“Who’s That Girl” is a hit song by Madonna, released in June 1987 as the lead single from the soundtrack of the film of the same name, Who’s That Girl, in which she starred. The song became a major international success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topping charts in several other countries. It’s one of Madonna’s most iconic tracks from the 1980s, blending her pop sensibilities with Latin influences.
“Who’s That Girl” was written and produced by Madonna and her longtime collaborator Patrick Leonard for the Who’s That Girl movie, a screwball comedy in which Madonna plays the role of a free-spirited, quirky character named Nikki Finn. The song reflects the playful, adventurous energy of the movie. Madonna had originally planned to title the film Slammer, but she felt “Who’s That Girl” better captured the essence of the character and the story. The song became the central theme of both the movie and its accompanying soundtrack.
The lyrics of “Who’s That Girl” are playful and mysterious, reflecting the enigmatic nature of the character Madonna portrays in the film. The song is about a woman who captivates everyone’s attention, leaving them to wonder, “Who’s that girl?” The lyrics mix Spanish and English, with the repeated refrain “Quién es esa niña?” (“Who is that girl?” in Spanish), adding to the song’s exotic feel and international appeal.
Musically, “Who’s That Girl” blends dance-pop with Latin-inspired rhythms, incorporating Spanish guitar, maracas, and a light, upbeat tempo. The song is driven by a catchy synth melody and danceable beats typical of Madonna’s music during this era. The Latin influences, particularly in the percussion and guitar work, help give the song a distinctive sound compared to her earlier pop tracks. The mix of English and Spanish in the lyrics adds to the song’s international appeal and reflects Madonna’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
“Who’s That Girl” was a massive commercial success worldwide. In the U.S., the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Madonna’s sixth No. 1 hit. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including the UK, Canada, and Italy. The song’s international appeal, due to its Latin influences and catchy melody, helped it become a global hit. The success of “Who’s That Girl” contributed to the popularity of the Who’s That Girl soundtrack, which also featured other songs by Madonna, including “The Look of Love” and “Causing a Commotion.”
The music video for “Who’s That Girl” was directed by Peter Rosenthal. The video cuts between scenes of Madonna dancing, lip-syncing the song, and clips from the movie, creating a whimsical, energetic visual experience that matches the song’s vibe. Madonna’s styling in the video, including her platinum blonde hair and 1980s fashion, became an iconic look that defined her image during this period. The video received heavy rotation on MTV, further boosting the song’s popularity.