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Things You Should Know About Rosalía: From Studies to Acting

Here are some facts you should know about one of the most important artists in the world

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Rosalía is currently the most influential Spanish artist, not just in Spain but around the world. The global audience has been captivated by the Catalan singer since she wowed everyone with her second album, El Mal Querer, and her collaborations with international artists. With Motomami, she has cemented her legacy and is ready to continue sharing her music with the entire globe.

Here are eight interesting facts about Rosalía so you can learn more about this artist who will continue to top the charts throughout her musical career:

Name and Date of Birth

Rosalía’s full name is Rosalía Vila Tobella. She was born in San Cugat del Vallés on September 25, 1992. Her parents are José Manuel and Pilar, and her sister, also named Pilar, is her stylist.

Studies

Rosalía’s passion for music began at a very young age. She started training at 10 and, when she became an adult, she entered the Higher School of Music of Catalonia in Barcelona to study flamenco. While she was there, she released her first album, Los Ángeles.

Her second album, El Mal Querer, was actually her final degree project. To earn her degree, she had the brilliant idea of creating an album based on a 13th-century novel. The story, ‘Flamenca,’ is about a woman who marries a jealous man who mistreats her. She decides to escape and reclaim her life by meeting a lover who teaches her the true meaning of love. Little did Rosalía know that this final degree project would bring her so much joy and catapult her to success.

Participation in a Television Contest

At 15, Rosalía decided to try her luck on television to start spreading her music, though she didn’t have much success. She participated in the talent show Tú Sí Que Vales on Telecinco, where the jury was led by Ángel Llàcer and Noemí Galera. She sat on a stool with her guitar and performed the song «Como En Un Mar Eterno» by Hanna.

However, her performance didn’t impress the judges, although they did see her potential. Later, Rosalía returned to the stage to perform another song, «Leave» by JoJo, which went worse than the previous one. She sang off-key quite a bit, and Ángel Llàcer pointed it out, to which Rosalía replied that she couldn’t keep track of everything. Despite all this, she made it to the semifinals.

Albums

Rosalía’s career spans three albums. Her debut album, Los Ángeles, was released in 2017 and produced with Raül Refree. It features beautiful tracks like «Catalina,» «Nos Quedamos Solitos,» and «Si Tú Supieras Compañero.»

In 2018, she released El Mal Querer as her final degree project. This album marked the beginning of her rise in the music industry, showing that her flamenco touch had a place in the mainstream. Songs like ‘Malamente,’ ‘Pienso En Tu Mirá,’ ‘Di Mi Nombre,’ and ‘De Aquí No Sales’ are just a few of the standout tracks.

But without a doubt, Rosalía’s most anticipated album was released in 2022. Motomami marked a turning point in her career, evolving her sound while keeping some influences. This album takes listeners on a journey through different styles, from «Saoko» to «Bulerías,» and leaves no one indifferent.

Grammy Awards

The most prestigious music awards have recognized her work. She won a Grammy Award in 2020 for El Mal Querer, which was named Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. However, the Latin Grammy Awards have brought her even more accolades, totaling eight.

2018 – Latin Grammy Awards 

  • Best Urban Fusion/Performance
  • Best Alternative Song for ‘Malamente’.

2019

  • Best Urban Song for ‘Con Altura,’ Album of the Year
  • Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album for the sane album.

2020

  • Best Short Form Music Video for ‘TKN’
  • Best Urban Song
  • Best Urban Fusion/Performance for ‘Yo X Ti, Tú X Mi.’

2023

  • Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album for MOTOMAMI
  • Nominated for Best Music Film for ‘Motomami (Rosalía TikTok Live Performance).’

Acting Career

We’ve also seen Rosalía in a different role, that of an actress. She was directed by none other than Pedro Almodóvar for a cameo in Pain and Glory, one of the best Spanish films of 2019. She acted alongside Penélope Cruz, playing one of the women washing clothes in the river. In one part of that scene, she began singing the Lola Flores hit, «A Tu Vera.»

Performance at the 2019 Goya Awards

Rosalía has had many memorable performances, but without a doubt, one of the most beautiful, special, and jaw-dropping one was at the 2019 Goya Awards. She didn’t perform one of her own songs. Instead, she covered «Me Quedo Contigo» by Los Chunguitos, pouring deep emotion into it and showcasing her incredible vocal ability. She gave the attendees goosebumps, and those watching from their sofas at home felt it too.

Friendships

One remarkable thing about Rosalía is the diversity of her friendships. People from all artistic fields, and even those outside of them, admire her, leading many celebrities to become close friends with her. Her friendships are diverse, including people from her native country like Amaia. On the international scene, Kylie Jenner and Hunter Schafer are among her closest friends. This variety of friendships might seem unrelated, but they all share a deep admiration for her.

Original article in Spanish for LOS40 Spain.