The world of music drama just got a little louder. Ángela Aguilar, one of regional Mexican music’s brightest stars, is now at the center of an alleged plagiarism storm. Fans and social media detectives are accusing her of lifting from none other than Adele‘s global hit “Rolling in the Deep.”
Let’s understand how this all started. Of course, it all started on TikTok. A video surfaced comparing Aguilar’s song “Qué Agonía,” a collaboration with Yuridia, to Adele’s iconic 2011 track. The video shows side-by-side snippets of the choruses.
The debate ignited immediately. Fans of Aguilar insisted the resemblance was pure coincidence, while others pointed out that the melodies were a little too close for comfort.
The Genres Are Worlds Apart
One important point: these are two completely different genres. “Qué Agonía” leans into regional Mexican music’s heart-wrenching, passionate vibe, while “Rolling in the Deep” is an unmistakable pop-soul anthem. But as any music lover knows, melody and structure transcend genre. And that’s exactly what people are zeroing in on.
A Legal Battle?
Rumors started swirling that Adele had taken legal action, with reports claiming a California court ruled in her favor over copyright infringement. As juicy as that sounds, there’s no official confirmation from either Adele’s camp or Aguilar’s team. Right now, this is strictly a social media-fueled firestorm.
But the fact that these whispers are getting louder says a lot about how quickly internet speculation can turn into a full-blown crisis.
© Kevin MazurWhat’s Next for Ángela Aguilar?
Regardless of how this shakes out, Aguilar—who’s no stranger to controversy—is once again in the spotlight. Whether the accusations hold weight or not, she’s got people talking, streaming, and debating, which, in the music biz, isn’t always a bad thing.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see if this turns into a legal showdown or just another TikTok-fueled flash in the pan.
© Rodrigo VarelaAguilar is scheduled to perform at Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 on February 20. The singer has also eight nominations. Tune in at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión to watch her performance or catch her at the pre-show and carpet event. You can stream them on ViX.
The awards gala begins at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Univision, UNIMÁS, and Galavisión. A ViX Premium subscription is required for streaming.
Adele’s ongoing case with a renowned Brazilian composer
In 2024, news broke that Adele’s 2015 song, “Million Years Ago,” had been ordered to be removed globally from all radio and streaming services due to an ongoing plagiarism case.
Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes sued Adele in 2021, alleging that his 1995 samba classic “Mulheres (Women),” recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila, was plagiarized. According to The Guardian, he is suing for lost royalties, moral damages, and songwriting credit.
© Kevin MazurBrazilian judge Victor Torres ordered Sony and Universal to stop “immediately and globally, from using, reproducing, editing, distributing or commercializing the song ‘Million Years Ago,’ by any modality, means, physical or digital support, streaming or sharing platform.”
Geraes’ lawyer, Fredimio Trotta, said this was a warning to those thinking about plagiarizing Brazilian music. “International producers and artists who have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use will think twice, given this decision.” Trotta also told Sky News, “The decision interrupts this harmful, criminal act, and now time is running out against those being prosecuted. Because interrupted plagiarism is plagiarism that doesn’t make a profit.”