Enrique Iglesias was a new kid on the Spanish pop block when he last played a Tucson show back in the late 1990s.
This weekend he returns as the King of Latin Pop.
In the nearly 20 years since he last stood on a Tucson stage, the Spain-born Iglesias, 41, has:
- Sold over 137 million records worldwide.
- Scored more than 150 No. 1 hits across all Billboard charts, including pop and rock.
- Five of those singles landed in the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
- He holds the record for longest-running and most (27) No. 1 Spanish-language hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks.
- He has a 13 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Dance charts, more than any other male artist.
We caught up with a busy Iglesias from somewhere on the road with his “Sex and Love Tour” that pulls into the AVA at Casino del Sol Resort and Casino on Saturday, July 2. It’s part of the casino’s 22nd anniversary weekend that also includes a concert with Kiss on Monday, July 4.
He answered a few email questions about returning to Tucson and what’s in store.
As far as we can tell, the last time you performed in Tucson was in 1997. What can we expect from your show and are you planning to reintroduce yourself? “You can expect a fun night out with lots of dancing and singalongs. We have all new production that I think you will all enjoy.”
In your latest album you collaborated with Pitbull, Flo Rida, Sean Paul and other well-known R&B artists. Who would you like to collaborate with in the future and why? “My list is endless. There are so many people out there that I admire and it’s always so much fun to work with different artists. Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Ritchie, amongst many, many more.”
You’ve been doing the “Sex and Love Tour” for two years. Tell us a little about the show and what you do to keep it fresh and fun for you and the band. “Different crowds equals different energy levels and such. That’s what keeps it fresh for me. Every city the fan base is different through my eyes.”
If you had never gone into music as a career, what path would you have taken? “I guess I would love to do something with football (soccer).”
If I grabbed your iPod and hit play, what would I hear? “Could be anything from recent pop to the classics like Dire Straits, to even folk music.”
