HangupsMusic.com – Madrid, Spain – The global music landscape has been captivated by the meteoric rise of "BbY WoW," a smooth club anthem that has dominated streaming platforms and charts worldwide. Spearheaded by Colombian superstar Karol G, the track has cemented its status as a streaming behemoth, accumulating tens of millions of listens on Spotify and YouTube. Yet, behind this colossal success lies a nuanced story of collaboration and serendipity, particularly for Spanish singer-songwriter Judeline, who co-wrote and lent her ethereal vocals to the hit. Hailing from Cadiz and now based in Madrid, Judeline finds herself at the epicenter of an unexpected phenomenon, a journey she candidly admits she never foresaw.
"BbY WoW" not only claimed the coveted number one spot on Spotify’s global charts but also ascended to the pinnacle of the Billboard Global 200, a testament to its undeniable appeal and universal resonance. With over 78 million Spotify streams and 37 million YouTube views, the song’s momentum shows no signs of waning. While Karol G’s star power is undoubtedly a driving force, the track’s intricate tapestry of sound and emotion is a product of a collaborative effort involving Judeline and Spanish producer-artist Rusowsky. Judeline’s contribution extends far beyond her vocal performance; she was a pivotal songwriting force behind "BbY WoW" and three other tracks on Karol G’s acclaimed album, No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto—"Matadora," "Te Llevas To," and "Final Feliz." This deep involvement underscores her growing influence in the Latin music scene, even as she expresses genuine astonishment at the scale of "BbY WoW"’s triumph.
In a recent conversation from Spain, Judeline reflected on the song’s explosive success, confessing, "I didn’t expect it at all. I knew it would do well because, obviously, Karol’s exposure is immense. But what’s truly wonderful is that no one ever knows which song will connect most profoundly with people, so we’ve just been celebrating this incredible moment." Her humility belies the significant role she played, highlighting the unpredictable alchemy that transforms a good song into a global sensation. This sentiment speaks volumes about the organic nature of artistic creation, where genuine connection often trumps calculated strategies.
The collaboration on "BbY WoW" holds particular significance for Judeline due to the inclusion of Rusowsky, a longtime friend and creative partner. Their shared journey, which began when Judeline first arrived in Madrid, has seen them navigate the complexities of the music industry side-by-side. "Being on this song with Rusowsky makes me a thousand times happier than if I were on it alone," she shared, emphasizing the depth of their bond. "We’ve grown up together throughout our careers. When I look back, the evolution we’ve had is super beautiful, hand-in-hand with both him and Ralphie Choo." This shared success, built on years of mutual support and artistic development, adds an emotional layer to the track’s chart-topping status, transforming it into a celebration of enduring friendships and collective achievement. Judeline also lauded Karol G’s "beautiful energy" and kindness throughout the process, underscoring the positive environment that fostered such fruitful creative exchange.
Her extensive involvement in No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto—an album where she contributed to four tracks—was, by her account, a remarkably organic experience. Despite having previously stepped back from writing for other artists, Judeline found an unparalleled synergy with Karol G. "She gave me such good energy, and I also felt like I had space to contribute something," Judeline explained. "I felt really comfortable being with her. If it had been more forced, with more pressure, I don’t think the songs would have come about the way they did." This comfort allowed for a profound level of vulnerability from both artists, who discovered they were navigating similar emotional landscapes at the time. The songwriting process became a therapeutic outlet, a space where two women could express themselves authentically and find common ground through their shared experiences.
A prime example of this emotional resonance is "Final Feliz," a track born from Judeline’s own heartbreak. She initially conceived the song with producer Tyler Spy during a period of deep sadness, pouring her personal pain into the lyrics. As the song developed, she realized its themes mirrored Karol G’s own experiences, unknowingly aligning their emotional narratives. "I thought more and more about her," Judeline recalled. "Karol had sent me a really sweet message around that time. And I said, ‘Look, Karol, I wrote this song. Listen to it and tell me what you think.’ And then she recorded it, she added her own touch, she put her energy into it. She had gone through similar experiences without me knowing it. So that song, it was meant to be." This anecdote highlights the serendipitous nature of their creative bond, suggesting a deeper, almost fated connection between their artistic expressions.
