Rosalía: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation in Music

Seth Doane, an award-winning CBS News correspondent based in Rome, Italy since 2016, has covered various events across Europe. He has traveled with Pope Francis for Vatican coverage and has reported on topics such as migration and climate change.

October 18, 2026 / 10:19 AM EDT / CBS News

The New York Metropolitan Opera House provided an apt setting to meet Spanish pop artist Rosalía following her global tour for the album, “Lux” (Latin for “light”). “I really like how concentrated the energy is in spaces like this,” she expressed. Renowned for her dynamic performances, Rosalía’s song “Berghain,” inspired by Hildegard of Bingen with an orchestra and choir, breaks conventional pop molds. Operating with operatic vocals and featuring Björk, the song highlights Rosalía’s blend of classic and innovative styles.

Rosalía’s approach to “Lux” has been notably demanding, including singing in various languages such as Japanese, Ukrainian, Catalan, and Arabic. “It’s not from a place of exhibition, but a search for communion,” she explained. The album’s anticipation led to traffic disruptions in Madrid. “Lux” presents stories of historic female saints like Olga of Kyiv among others. “I didn’t know about her,” Rosalía remarked. Her figures ranged from assassins to poets, embodying a diverse inspiration source.

Regarding commercial viability, Rosalía acknowledged her dual responsibility: “I have an office and there’s people I care about. But I can only do what’s honest for me.” The album was a painstaking two-year journey, with final touches leading to slight differences between digital and vinyl versions. “I couldn’t do this for too long,” she noted—the perfectionist in her constantly considers how improvements could be made.

I never listen to my albums. Cause it’s pointless.

Rosalía creates music to be shared, not self-consumed, despite fans eagerly embracing her diverse discography. Her debut album, “Los Ángeles,” offered a modern flamenco twist, followed by “Motomami,” which triumphed across various “album of the year” lists. “Lux”, her latest work, climbed the Billboard 200 chart and topped the U.S. Latin chart.

Rosalía, born near Barcelona, was once eliminated from “Tú Sí Que Vales” at age 15. “That experience taught me to prepare a lot,” she shared, appreciating the growth it prompted. By 2021, she found herself on Pitchfork’s list of influential artists.

Her sound and stylistic contrasts place Rosalía in a unique pop category. A fashion icon at events like the Met Gala, she’s ventured into acting with HBO’s “Euphoria.” “I try to have fun while trying new things,” she expressed, driven by an innate curiosity from childhood adventures. Rosalía embodies a spiritual devotion in music, equating her craftsmanship to noble professions. “I just go to the studio and try to put my love and my energy,” she explained, emphasizing devotion over mere work.

Rosalía’s album “Lux” can be streamed on Spotify below, requiring free registration: