Rosalía walked into the Museum of Modern Art on Thursday night to accept the WSJ. Magazine Music Innovator Award, and she used the moment to speak for home. The Catalonia native addressed the high-speed rail collision in Spain’s Castilla La Mancha region that killed 69 people on Wednesday, sending condolences to everyone affected as her country began three days of mourning. She delivered the message in Spanish, and the room went quiet for it.
The crash is now one of the deadliest train disasters in Europe this century and Spain’s second high-speed rail collision this year. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged a full investigation and stronger safety measures, saying his government is working day and night to support victims’families and establish every detail of the tragedy. Meanwhile, the guest list at MoMA included Dua Lipa, A$AP Rocky, and Ciara, who watched Rosalía balance an emotional tribute with the biggest week of her career.
That week includes her 2025 album LUX debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, topping five Billboard charts, and multiple Billboard Latin Music Award wins, including the Hall of Fame Award. Rosalía is one of the most visible Spanish artists on the planet right now, and she made sure her moment led back to her people. How do you think artists should use their award show platforms? Let us know in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.