The other Latin pop superstar named Enrique returned to Rosemont at Allstate Arena on Oct. 11.
Singer Ricky Martin brought the flavor that he is known for, along with many of same dance moves that still work to this day and don't seem dated. His latest endeavor, A Quien Quiera Escuchar ( To Those Who Want to Listen ), brings him back to his Spanish-speaking roots and has taken him on this One World Tour.
Martin did perform singles from that album, mixed in with his popular English-language hits. It wouldn't be a Ricky Martin concert without him riding in on a car to the tune of "Livin' La Vida Loca." He asked the crowd to raise their hands if they were new to his concert and then quickly taught the newbies how to participate.
His opener reggaeton heartthrob, Wisin, returned to the stage to sing "Adrenalina," possibly tapping into a younger fan base. He played all the right songs to keep long time fans dancing and singing along.
Several generations were on hand for Martin, with screamers of every age along for the ride. The heat was turned up with men wearing kilts and leather-clad dancing girls for "She Bangs."
The song "Private Emotion" struck a chord with listeners, as many affectionate gay and lesbian attendees held each other, giving the song a new meaning.
While performing the slower songs such as "Vuelve," Martin kept up the intensity and didn't allow things to get boring. For a new song, "Adios," he used canes and cabaret-style dancers to keep things lively. While his backup band was strong, it was noticeable that he only needed one backup singer most of the night to carry things along.
He encouraged fans to be free. This set the tone to allow them to raise their hands to the sky for "Por Arriba," with Martin's signature hand jive motions making both sides of the arena compete for his favor.
After combining his past hits like "Maria," complete with a dancing girl, to a new track "La Mordita," he finished with an encore of "The Cup of Life."
Martin continues to be a strong performer, bringing together fans no matter what language they speak.
Visit www.rickymartinmusic.com for more on Martin.
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn