in

Ricky Martin, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias Turn Xcel Into Nightclub for Trilogy Tour.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

The Trilogy Tour hit Saint Paul, Minnesota, and delivered three times: the shaking bon bons, hotel room service, and bailar to a nightclub-like Xcel Energy Center.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

The tour features Latin music superstars Ricky Martin, Pitbull, and Enrique Iglesias performing sets for just under an hour each in the given order. And they all delivered their unique flair and penchant for playing their strengths to the crowd.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Opening was perhaps the most energetic performer of the evening, Ricky Martin. Prior to his entrance, the crowd screamed along to a video montage introduction that built excitement and energy. The oldest of the three performers, Martin burst onto the stage and danced along while singing “Pegate.”

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Following was “Maria,” and its hypnotic chorus that was eagerly sung along to. Drums and horns had the crowd dancing in the aisles and seats. And Martin waltzed side to side, waving and singing to the crowd.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

He played his English hits like “She Bangs,” his groundbreaking “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” and his FIFA anthem “The Cup of Life.” Before exiting, he thanked the crowd with extreme gratitude. 

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Next was Pitbull, who also entered after a video montage introduction. Yet Pitbull’s demeanor–while no less enthusiastic–came off more like the star in the room…the guy who controls the club when he arrives. This was particularly evident by “Mr. Worldwide” wearing a suit, as opposed to the dance/casual attire of his co-headliners.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Keeping with the club theme, Pitbull talked and sang repeated calls and responses between songs. Right off, this was most prolific with “Hotel Room Service” and its classic-yet-oft-sampled catchphrase: hotel, motel, Holiday Inn.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Also very club-like, Pitbull’s set featured a DJ that wove Pitbull’s songs along with others’ songs. At one point, several rap classics like Chubb Rock’s “Treat ‘em Right” and Chaka Demus & Pliers’ “Murder She Wrote” were mixed into a medley. Pitbull also sang portions of others’ songs, including the crowd favorite “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

The crowd took to the setlist throughout the night, yet seemed most excited for his litany of dance hits. This was especially seen in the closing sequence of “Timber,” “Fireball,” and “Time of Our Lives.”

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Before the closer Enrique Iglesias, the stadium played “Oye Mi Amour” to get the crowd back on their feet and singing along. Iglesias entered with a calm, suave demeanor. But during the laser-filled opening “Tonight (I’m Loving You),” he changed the lyrics to the non-radio version while his dancers took care of the sensual legwork.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Iglesias’ set was a balance of Spanish and English hits. Perhaps surprisingly, he did not play his recent releases or popular English hit “Hero.” But he did serenade the crowd with some bandmates on a second stage for stripped-down versions of his Spanish hits.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

While Pitbull has played multiple shows at various Twin Cities venues in recent years, it was a treat to have Martin and Iglesias perform after what seems to have been ages since their last concerts. For this triple threat, more was definitely better.

Trilogy Tour, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Photo by James Perovich

Written by James Perovich

Believer in natural light, minimal conceptualization, and perfect timing.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Loading…

0

Comments

0 comments

Madonna’s Celebrations Tour Transforms a St. Paul Tuesday Night into a Saturday

dishes of mexican food on a table

Best 18 Songs About Food to Fire Up Those Taste Buds