The atmosphere was very hot Friday evening at the Bell Center, where Pibull, Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin warmed up more than 15,300 fans during a true music marathon of more than three hours.
Although autumn had long since arrived in the metropolis, there was a heat wave atmosphere in the crowded amphitheater. The three Latin bombshells combined their repertoire in one evening and took turns on stage to create an unprecedented Latin fever among the loud and excited fans.
And it’s also a big machine, perfectly oiled and running like clockwork, based in Montreal. Huge giant screens, pyrotechnic effects, laser streams, confetti and balloon rain… no effort was spared to impress the eyes and of course the ears.
Photo agency QMI, Mario Beauregard
It was Pitbull – Mr. International, for those who know – who opened the ball and was greeted with a torrent of applause and screams. The crowd jumped to its feet and only a few of the little ones touched their designated seats as the evening progressed.
Whether you’re a fan of the singer or not, we have to admit that his rhythms are honestly catchy and his energy is communicative. “Don’t Stop the Party”, “Gasolina”, “Give Me Everything”, “Timber”, “Fireball”, “Feel This Moment”, “On the Floor”… the singer of Cuban origin used all his skills to delivering an hour of hits without the slightest downtime.
During his performance, his various collaborators—Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Kesha, Usher, et al.—appeared on a giant screen, their voices accompanying Pitbull’s on pre-recorded tapes. A section obviously accompanied by lascivious choreography, performed by a horde of scantily clad dancers.
The charismatic Enrique Iglesias
Next to enter the arena? Enrique Iglesias. Charismatically – and warmer than his predecessor – the singer interpreted his biggest hits of the last 30 years again and played Bailamos, Escape, Be With You and I Like It in quick succession, the foundations of his impressive and productive career. He also dared to say a few words here and there in French, an initiative that was well received by the spectators, whose screams reached several decibels.
Enrique Iglesias also gave us one of the best moments of the evening when he wiped tears from his eyes and let the audience sing the chorus of Hero.
Photo agency QMI, Mario Beauregard
Irresistible Ricky Martin
At the end of the evening, Ricky Martin heated up the atmosphere even further with the most dynamic part of the show. The Puerto Rican singer showcased more vocals than his peers and raised the standards many times over with big hits like She Bangs, Livin’ la Vida Loca, Shake Your Bon-Bon and The Cup of Life. Even after 11 p.m., the energy didn’t let up in the slightest in the presence of Ricky Martin, who proved to be a born showman and was able to captivate an audience like no other.
At his side, the Quebec dancer Daniel Dory impressed and showed why international stars – from Cher to Mariah Carey, including Rihanna, Lil Nas
Photo agency QMI, Mario Beauregard