Rosalía’s “Lux Tour” cannot be described in words but only felt. The cultural expression “Duende,” rooted in flamenco tradition, is the closest thing to being able to depict Rosalía’s work of art or do it any justice. The term “Duende” references the spirit of creativity and the intangible magical force that evokes the divine in both the artist and the audience. It’s the elusive magic that seems to only arrive when artists least expect it. Magic that can only appear when the artist is expressing an undeniable level of raw honesty, humility and surrender that simply cannot be faked, imitated or rehearsed.
Reverent fans filled the L.A. Forum, paying homage to Rosalía’s Lux album in white veils, all-white outfits and an array of head scarves. My personal favorite was a man in a yellow silk robe with a perfectly bedazzled neck brace as a nod to Rosalía’s character “Magick” from her recent acting debut in Euphoria. Traditional flamenco music played as everyone found their seats. The energy of the arena felt more like entering a theatre as the Heritage Orchestra filed into the center of the room. It was clear this tour was going to be different than anything we’ve ever seen or felt.
Jimi Hendrix’s “Angel” played just before a delicately placed Rosalía in a white tutu was revealed from the opening of a giant box for “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas” and “Reliquia.” The initiation began with the beat of “Porcelana,” which grew into a dance any professional dancer, choreographer and rebellious bun head like myself would’ve lost their minds to be a part of. Even so, with grace and grit, Rosalía continues to be one of the few music artists who can keep the eyes of a trained dancer on her while surrounded by seasoned backup dancers. Whether it be dancing on pointé, rolling her flamenco wrists, or riding a pillow across the stage Motomami style, all eyes are on Rosalía.
The Spanish singer-songwriter’s attention to detail in every note, every visual, every frame, every look, served a purpose and cracked open a new level of emotion. The heavy-hitting team of choreographers Charm La’Donna, (LA)HORDE, Dimitris Papaioannou and traditional flamenco artist Jose Maya managed to give us the essence of Rosalía through their movement. From contemporary ballet and hip-hop, to floating hand choreography and a full-blown rave with “Berghain.” In collaboration, her creative team found humility and freedom in the movement that seamlessly serves the story and leaves the ego at the door. By the time Rosalía sang “Saoko,” reminding us that we didn’t just come to cry, we came to shake some ass, everyone was on their feet. Even conductor Yudania Gómez Heredia and the Heritage Orchestra got down and gave the dancers and head-banging audience members a run for their money.
A quick confessional moment as the hilariously candid actress and musician Odessa A’zion took the stage to confess inside the booth. Naturally, this led to flirty banter discussing Rosalía’s tongue exercises, because why not? “La Perla” followed with what can only be described as art on art on art and Rosalía in true goddess form as she floated through the air.
Heritage proceeded to hit us with a freight train of emotions that perfectly complemented Rosalía’s flawless and soulful vocal runs that would stop flamenco legends in their tracks. The transfixed audience tried to hold back tears with lumps in their throats for “Divinize” and “Mio Cristo Piange Diamanti.” Rosalía then let her hair down and proceeded to show us that she could easily decide to be a full-time rock star if she felt like it. Heavy beats evoked the feeling of a modern-day drum circle of sorts and shook the arena for “CUUUuuuuuute.” All while a giant fog machine reminiscent of a spaceship swung through the air in slow motion, changing tempos with the music and taking on a life of its own.
Watching a clip of this tour on your phone would be the equivalent of seeing a photo of a glass of fine sauvignon blanc but never truly tasting it. An untethered emotional rollercoaster ride that every person undoubtedly went home feeling moved and forever changed by, whether they meant to or not. “Lux” left me stunned with tears in my eyes, a smile on my face and a tiny white feather from the end of Rosalía’s set that seemed to magically float up into the palm of my hand. Duende that can only be felt from inside the arena if you’re lucky enough to be Divinized by the angel herself.
