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If there was one thing louder than the roaring engines of racing cars last weekend, it was the high-pitched shrieking of teenage girls (and probably a fair few middle-aged mums too) as Enrique Iglesias delivered a lively and energetic performance during the Formula One weekend.
The Latin sensation played a slightly shortened set, but managed to encompass all of his greatest hits and a few other surprises over 70 minutes on Friday evening.
Fuelled by a tight and cohesive band of musicians and back-up singers, Iglesias had the crowd on their feet throughout, swaying and waving to the beats.
Sporting his trademark khaki baseball cap and wearing a huge smile that barely faded when he put his mouth to the microphone, he launched headlong into I’m A Freak, a dance-pop classic mixed with pulsing, electro-house beats, from his 2014 bestselling album.
However, the first crowning moment of the night came when Iglesias dived into Bailamos, his 1999 debut single in the English charts that sold five million copies. Almost everyone knew the words, and the poppy refrains were launched back at him with vigour from the rapturous crowd.
The King of Latin Pop stayed in command as he asked the audience if they were having fun. Of course they were, just look at the line of young females with tears of joy streaming down their faces on the barrier!
The only pause for breath came when Enrique and the entire band disappeared off stage. A few disappointed souls began to leave, sadness etched on their faces as they hadn’t heard their favourite songs.
If there’s one rule of concerts, it’s don’t leave before the lights come on!
Enrique returned for his encore, hidden under a hooded top as he emerged on a small sound stage in the middle of the crowd to sing his most famous song, Hero. This had the thousands surrounding him in raptures, with almost all reaching for their smartphones to record the moment in between belting out the chorus until their lungs gave out.
After returning to the main stage, he declared the end of the slow songs and ‘no more ballads!’ He stayed true to his words, ending with 2014 smash hit Bailando and the classic I Like It, both of which had the crowd grooving along and throwing shapes.
This was easily the best F1 concert in my opinion since Scorpions three years ago, as evidenced by the sheer number of fans packing the vending area and the atmosphere throughout.
