Rosalía's SNL Debut: Balletic 'Reliquia' and Rain-Soaked 'Magnolias' Impress Ahead of Grammy Voting

Key points

• Rosalía performed 'Reliquia' and 'Magnolias' from her album 'Lux' on SNL.
• She stood en pointe for the entire four-minute performance of 'Reliquia.'
• An in-studio rain shower was used during her performance of 'Magnolias.'
• The appearance occurred just before the start of Grammy voting.
• Rosalía is heavily favored for an Album of the Year nomination for 'Lux.'

Background

Rosalía's album 'Lux' was released last November and reached the top spot in several countries, including the US Billboard Top Classical, Latin, and World Albums charts. The album is described as a four-movement, hour-long work that fuses classical sounds, opera references, and 14 different languages. Rosalía recently wrapped her 'Lux' Tour and has no new tour dates scheduled, though she may perform at the upcoming Billboard Latin Music Awards and Latin Grammys, where 'Lux' has pending nominations.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Rolling Stone both highlighted the physical demands of Rosalía's performances, noting her ability to sing while standing en pointe and in the rain. Variety noted that some viewers questioned if she was being propped up, but fans who saw her 'Lux' tour testified to her athletic ability. Rolling Stone mentioned that Rosalía trained with a professional ballerina for her tour choreography. Variety also noted that Rosalía's elegant performances were seen by some as a balm to the mixed reactions to host Shane Gillis's monologue, which included jokes about his weight and women's clothing that drew debate on social media. Rolling Stone focused more on the artistic merit of 'Lux,' quoting a five-star review that called it a 'truly timeless work of art.' All sources agreed on the timing of the performance relative to Grammy voting.

Why it matters

Rosalía's SNL performance showcased her versatility and physical prowess, reinforcing her status as a major artist ahead of the Grammy Awards. The timing of the performance, just before the start of voting, could influence voters' perceptions of her album 'Lux.' The mixed reactions to the host's monologue also highlight the ongoing cultural debates surrounding comedy and representation on late-night television.

What to watch

Rosalía may perform at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and Latin Grammys in the coming weeks. Grammy voting is set to begin on Monday, with Rosalía heavily favored for an Album of the Year nomination for 'Lux.'