During her highly anticipated return to Mexico City, global music phenomenon Rosalía revealed a profound artistic connection, stating that her searing heartbreak anthem "La Perla" would not exist without the foundational influence of the legendary Mexican ranchera singer Paquita la del Barrio and her iconic track "Rata de Dos Patas." The declaration came during the opening night of Rosalía’s five-show engagement at the historic Palacio de los Deportes, a landmark venue that has hosted countless cultural titans.
This revelation underscores Rosalía’s deep respect for Mexican musical traditions and her ability to weave them into her avant-garde artistic tapestry. The performance, part of her celebrated LUX tour, marked a significant moment for the Spanish artist, who expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to perform in a country she described as a "land with history, with enormous tradition and culture." Her acknowledgment of the similarities between traditional Mexican music and flamenco further solidified her appreciation for the rich cultural heritage she was engaging with.
The Genesis of "La Perla": An Ode to Ranchera Resilience
Rosalía’s heartfelt tribute to Paquita la del Barrio occurred as she discussed the inspiration behind "La Perla," a standout track from her critically acclaimed 2025 album, also titled LUX. The song, a powerful duet with the rising Mexican-American trio Yahritza y Su Esencia, captures the raw emotion of betrayal and the defiant spirit of overcoming heartbreak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, without ‘Rata de dos patas,’ ‘La Perla’ wouldn’t exist," Rosalía announced to the sold-out Palacio de los Deportes, where an estimated 16,500 fans were in attendance, according to Ocesa figures. She continued, "So, thank you very much, Mexico, and thank you, Paquita la del Barrio. Today, I offer heartfelt thanks for the inspiration." This direct acknowledgment highlights the profound impact of Paquita la del Barrio’s unflinching lyrical style and powerful vocal delivery on Rosalía’s own creative process.
Paquita la del Barrio, a true icon of Mexican music, was renowned for her fearless approach to singing about the harsh realities of love, infidelity, and societal double standards. Her songs, often characterized by their biting wit and unvarnished emotional honesty, resonated deeply with generations of listeners. Classics such as "Tres Veces Te Engañé" and "Las Rodilleras" cemented her status as a voice for the people, unafraid to confront difficult truths. The beloved singer passed away in February 2025 at the age of 77, leaving behind an indelible legacy.
A Night of Musical Homages and Candid Confessions
Rosalía’s LUX tour has been lauded for its innovative staging and its embrace of contemporary culture, often referred to as a "living museum." Her Mexico City dates have been no exception, featuring spectacular new costumes for performances of tracks like "Sexo, Violencia y Llantas," "Reliquia," and "Dios es un Stalker." During her rendition of "Reliquia," Rosalía further paid homage to her Mexican audience by weaving the country’s name into the lyrics, singing, "I grew up and learned boldness in Mexico and Barcelona."
A particularly captivating segment of the show is Rosalía’s "confessional," a recurring feature where she invites esteemed guests to share intimate thoughts and experiences. This element of her performance creates a unique space for vulnerability and connection, often drawing parallels to a spiritual or therapeutic setting. For the Mexico City shows, pop sensation Kenia Os joined Rosalía on stage for this segment, adding another layer of cultural significance to the evening.
Kenia Os, who recently navigated a public breakup with fellow artist Peso Pluma in June, shared candid insights into her romantic life. When discussing her preference for partners who are singers, Rosalía offered a seasoned observation: "Do you know what singers usually have in common? They know how to sing, but they don’t know how to maintain harmony in a relationship." This witty remark elicited enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience, a testament to Rosalía’s ability to connect with universal themes of love and relationships.
Navigating Boundaries and Unveiling Deception
During her confessional, Kenia Os elaborated on the challenges she faces in romantic partnerships, attributing them to her own assertive nature. "I’m a woman who sets boundaries and says what she doesn’t like," she explained. Os recounted a past relationship with a partner she referred to as "el cacas" – a derogatory term for fecal matter. Social media platforms quickly linked this reference to rapper Gera MX.
Os detailed how this relationship soured during her first U.S. tour. The couple had decided to take a break due to conflicting work schedules. However, Os discovered her partner’s infidelity when friends alerted her to him secretly tagging another woman on social media. "I told him I needed space, and he said it was nonsense, that I was crazy and he’d never be with her. Ten days later, he started dating her," Os revealed. She concluded her story with the resonant saying, "An eye of a crazy woman never lies," a sentiment that Rosalía echoed, agreeing, "When they tell you it’s not her, it is her." This exchange resonated deeply with the audience, touching upon themes of trust, intuition, and the pain of betrayal.
Rosalía’s Impact on the Global Music Landscape
Rosalía’s artistic journey is marked by her innovative fusion of traditional genres with modern sounds and aesthetics. Her ability to draw inspiration from diverse musical traditions, from flamenco and bolero to reggaeton and hip-hop, has resulted in a unique and influential sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. The explicit connection she made between "La Perla" and Paquita la del Barrio’s "Rata de Dos Patas" serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of Latin American music and its ability to transcend borders and generations.
Her critically acclaimed 2025 album, LUX, has been a commercial and critical success, cementing her status as one of the most important artists of her generation. The tour supporting the album has seen her perform to massive crowds across the globe, further amplifying her cultural impact. Her engagement with Mexican artists like Yahritza y Su Esencia and Kenia Os demonstrates a commitment to collaboration and a celebration of contemporary Latin music.
A Continued Tour Through Mexico and Beyond
Following her successful debut in Mexico City, Rosalía is scheduled to continue her string of performances at the Palacio de los Deportes on August 24, 26, 28, and 29. Prior to her capital city shows, the Barcelona-native artist launched her Mexican leg of the LUX tour with two performances in Guadalajara on August 15 and 16, followed by a show in Monterrey on August 19. These dates represent a significant portion of her global tour, underscoring the importance of Mexico in her artistic narrative and her connection with her passionate fanbase in the country.
The LUX tour represents a culmination of Rosalía’s artistic evolution, showcasing her multifaceted talent as a singer, songwriter, and performer. Her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, combined with her fearless experimentation and deep respect for musical heritage, continues to solidify her position as a global icon. The inspiration drawn from figures like Paquita la del Barrio ensures that the rich legacy of Latin American music will continue to influence and inspire future generations of artists.
