Juanes praises Rosalía's impact. Explore her artistic evolution and new album 'Lux,' a genre-fusing masterpiece topping Billboard charts.
- April 22, 2026
AceShowbiz - Juanes, a renowned Colombian artist, recently shared his deep admiration for Rosalía and the profound impact she has had on the music world and beyond. His reflection offers insight into the artistic evolution of the Spanish singer and the cultural resonance she commands.
Rosalía has spent over a decade reshaping the global pop landscape. With the release of her fourth studio album, Lux, she once again pushes the boundaries of her creative expression. After blending flamenco traditions with modern pop elements on her earlier albums, including Los Ángeles (2017) and El Mal Querer (2018), and exploring daring experimental sounds on Motomami (2022), Rosalía now presents an ambitious project that merges avant-garde classical pop with themes of romance, spirituality, and genre fusion.
Lux debuted at No. 1 on five different Billboard charts, including Top Latin Albums and Classical Albums. This achievement marks Rosalía as the first Spanish-born woman in the modern era to reach such a milestone. The album’s intricate orchestral arrangements, sung in 13 languages, highlight her artistic depth, an accomplishment recognized by Billboard naming her 2026 Latin Woman of the Year.
Juanes recalls his initial encounter with Rosalía during a performance at a flamenco festival in Madrid called Suma Flamenca Joven. He was accompanied by fellow musicians Bebe and the dancer Joaquín Cortés. Watching Rosalía perform songs from her debut album Los Ángeles, he was struck by her voice and presence. Joaquín Cortés was visibly amazed, and Bebe was moved to tears. For Juanes, it was a jaw-dropping moment that felt like witnessing a timeless artist akin to Edith Piaf or Carlos Gardel.
Motivated by this experience, Juanes immediately contacted Rebeca León, his management partner at the time, to connect with Rosalía. León later became the singer’s manager from 2017 to 2023, helping launch her international career.
Juanes also recalls the first time Rosalía performed in the United States, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. He was performing there on the same night and humorously remarked that he should have been her opening act rather than the other way around. Her performance captivated the audience and all those who witnessed it, further cementing her rising star status.
For Juanes, flamenco has always held a special allure as a Colombian and Latin American artist. He admires legends like Camarón de la Isla and Paco de Lucía and finds flamenco’s intensity mesmerizing. However, he notes that Rosalía brings a unique dimension to the genre. Unlike many flamenco singers who perform with raw force, her voice is soft, intimate, and almost whisper-like, creating a fresh and modern interpretation while remaining deeply connected to tradition.
The release of El Mal Querer further amazed Juanes, who initially found the album unusual but quickly recognized its beauty and innovation. Following that, Rosalía launched the bold and energetic Motomami, which incorporated punk influences and distorted basslines. He vividly remembers the energy and daring nature of the Motomami world tour, which showcased her fearless artistic approach.
Juanes highlights Lux as an extraordinary artistic statement. The album’s fusion of classical music, opera, and numerous languages from around the globe speaks to its ambitious nature. He emphasizes that the album’s quality and originality are undeniable, reflecting Rosalía’s exceptional creative vision.
Having seen footage from her current tour, Juanes praises Rosalía’s multifaceted talent as she dances, acts, and sings with remarkable skill. He considers her a truly special artist whose work consistently maintains impeccable quality, regardless of the direction she takes.
Interestingly, Juanes has shared early videos of Rosalía with his daughters, showcasing her humble beginnings in talent competitions where she sometimes sang off-key and challenged judges. To him, witnessing her growth and transformation into a world-class artist is astonishing. He describes the emotional power of her music, which moves him deeply even without watching her perform, simply by listening with headphones.
Beyond her musical gifts, Juanes believes Rosalía’s cultural impact extends to all aspects of her artistry, including fashion, music videos, and lyrics. He observes that she inspires many young people, especially girls, by demonstrating the vast possibilities music offers.
Juanes concludes that if Rosalía ever questions her limits, it would be because she has none. He admires how she approaches art holistically, paying close attention to every detail. This meticulous dedication, he believes, is what makes her a singular and pioneering artist of her generation.
As Rosalía continues to evolve and push creative boundaries, she remains a beacon of innovation and inspiration within the music industry and cultural sphere worldwide.