Sounds: J.Lo and Enrique Iglesias

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koJlIGDImiU[/youtube]

BY JESSE SCOTT

FOR THE FREE LANCE–STAR

A cluster of habanero peppers searing in the Miami sun has nothing on the Latin spice that’s about to grace our nation’s capital.

Nearly 15 years into their respective careers, Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez are joining forces for what is sure to be one big fiesta.

The sexy Latin pair will hit the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. Aside from a colorful sea of Puerto Rican and Spanish flags and hours of upbeat hits, one thing makes this tour a unique spectacle—Iglesias and Lopez are huge fans of each other.

“My favorite [song of Lopez’s], I would have to say, is probably the first one that I heard from her, which is ‘If You Had My Love,’” said Iglesias in a recent teleconference. “The time that it came out, it was a very significant time for Hispanic artists.”

“I would have to say that the one [song by Iglesias] that sticks in my head the most is always ‘Bailamos,’” said Lopez. “I just loved it.  I just always remember him. That [song marked] a very iconic moment for me and for Enrique.”

By this point, we all know who Enrique and J.Lo are. The sexy mole. The world’s most famous booty. “Hero.” Jenny from the Block.

In addition to what their fans have come to expect, the duo promises to bring a bit of the unexpected to this tour.

“I’ve already seen what her show consists of, and I think fans are really going to appreciate that,” said Iglesias. “When we can combine, at one point, both of us together, it’s going to be fun for the fans.”

Despite their collective Latin heritage and undeniably captivating tunes, each brings their own style of Latin pop. In addition to a few shared moments, the duo looks forward to treating fans to two unique shows under one roof.

“Well, Jennifer’s show  her show is a little more synchronized  more dancers, more costume changes,” said Iglesias. “I’m a guy, so when it comes down to costume changes, I get a little more lazy. And again, we’re not comparing ourselves to these—the acts that I’m about to tell you are absolutely unbelievable—but I guess one’s more a Madonna show, the other one’s more a U2 show.“

As for who will open and who will close the tour, it seems that J.Lo, now a mother of two, is all about filling the opening slot and getting home to the kids.

“I think that Enrique should close,” laughed Lopez. “I’ll go first. That way I’ll be home in time to put the babies to bed!”

Reflecting on how times have changed since J.Lo’s days of being a fly girl and Iglesias’ early Spanish albums, the duo can’t help but notice how the cellphone has become an integral part of the concert experience.

“It’s kind of funny,” laughed Lopez. “It changes the concert a little bit because everybody wants to post on their fan pages, on YouTube, and be the first ones to put it out there. I feel like my job is to kind of engage them and make them forget about their phones for a little while.”

What: Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez

Where: Verizon Center, 601 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.

When: Saturday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $29.50–$199.50

Info: 202/628-3200;  verizoncenter.com

Jesse Scott is a Fredericksburg native who needs a little spice in his life.

Permalink: http://news.fredericksburg.com/weekender/2012/07/25/sounds-j-lo-and-enrique-iglesias/