U2 lead singer Bono asked mutual friend Penélope Cruz to contact Spanish singer Rosalía on his behalf before releasing a new song dedicated to her on the band's upcoming album.
The Irish rock band will release their new album, Carnaval de luz, on November 13. The album features a track titled The Mirror Maker, which Bono wrote specifically to celebrate Rosalía's impact as an artist.
In addition to the tribute to Rosalía, Carnaval de luz includes a nod to American country music legend Dolly Parton as part of a wider homage to influential figures in music who have recently passed away.
Bono's outreach through Penélope Cruz
Speaking to music magazine Rolling Stone, Bono explained that he wanted to reach out to the Catalan singer before the track went live on digital streaming platforms so she would understand its intent. Concerned about making an awkward first impression, Bono asked Oscar-winning Spanish actress Penélope Cruz, who is from Alcobendas, to serve as an intermediary. Bono joked to Cruz about his predicament, asking what else he could do and expressing fear that contacting Rosalía directly would make him look like a stalker.
Bono told Rolling Stone that U2 typically writes songs about individuals in prison or people who have died. He explained that dedicating a song to Rosalía was a rare exception created purely to celebrate an extraordinary artist who has shaken the foundations of the music industry across her distinct musical projects.
Bono added that Rosalía's artistic versatility has caused a sensation among major industry peers, earning praise from artists such as Madonna as well as Bono himself. The upcoming track The Mirror Maker is intended as a direct tribute to her career rather than a formal vocal collaboration between the artists.
Comparison to Spanish pop tributes
The gesture follows a pattern similar to Spanish singer Dani Martín, the former lead vocalist of pop-rock group El Canto del Loco, who released a track titled Ester Expósito dedicated to the Spanish actress of the same name. However, unlike Martín's release, Bono chose to notify his subject in advance to ensure she felt comfortable with the homage.
Rosalía, who recently turned 34 years old, has recently concluded her extensive Lux Tour. The six-month international tour showcased a multidimensional stage production celebrating various forms of art alongside her vocal performances.
Rosalía's tour conclusion and album history
Following the conclusion of the tour, Rosalía reflected on the experience, describing it as an immense challenge that pushed her to the limit of her physical strength. She noted that after six months of constant flights and long-distance travel, her primary wish was simply to return home, put her key in the door, and rest.
Rosalía launched her recording career in 2017 with her debut album Los Ángeles, followed closely by El Mal Querer in 2018, which established her international standing. She subsequently expanded her release intervals, issuing Motomami in 2022 and Lux in 2025. Given her established pattern of spacing out major releases over roughly three-year intervals, her next creative project is expected to arrive in approximately three years.
