Rosalía Credits Paquita la del Barrio as Inspiration for ‘La Perla’

During the first of five sold-out nights at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes, Rosalía shared a heartfelt revelation with her audience. The Spanish superstar disclosed that the biting lyrics of her heartbreak anthem “La Perla” were deeply influenced by the legendary ranchera singer Paquita la del Barrio and her iconic track “Rata de Dos Patas.”

Addressing the 16,500 fans in attendance, Rosalía expressed her profound respect for Mexican culture and its musical traditions, noting the clear parallels between the ranchera genre and her own approach to flamenco. “Ladies and gentlemen, without ‘Rata de dos patas,’ ‘La Perla’ wouldn’t exist,” she stated, offering a public tribute to the late icon who passed away in February 2025.

The concert, part of her expansive LUX tour, also featured a special appearance by Mexican pop star Kenia Os. During a segment of the show where guests share personal secrets, Os opened up about her past romantic experiences, leading to a candid discussion between the two artists about the complexities of relationships and maintaining personal boundaries. The night served as both a celebration of contemporary pop and a respectful nod to the foundational figures of Latin music history.