The Trilogy Tour: Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and Ricky Martin
On October 26 and 27 Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, and Pitbull brought the Trilogy tour to Madison Square for two nights of high-energy fun. Melodía had the privilege of covering night two last Friday, and let me start out this review by saying: that these legends did not disappoint. Madison Square Garden was the perfect venue to host these icons on their massively successful tour. Something about being in the Garden, a venue synonymous with the word legendary, puts into perspective just how far all three men have come in their careers. They set a precedent that Latin/Spanish music isn’t just loved by Latino/Spanish people but has become a globally respected genre of music. I dare say that Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, and Pitbull have paved the path for today's global crossover Latino/Spanish artists.
The night started off on a high note, with the crowd being warmed up by the DJ. The audience was definitely ready to have a good time, the drinks were flowing, and they were on their feet before the first artist even hit the stage. During an EDM version of Sweet Caroline, the crowd turned their cell phone lights on and swayed to the rhythm while their vocals ricocheted throughout the stadium.
The first act to grace the stage was none other than Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull. He brought the energy the crowd was hungry for with the global hit “Don’t Stop the Party”. His presence was punctuated by elaborate pyrotechnics and 4 female dancers that elevated Mr. 305 ‘s performance. Pitbull has a unique place in Latin and pop music as the majority of his catalog is known globally. It wasn’t a surprise to see the crowd on their feet singing along to the lyrics in every song of his set. During his set, Pitbull made sure to shout out the record labels in New York that quote “Didn’t want anything to do with him” with the following:
Photographed for Melodía Magazine by Jessie Fuentes
“They didn’t want to hear me. They didn’t want nothing to do with me. So all I want to say is to those labels that walked over me back 20 years ago. F**k you, God Bless you, and thank you. I’m here at Madison Square Garden!”
With two #1s, 10 top tens, and 44 songs that have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s safe to say he didn’t need them. He also spoke on the multiple charter schools he has opened across the country, including his hometown Lil Havana in Miami, Florida. He spoke on the joys of giving back to the community and helping children just like him succeed.
He brought his fiery set to a close with mass hits like “Timber” ft. Kesha, “Time of Our Lives” ft. Ney, and “Give Me Everything” ft. Neyo, Afrojack & Nayer. Pitbull put on a spectacular performance that rocked Madison Square Garden and set the tone for the night. In between sets, the DJ was given free range to keep the audience hyped for each artist.
People around the globe have been waiting for the return of performer number two, who has been living a relatively private life after the birth of his three children with his wife, tennis superstar Anna Kournikova. Have you guessed who it is yet? If you guessed Enrique Iglesias you are right! With two #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and twenty-five #1’s on Latin Airplay, the crowd was ready for this seasoned veteran to put on an unforgettable performance. Iglesias started the hit set with his sexy 2020 pop hit “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)”. Throwing his hands into the air, he whipped the crowd up into a frenzy. The audience erupted in shouts of joy and praise as the singer worked the stage playing to all sides of the arena.
Photographed for Melodía Magazine by Jessie Fuentes
Iglesias made audience interaction a priority during his set, constantly making sure the crowd was on their feet and zoned into the music. During each song, he pointed the microphone at the audience so they could sing the lyrics back to them, a move that kept the crowd attentive to his set. I will say I was a bit disappointed by the sound mixing of Iglesias’ set. There were moments when Iglesias and his background singers' vocals were swallowed by the band.
Of the three performers, Iglesias took advantage of the stage the most. He even ran through a section of the crowd to play on a smaller stage towards the back half of the audience. He gave a sultry performance of “Loco” where he was on his knees caressing one of his background singers. They kept their steamy tension brewing for most of the songs in that area of the venue.
On the smaller stage, he also serenaded the audience with favorites “Hero” and “El Perdon” while lights danced above his head to the rhythm of the songs. These moments made his set more intimate, creating a clear distinction between his performance and his tour mates. During one song he jumped the barricade into the 100 level of the crowd and came up close and personal with some of his friends. I witnessed a 20-year-old woman run across half the arena to cling to Iglesias. He welcomed her with open arms and continued to sing while he swayed to the song with her. When the song ended the ecstatic fan shook in enthusiasm as she returned to her seat.
As Iglesias’ set came to an end, he basked in the roar of the crowd. Just looking at him, you could tell he missed being on the road and soaking in the love of his adoring fans. When Iglesias left the stage, the DJ continued to keep the audience up and at em’ with upbeat pop hits.
After a short intermission the last performer of the night, Ricky Martin, made his spectacular entrance. He was lifted by a riser to the top of an illuminated staircase while his dancers flourished the stage and swayed to the rhythm of “Pégate”. Martin kept up with his dancers moving his hips and working the stage as he glided through his set. It’s hard to keep the crowd going after a night of long performances, but Martin kept the crowd lively by creating an inviting atmosphere that championed dancing. He worked the stage playing to the audience while delivering a solid vocal performance with great tonality.
Photographed for Melodía Magazine by Jessie Fuentes
What made Martin’s performance stand out from the other headliners of the night was the multiple outfit changes throughout his set. I attempted to keep count but lost track after number 6. He continued to rile up the crowd with hits like “Shake Your Bon Bon” and “Livin’ la Vida Loca”. The crowd was engrossed in Martins’s performance and it’s safe to say the show ended on a high note.
The Trilogy Tour is continuing through the winter with tickets available here. Listen to our playlist below to prepare for a show near you.