Karol G herself has remarked on the distinctly feminine perspective woven throughout the album, a sentiment Judeline readily echoes. "I think there are things that only a woman can write, yes," Judeline affirmed, drawing a parallel to how a character’s portrayal in film is often discernibly influenced by the gender of its writer. This shared understanding of feminine narratives contributed significantly to the album’s authentic voice, allowing for expressions of emotion and experience that resonate deeply with a female audience. Judeline also expressed admiration for Karol G’s lyrical prowess, noting, "I admire her as a songwriter, too. I think we understand each other very well in that sense."
Their individual songwriting styles, though distinct, proved to be a powerful complement. Karol G is known for her direct and literal approach, while Judeline’s lyrics often lean towards the poetic and metaphorical. This contrast, rather than creating friction, fostered a dynamic learning environment. "Sometimes, I need a bit more of a sense of being literal," Judeline admitted. "My lyrics are always very metaphorical and ethereal, and there have been times when I’ve showed people my music or a song, and they don’t understand anything. It’s a good thing because when that poetic touch remains, you think about the lyrics more. But of course, you need more literal things to balance it and to give people a chance to understand quickly." She learned invaluable lessons from Karol G and her team, who demonstrated how to convey messages directly, while Judeline, in turn, offered the album its moments of lyrical mystery and depth. This fusion of styles ultimately enriched the album’s emotional landscape, making it accessible yet thought-provoking.
The iconic sample underpinning "BbY WoW"—the famed Coolie Dance Riddim—is another key ingredient in its global appeal. This rhythmic foundation, instantly recognizable from numerous past hits, provides an irresistible urge to dance. However, Judeline believes the song’s true genius lies in its ability to marry this infectious beat with a profound emotional undercurrent. "I think that beat is iconic, wherever you put it," she observed. "But I think what makes the song special is that the beat is iconic and it’s going to make you dance a lot, obviously, but there’s a sensitivity and a feeling that’s kind of like sad reggaeton, you know? There’s someone who wants to dance and wants to go to the club but who is brokenhearted and can connect with the song in the same way. I think it’s very universal in terms of feelings." This concept of "sad reggaeton" perfectly encapsulates the song’s unique emotional duality, allowing listeners to simultaneously find catharsis on the dance floor and solace in its melancholic undertones.
Beyond "BbY WoW" and "Final Feliz," Judeline recalled other significant moments from her work on Karol G’s album. The very first song they crafted together in the studio was "Te Llevas To," a track where Judeline felt her metaphorical inclinations were most embraced, allowing her to infuse a distinctly ethereal quality into the collaboration. "And then with ‘Matadora,’ I was able to have a lot of fun and express lyrics and show a different side with them," she added. "Karol does the baddie thing so well and I got to do that and try things I’d always wanted to do. That song was so much fun to do." These diverse experiences underscore Judeline’s versatility as a songwriter, demonstrating her ability to adapt her style while maintaining her unique artistic signature. She praised the album’s overall production, Karol G’s strategic tracklist decisions, and even expressed her admiration for a specific collaboration: "I love the one with Bruno Mars."
Judeline’s artistic explorations extend beyond music. She recently made her acting debut in Los Javis’ film, La Bola Negra, an experience she found deeply fulfilling. "Yes, we know each other from here in Madrid and I was so excited when they wanted me for the film," she shared. "I had never acted before and I think it’s something I’ve really connected with, something I can honestly see myself doing more of. I’d like to do more." This foray into cinema reflects a broader creative curiosity and a willingness to push her artistic boundaries. Her pride in Spain’s burgeoning cultural output is also evident: "I’m super proud of Spain right now, honestly. I feel like in sports, music, and film, we’ve had big wins. It’s been a super nice year. There are special things happening and that more people are looking at this country in a cultural sense." This sense of national pride resonates with the increasing global recognition of Spanish artists across various creative fields.
Looking ahead, Judeline is focused on nurturing her creative spirit. As her current tour draws to a close, she anticipates a period of introspection and artistic replenishment. "I need to find inspiration and peace," she stated. "I’m about to finish the tour and it’s been amazing, but once it’s done, I’m excited to be able to immerse myself in art, watch movies, listen to music, read books—absorb everything I can to inspire me to create the next era in the best way possible." This commitment to continuous learning and artistic absorption is crucial for any artist striving for longevity and evolution. "I’m really looking forward to taking a break from touring and focusing more on the creative side." For Judeline, the global success of "BbY WoW" is not just a career milestone but a springboard into a future defined by intentional artistic growth and exploration, solidifying her position as a vital voice in contemporary music.

