In March 2020, Elena Rose was a talented songwriter in her mid-twenties, crafting hits for Latin music icons like Becky G and Myke Towers. Though satisfied with her role behind the scenes, the Venezuelan-American artist had a profound realization as the pandemic brought the world to a standstill.
“I truly thought the world was ending,” Rose recalls. “It made me sad that my voice hadn’t been heard yet.”
Determined to change that, Rose ventured into the spotlight. While continuing her successful songwriting career—with credits spanning collaborations with Selena Gomez, Bad Bunny, Marc Anthony, and the chart-topping Becky G-Karol G anthem “MAMIII”—she debuted as an independent artist in May 2020. Her first single, the Latin urban track “Sandunga,” was accompanied by a vibrant music video that highlighted her dynamic stage presence and hinted at her star potential.
Fast forward to today, and the 29-year-old artist is fulfilling that potential. She’s now making waves as a performer, recently breaking into the Billboard charts with “Orion,” her collaboration with Panamanian star Boza.
Born Andrea Elena Mangiamarchi in Miami to Venezuelan parents, Rose spent her childhood between Puerto Rico and Venezuela before moving back to Miami due to the socio-economic turmoil in Venezuela. Wherever she was, Rose’s love for singing never waned. She performed at bars, restaurants, and private events, honing her craft in intimate settings.
Her career took a pivotal turn when she met producer Patrick Romantik in Miami during her early twenties. Romantik introduced her to the studio and mentored her in music production and songwriting. “That’s when my years of silence began,” Rose reflects. “I remember being told, ‘You can be here, but we can’t feel your presence.’”
During this period, Rose absorbed knowledge from celebrated songwriters like Servando Primera, Yasmil Marrufo, and Mario Cáceres. Their expertise helped create hits like Becky G’s “Mayores” featuring Bad Bunny, which climbed to No. 74 on the Billboard Hot 100. Immersed in this environment, Rose gained an informal education in hitmaking.
“Working with seasoned musicians—like Ricky Martin’s percussionist and Alejandro Sanz’s pianist—was my best school,” she says. “They lived music and wanted to preserve its essence.”
Rose released a series of independent singles, including “La Ducha” and “Picachu,” while making appearances at major events like Billboard Latin Music Week. Her efforts paid off in 2022 when she signed with Warner Music Latina. “Her voice, lyrics, and emotional depth are unmatched,” said Warner Music Latina president Alejandro Duque at the time. A year later, she joined OCESA Seitrack, a management firm with a roster including Alejandro Fernández and Alejandro Sanz.
“I saw her as a diamond in the rough,” says Alex Mizrahi, OCESA Seitrack’s CEO. “She has the potential to achieve success comparable to Karol G.”
In the months since, Rose has released compelling solo tracks like “Me Lo Merezco” and expanded her reach through collaborations. Her November EP, En Las Nubes (Con Mis Panas), includes “Orion,” a captivating fusion of reggaetón, salsa, and Afrobeats. The track, co-written with Boza and others at a Miami songwriting camp, features evocative lyrics and a playful bridge from Boza.
“When I heard ‘Orion,’ I knew it needed a female voice,” Boza shares. Rose recalls adding her touch by reworking the chorus and writing her verse. “The concept of ‘Orion’ became a reflection of emotional intelligence for me,” she explains.
Released on May 29 by Sony Music Latin, “Orion” quickly gained traction. Its music video, filmed in Panama, has surpassed 105 million views on YouTube. By mid-September, the song debuted at No. 20 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart, later peaking at No. 15 on the overall Latin Airplay chart.
The success of “Orion” elevated Rose’s profile, earning her three Latin Grammy nominations in 2024. These included Song of the Year for “Caracas En El 2000” with Danny Ocean and Jerry Di, Best Pop/Rock Song for LAGOS’ “Blanco y Negro” featuring Rose, and Best Regional Song for Becky G’s “Por El Contrario,” which Rose co-wrote.
Rose continues to prioritize collaborations, recently releasing the heartfelt “A Las 12 Te Olvidé” with Ha*Ash and the genre-blending “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” with Maria Becerra. Looking ahead, she has planned duets with artists like Camilo, Morat, Sanz, and Los Ángeles Azules. She’s also set to perform at Lollapalooza Argentina and Lollapalooza Chile in March 2025.
“The goal is to bring Elena’s music to the world,” says Mizrahi. “She’s on her way to becoming a global artist.”
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