ROSALÍA has once again captured the world’s attention — this time not just for her music, but for the raw emotional weight behind it. The Spanish superstar’s new album LUX, released November 7 via Columbia Records, is already earning critical acclaim for its daring fusion of orchestral arrangements and experimental pop. But among its 15 tracks, one song in particular, “La Perla,” is sparking widespread conversation for what many believe is a direct reference to her ex-fiancé, Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro.
In “La Perla,” ROSALÍA delivers one of her most unflinching lyrical performances to date. The song’s verses, translated from Spanish, appear to take aim at a former lover described as a “peace thief” and an “emotional terrorist.” She sings: “Hello, peace thief / Minefield for my sensitivity / Playboy, a champion / Spends the money he has and also the money he doesn’t / You hold the podium of great disappointment.”
The biting tone continues as she accuses the unnamed man of infidelity and emotional manipulation, adding: “Loyalty and fidelity are a language he will never understand / His masterpiece, his collection of bras / If you ask him for help, he will disappear.”
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For many fans, the meaning was unmistakable. Social media platforms quickly lit up with speculation that the song is directed at Rauw Alejandro, ROSALÍA’s former partner of nearly three years. The couple’s high-profile relationship, once celebrated as a Latin music power union, came to an end in mid-2023 — just months after announcing their engagement.
Their breakup shocked fans who had watched their romance blossom both on and off stage. The pair first met at the 2019 Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, where Rauw would later say it was “love at first sight.” They collaborated on multiple projects, from MOTOMAMI highlights like “Chicken Teriyaki” to their joint EP RR (2023), which included the romantic single “Beso.” In its accompanying video, Rauw proposed to ROSALÍA.
But behind the public affection, rumors of tension began to surface. In July 2023, multiple outlets confirmed their split, citing mutual respect but personal differences. At the time, Rauw publicly denied cheating allegations.
“La Perla” arrives within LUX, a record that marks a major artistic and emotional evolution for the singer. Recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Daníel Bjarnason, the album weaves spirituality, love, and womanhood into a multilingual tapestry of sound. Featuring contributions from Björk, Caroline Shaw, and Yves Tumor, the project explores themes of illumination and rebirth.
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