Elvis Crespo, the 55-year-old merengue star, was a central figure at the recent Latin Billboard Music Awards. He also made headlines for his good-natured reaction to a persistent viral meme. The meme compares his appearance to that of Spanish pop artist Rosalía.
Crespo received the prestigious Hall of Fame recognition for his decades-long career. He addressed the meme in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly en Español. His response quickly became a highlight.
"They are teasing me on Twitter for her new cover," Crespo said with a laugh. "The cover is beautiful, the older version of the hits. She is very beautiful, talented."
He added, "So every time they tell me I look like her, I say: wow, how handsome I am, how good-looking!" Crespo sees the comparison as a compliment. "If they compare me to such a talented artist, that means I’m doing something right," he stated.
Rosalía, 33, is currently promoting her anticipated fourth album, LUX. The album is set for release on November 7, 2025. Its baroque and theatrical cover art has reignited the social media comparisons.
The "Rosalía and Elvis Crespo separated at birth twins" meme first appeared in 2023. It reached peak virality in March 2024. Rosalía herself contributed to its spread by sharing a post laughing about it.
One fan account wrote, "I had never noticed how much Elvis Crespo and Rosalía resemble each other." Rosalía reacted with laughing emojis, as reported by Quien magazine. Internet users often cite their intense gaze, eccentric energy, and theatrical visual style.
Crespo also commented humorously on comparisons to Lady Gaga. This was notably due to aesthetic similarities in his "Abracadabra" music video. He views it positively.
"One presents ideas and, if colleagues are influenced by my concepts, that means what I am doing is good," he affirmed. This reflects his confident and lighthearted approach to his influence and fame.
His good humor extended to the awards ceremony itself. Crespo received the Hall of Fame Award during the Telemundo-broadcast gala from Miami’s James L. Knight Center. He thanked the public for their continued support of merengue music.
"I feel very fortunate to be here, to be able to enjoy this moment with my family," he shared. "I brought my children; for the first time, they accompany me to an awards show. This moment must be lived uniquely."
Crespo released his hit "Suavemente" in 1998, selling over 1.5 million copies. He revolutionized the genre. He now feels a new sense of artistic freedom. "Now I feel freer and I think that is perceived," he said about his new musical projects.
In the age of social media, Elvis Crespo exemplifies how to embrace viral moments with grace. He transformed a meme into a source of pride and an opportunity to celebrate his legacy. He also used it to praise a leading artist of the current generation.
Rosalía’s LUX album is set to continue her exploration of experimental sounds. Her aesthetic combines flamenco, pop, and bold visual art. Both artists share an unfiltered authenticity and a capacity for self-deprecating humor.
This internet moment transcends simple mockery. It feels like a generational acknowledgment. Elvis Crespo, the enduring king of merengue, and Rosalía, the queen of alternative pop, are linked by a surprisingly endearing meme.