Rosalía has revealed that she helped Bono with the Spanish lyrics for “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)”, a track on U2’s upcoming album Carnaval De Luz, after the Irish rock frontman contacted her for advice.
Speaking on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week, the Spanish singer said Bono had texted her about the song, which was inspired by her, and asked for her input on its Spanish-language elements.
“I don’t know him personally, but he texted me and told me that he had this new project and this song, The Mirror Maker.”
Rosalía, 34, joked that Bono had invented some words while working on the lyrics. Rather than correcting every phrase, she encouraged him to make the language his own.
“I don’t know, but feel free to invent your own language.”
Despite the light-hearted exchange, Rosalía said collaborating with the U2 frontman was a significant honour.
“Bono is a legend.
“It’s incredible.”
How Bono approached Rosalía about the U2 song
Bono recently explained that he was initially nervous about contacting Rosalía to tell her that she had inspired the track and to ask for her permission to use her name in its title.
His friend, Spanish actor Penélope Cruz, helped connect the pair. In a recent cover interview with Rolling Stone UK, Bono described his hesitation about reaching out.
“It’s just a little embarrassing that she became so popular before we put out the song. But that doesn’t matter to me. Everyone knew about Martin Luther King too.”
He recalled asking Cruz for advice before she encouraged him to contact Rosalía directly.
“I called Penélope: ‘What am I gonna do?’ (Penélope said), ‘Just call her.’ I’m like, ‘I look like a stalker.'”
Rosalía responded positively, but Bono admitted he was still building up the courage to meet her and share the finished recording.
“(Rosalía has) been really encouraging, and made me laugh a lot.
“I sort of don’t think I could meet her now. I’m just working up courage to send her the final mix.”
Why Bono says Rosalía stands out
Bono also explained why Rosalía inspired the song, placing her among the artists whose creativity has influenced the way he sees music and the world.
He reflected on the idea of musicians who want to look beyond what is immediately visible and explore what lies on the other side.
Among the artists who had that effect on him was Patti Smith.
“Patti Smith was one for me when I was growing up. There are many, though not enough. Rosalía is certainly one of them.”
Bono described a connection between their approaches to creativity, highlighting Rosalía’s combination of artistic courage and humour.
“It’s this idea that we’re body, soul and spirit – a rather old-fashioned, quaint notion – and she approaches it with great courage and a self-effacing humour. There’s not just physics; there’s metaphysics.”
U2’s Carnaval De Luz features Dolly Parton’s final recording
“The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)” will appear on U2’s forthcoming album Carnaval De Luz, which also features “Torn”, the final song recorded by the late Dolly Parton.
The collaboration with Parton adds another notable guest appearance to the record, while the Rosalía-inspired track reflects Bono’s interest in artists whose work pushes beyond conventional musical boundaries.
With Rosalía now confirming her contribution to the Spanish lyrics, the story behind “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)” offers a glimpse into how the song developed and how the U2 frontman approached the artist who inspired it.
