The lights dimmed as the figure of Enrique emerged on a podium from below the stage, which suddenly shone with dazzling citrus tones, the screen blazing with electric yellows and greens, pulsing to the bass and dancing to the guitars of 'Move to Miami'. The atmosphere, excited before, erupted to a new level. Launching in, the set began a charged exuberance, which accelerated through the first three songs, rattling through 'I'm a Freak' and blasting into sweltering flame machines on 'I Like How It Feels'. A moment's calm bestowed the stage as the guitar player, spot-lit, performed a dreamy, lingering rendition of Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game', before Enrique and the backing singer, created a glimpse of serenity with the soft tones of 'Heartbeat'.
Then, energy throbbing, the crowd was reignited, euphoria escalating. Having turned up the heat, Enrique made his way from the main stage to the small stage, instantly turning a frenetic atmosphere hysterical; the lower tier began to bubble as he came closer to them, those in the floor section flooding from their seats and cascading around the stage.
Once a rendition of Coldplay's 'Yellow', sang to a volunteer from the crowd, concluded, the volunteer wandered, intending to exit off the edge of the stage; Enrique clasped the back of his collar, clamped his hands onto the man's shoulders and guided him safely down the steps, Enrique's carefree youthful image briefly melting into a more experienced figure, the balance of two intertwined personas which would complement one another throughout the set – the effervescence and liveliness of youth and the worldly-wise nature of his age, knowing how to play and appreciate a crowd whilst providing them with a vibrancy and verve.
Concluding the first part of the set with a stellar performance of 'Tonight (I'm Loving You)', the drive never waned, he had the crowd in his hands and he knew it.
Returning for the encore with 'Súbeme La Radio', the crowd were on their feet in a twenty thousand strong disco. With new singles seamlessly intermingled with old favourites, Enrique called for the lights to dim, 'everybody, cell phones out', as the arena filled with bright, white light, lit solely by mobile phone torches. 'Would you dance, if I asked you to dance?' came the softly uttered opening lines of 'Hero', Enrique putting on a hoodie from the crowd, the image showing vulnerability but the sensitivity in his voice has a new form of understanding, an almost melancholy tenderness.
Moving back to the smaller stage, 'El Perdón' kept the atmosphere buzzing before he sunk onto the floor, lying effortlessly forlorn on his back as he began to roll over and move to the opening beats of 'Bailando', evoking a steaminess and intensity that pulsated, emanating from the stage.
Sun-filled shots from Perez's video for the song made the pulsing arena glow. The energy surged into 'I Like It', huge balloons floated down from the ceiling, confetti cannons exploding in a blizzard, the stage lights beaming through the storm as the balloons were volleyed around the arena, smoke machines set to maximum and then it was done. The arena lights came on and reality resumed save for fans snatching balloons and hubbub as everybody bustled out.
This tour is not the comeback of an ageing pop star, once more around the block for old time's sake; here is someone who has continued to gather support by staying one-step ahead, his demographic evolving with his music. Age has brought experience, but no weariness as he continues to soar and own the stage with an unrivalled vitality; he's still the image, not just an older version of the image he once was, still fresh, attractive and modern. Despite Enrique being the centre of the crowd's attention, he created an aura that ensured that the crowd were his focus. We weren't watching the concert, we were absorbed in it. The next day was not quite so sunny, bright, not as sizzling.
Everybody in the world may not be a fan but his ability to captivate, transport through colour, beats, lyrics and looks, to a place of no worries and all out fun, is undeniable. It isn't complicated - he just makes people happy - the part that makes it special is the flair and spontaneity, an excitement and exhilaration, across languages, cultures and continents.
Going to see Enrique Iglesias is a downright good night out; it's the party of the year, with the host for a generation.
