «Los Chunguitos» to «Se nos acabó el amor.»

If the Latin Grammys celebration has been anything, it’s an ode to love and heartbreak, to new beginnings, because even when things end, as Rosalía herself would say, «Yo me transformo!» («I transform myself!»).