Rosalía Calls U2’s Tribute Song 'Insane' After Bono Invented Spanish Words
Rosalía reacted to U2’s upcoming album track 'The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)' by calling the collaboration 'insane' and 'mind-blowing.' She revealed that Bono texted her to verify specific Spanish words, including a non-existent term he wanted to use. After failing to find a definition, she told him to 'invent his own language.' The song is part of U2’s first new album in nine years, 'Carnaval de Luz,' which releases on November 13.
Key points
- Rosalía appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on October 8, 2026, to discuss U2’s new song about her.
- Bono contacted Rosalía via text to ask if certain words in the lyrics made sense, specifically a word she described as 'marmolé' or 'mamole.'
- Rosalía researched the word, found it did not exist in standard Spanish, and advised Bono to feel free to invent his own language.
- The song is the fourth track on U2’s album 'Carnaval de Luz,' their first new material in nine years, set for release on November 13.
- Bono told Rolling Stone that the song is a departure from their usual themes of jail or death, instead celebrating an 'extraordinary artist.'
- Rosalía noted that she grew up listening to U2 and called Bono a 'legend,' despite not knowing him personally before the text exchange.
Background
U2’s 'Carnaval de Luz' marks their first studio album of new material in nine years. Bono has previously stated that Rosalía’s 2025 album 'Lux' arrived at similar thematic points as his new work, describing her progress as 'annoying and also really inspiring.' The band’s previous albums often focused on darker subjects, making this tribute a notable shift in their lyrical approach.
How outlets are covering it
Rolling Stone and Consequence of Sound both highlight the direct communication between Bono and Rosalía, emphasizing the novelty of the interaction. Stereogum focuses on the linguistic aspect, noting that the word Bono used was not standard Spanish and that producer Jacknife Lee has mentioned the song has undergone 196 iterations. Premier Christian News shifts focus to a separate anecdote from the same interview, where Rosalía discussed being turned away from Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, joking that 'God said no, but my outfit said yes.' While the music outlets emphasize the songwriting collaboration, the Christian news outlet highlights her spiritual background and recent tour activities.
Why it matters
This interaction underscores the cross-generational influence of U2 on contemporary pop stars and the evolving nature of their songwriting process. It also highlights Rosalía’s growing global influence, as she is now being referenced in major rock albums and engaging in high-profile media appearances. The album release in November will be a significant event for fans of both artists.
What to watch
U2’s 'Carnaval de Luz' is scheduled for release on November 13, 2026. Rosalía is set to be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live this weekend, where she is expected to perform tracks from her recent tour. The final version of 'The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)' will be available upon the album's release.
- U2 Wrote a Song About Rosalía. How Does She Feel About That? Rolling Stone
- Rosalía Reveals Bono Reached Out to Her for Spanish Advice on U2's Song About Her: Watch Consequence of Sound
- Rosalía Says Bono Invented New Spanish Words For U2’s Tribute Song About Her Stereogum
- ‘God said no’: Rosalía turned away from New York church Premier Christian News
- ROSALÍA Reveals U2 Wrote a Song About Her, Plays Charades with Tate McRae BroadwayWorld
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