Pitbull
July 17, 2016
Talking Stick Resort Arena – Phoenix, AZ
Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix, which is normally home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, was temporarily turned into a dance party last Sunday night by performances from Farruko, Prince Royce, and Pitbull on The Bad Man Tour.
As the crowd found their seats in this large venue that seats around 18,000 people, Farruko, a singer and songwriter from Puerto Rico opened up the night. Wearing a backwards baseball cap, gold chains, and loose fitting clothing, you’d expect this singer to begin rapping, but instead, he sang what seemed to be smooth, Spanish love songs. However, Prince Royce would soon bring the energy of the crowd to a different level.
It was evident that Prince Royce was a fan favorite as screams increased in intensity when the lights dimmed before his set. Although he sang mostly in Spanish, Royce even appealed to fans that did not speak the language. Prince Royce captivated the audience, especially the ladies, with his suave personality and charismatic demeanor. After singing Incondicional, Royce grabbed a rose from the side of the stage, kissed it, and threw it to one lucky fan in the audience.
The barricade rattled as fans jumped and danced in anticipation for Armando Christian Pérez, better known by his stage name Pitbull, to appear on stage. Phil Collins’ song In The Air Tonight played in the background as text flashed on the main screen explaining the humble beginnings of this Cuban-American rapper. The text included phrases such as, “He turned his life from a negative to a positive,” which resonated with the crowd. Pitbull eliminated any negative energy in the audience and brought people of different backgrounds together with his encouraging messages and recurring smiles directed towards the crowd.
Pitbull’s six dancers, dressed in nude, sparkly bodysuits, got the crowd to their feet as Pitbull started off the night with a crowd favorite Don’t Stop the Party. His dancers added a fun and flirty vibe to the concert, since they often stopped to pose with their hands all over “Mr. Worldwide.” Pitbull continued the night with other popular songs such as Fireball, Feel This Moment, and Timber, but let’s face it, there weren’t many Pitbull songs that were not well known by the crowd.
If you were unable to catch the show in Phoenix last Sunday, don’t worry — there are plenty of shows left across the United States until the tour finishes in Denver, Colorado in late August. For anyone who wants a night of singing and dancing accompanied by an inclusive and positive atmosphere, attending a Pitbull concert will not disappoint.
Review by: Jessica Padover
Pitbull
Prince Royce
Farruko
