Rosalía’s groundbreaking performance at The O2 is unlike any other

When Timothy Chalamet stirred up controversy earlier this year with his dismissive comments about opera and ballet, claiming they were outdated forms of entertainment that nobody cared about anymore, he clearly hadn’t experienced Rosalia’s current Lux tour. Arriving at London’s O2 Arena for the first of two nights, the live essence of the Spanish superstar’s tour from her 2025 LP is not only a stunning showcase of opera and ballet but also a demonstration of Latin pop, multi-lingual vocal talent, and numerous other elements. Rosalia proves that she can captivate a crowd of 20,000 people each night by setting the bar high and elevating her audience along with her, much to Chalamet’s potential dismay.

It’s hard to find another mainstream artist endorsed by a major label who has dared to put on a performance like Rosalia’s. The moment a 22-piece orchestra graces the stage and positions itself in the center of the crowd, the grandiosity of the show’s concept becomes apparent. But what truly sets Rosalia apart is her exceptional talent displayed throughout the performance. Emerging from a white box that transforms to reveal her in a pink tutu, by the second song, Reliquia, she’s already on pointe, gracefully gliding across the stage like a seasoned ballerina.

Unlike her peers, Rosalia excels in versatility, conversing with the crowd effortlessly in English while belting out tunes in Catalan, Spanish, Arabic, and a myriad of other languages. She seamlessly transitions from delivering energetic dance tracks to hitting the powerful operatic high notes of Mio Cristo Piange Diamanti, showcasing her remarkable vocal range and skills. It’s a mesmerizing exhibition of talent that leaves the audience in awe.

Rosalia’s performance not only highlights her own diverse abilities but also the creative presentation that envelops her artistry. Incorporating references to classical artworks and high art into her show, she blends pop culture with sophistication, presenting devilish tableaus reminiscent of Goya’s paintings and reinterpreting iconic images like the Mona Lisa and Black Swan. Even when engaging the audience in typical arena show interactions, she encourages them to mimic poses from famous artworks, bridging the gap between high art and mainstream entertainment seamlessly.

Throughout the performance, Rosalia seamlessly transitions between club-inspired beats and conceptual artistry, creating an immersive experience for her audience. From incorporating a giant neon cross and smoke-emitting light box to transform the stage into a religious rave during MOTOMAMI, to weaving in humorous anecdotes from guest performers like Lola Young, the show is a dynamic blend of cultural influences and artistic expression. Young’s declaration that it’s one of the best shows she’s ever seen resonates with the entire crowd at The O2, highlighting the impact of Rosalia’s groundbreaking fusion of classic artistry with contemporary sensibilities.

In a time where artists like RAYE and Laufey’s old school jazz attract sold-out stadium crowds, Rosalia stands at the forefront of a cultural resurgence that embraces the fusion of classic art forms with a modern approach. The narrative that opera and ballet are irrelevant in today’s entertainment landscape is shattered by Rosalia’s innovative reinvention of these art forms, leaving no doubt that her Lux tour is a transformative experience for all who witness it.