Enrique Iglesias loves to the party. This is what the Spanish pop-star and global heartthrob pledges to Abu Dhabi when he steps on stage on Friday night as part of the Abu Dhabi Formula One After-Race concert at the du Arena. In a quick chat with The National during his South American tour, the 39-year-old reflects on his successful latest album Sex and Love, his approach to songwriting and whether he will be spotted in the Yas Marina paddocks during the racing weekend.
Sex and Love has been out for over a year now, upon reflection are you happy with the way that it was received?
I'm so appreciative of the reception of the album. From I'm a Freak to El Perdedor to Loco and of course Bailando — to have that song become first Spanish song to break 1 billion views on YouTube is an honour. All the versions combined, Spanish, English and Portuguese have over 1.3 billion views. It's a little unbelievable and I can't thank my fans enough for making this happen.
One of the more underrated aspects of your career is that you are songwriter and you are heavily involved in the creation of all your albums, as opposed to soliciting beats from producers. How important is that to you?
It’s extremely important. I spend a lot of time in the studio because I know that the most important thing in your career is getting the songs right. Without good songs you can’t have success.
Sex and Love is heavy on collaborations. What do you look for in an artist to guest in your album?
Usually it comes down to the song and your gut. Like the English version of Bailando. When we were putting it together, I just had this feeling that Sean Paul was the right fit and I think he did an amazing job.
Personally, I find Sex and Love your most balanced album, in that it is a finely tuned melange of dance floor jams and ballads. Was that one of the artistic goals with the new record?
With every album I’m not necessarily looking for one type of thing or another. It really comes down each song, first and foremost. I do like to have a mix of Spanish and English on my albums. My last two albums have had both songs in Spanish and songs in English.
Which brings us to how those songs are translated live — how would you describe the live experience to those who haven’t seen you before?
One of the best ways to describe my show is just a big party. I have a great time performing for my fans and sometimes with my fans. I love it when I see fans having a good time together.
You are coming to Abu Dhabi as part of the Formula One entertainment. Are you a petrol head and will you plan to check out some of the racing action?
If my schedule isn’t too crazy getting ready for the show. I’ve performed at F1 events before and they are always a great time whether it’s the races, the music events or the parties.
You have performed before in the UAE a few times now. How has the experience been?
I have played several times in Dubai, the last being in 2012. It was incredible experience. The fans in the UAE are so passionate and truly make you feel welcome. I can’t wait to get back and hopefully see some familiar faces.
Finally, I read in an interview published back in 2000 — when you began to make big waves internationally — where you said that in your younger days you were rejected by the opposite sex about 70 per cent of the time.
Wow, that’s a very specific number. I’m not sure it was 70%. Maybe it was more. I didn’t get a date to prom so that that didn’t help the percentage.
• Enrique Iglesias performs at du Arena on Friday, November 27, at the second F1 after-race concert. Doors open 7pm. A three-day race-day pass that includes entry to the show (and the Florence and The Machine and Blur concerts on Saturday and Sunday respectively) costs from Dh2,080. For more ticket options, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com
