Rosalía left audiences in awe with her Saturday Night Live performance of “Reliquia” over the weekend, appearing to stand en pointe for nearly four minutes while singing. But ballet professionals aren’t convinced she pulled off the feat without some theatrical assistance. And, surprisingly, they don’t seem to mind.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper El Periódico, Leo Sorribes, director of Ballet de Catalunya, questioned how the singer could remain so still while adopting the position. “It’s impossible not to sway,” he said, suggesting her legs must have been fixed in place. Still, he defended the performance: “She has never pretended to be something she isn’t.”
Meanwhile, Chase Johnsey, artistic director and co-founder of Ballet de Barcelona, speculated that Rosalía might have been supported by a stool-like structure. But he praised the performance regardless of whether a trick was involved. “It’s good for ballet to gain visibility through Rosalía,” he said, adding that anything that brings attention to the art form is “magnificent.”
David Campos, a Barcelona ballet instructor and former company director, was even more emphatic in his skepticism. “Is there a trick in the video? Obviously! Without a doubt,” he told the newspaper. But he also praised the artist’s abilities: “She has technique, talent, and looks for new ideas.”
The performance also sent fans looking for answers. As Fashion Times reported reported, Rosalía’s performance sparked a discussion on Reddit’s r/rosalia forum. “I literally came to Reddit to figure this out,” one user admitted, while another suggested that the singer’s legs were real but that she may have been supported by something hidden beneath her tutu.
Watch Rosalía’s performance of “Reliquia” on SNL below and judge for yourself.