Houston Chronicle
JLo and Enrique Iglesias heat up Toyota Center
Jennifer Lopez has gone from Bronx upstart to Hollywood goddess (and then some) throughout her multi-hyphenated career. But the actress-singer-dancer is also a bit of a Texas girl.
"Once upon a time I spent a lot of time in Texas. Texas is very special to me," she told the Sunday night crowd that packed into Toyota Center for her co-headlining tour with Enrique Iglesias.
"Because it was very special to her. She taught me so much. A smile can say so much more than a thousand words."
Fans knew immediately Lopez was referring to Selena. Lopez immortalized the late Tejano singer in a 1997 biopic, and [she again paid tribute with a lovely, confident rendition of "No Me Queda Mas," one of Selena's biggest hits. (Lopez has only been doing the song in Texas.)
Lopez took the stage to a musical-inspired intro that featured top hats, tails and feathers. It was all quickly shaken off, however, to reveal a jeweled bodysuit that allowed her to rip into the swivel of "Get Right," "Love Don't Cost a Thing" and "I'm Into You."
It's almost shocking how beautiful Lopez is in person. She's gorgeous. Gorgeous. In every way. Her hair. Her smile. Her eyes. Her hips. But she doesn't rely on it to get her through the show. She's a fierce, athletic dancer and a surprisingly capable vocalist — much stronger than she's given credit for. Her set was nonstop energy and as entertaining as anything I've seen from other pop divas. ("Waiting for Tonight" is still one of the most electric dance anthems in recent history.)
Lopez riffed on her 2009 onstage fall at the American Music Awards during current single "Goin' In', complete with boxing ring and gloves. And she tipped her sequined ball cap at her roots with a hip-hop flavored medley ("I'm Real"/"All I Have"/"Ain't It Funny"/"Jenny from the Block") that was also a reminder of her prime pop canon.
"Papi" and "On the Floor" were full-throttle blasts of energy, and boyfriend Casper Smart joined Lopez for thumping set closer "Dance Again."
"I wanna dance, and love, and dance again" — amid the confetti and glitter and cheering, the sentiment didn't seem so silly.
Lopez may have taken the closing slot, but Iglesias is no mere opening act. He's headlined solo tours and played Houston several times, including a RodeoHouston set earlier this year that drove female fans to rail-jumping hysterics.
Carefully designed signs and T-shirts peppered throughout the robust crowd clearly gave Iglesias the edge. They quoted song lyrics and pleaded to be brought onstage. He took the stage in a trademark T-shirt, ball cap and jeans and launched into recent electro-pop hits "Tonight (I'm Loving You)," "I Like How it Feels" and "Dirty Dancer."
Iglesias is a master at connecting with the crowd, whether he's engaging them in a sing-along or thrusting his arms into the air.
Spanish-language hit "No Me Digas Que No" has a nice live bounce; and he dove off both ends of the stage during "Bailamos," which incited the first of many frantic screaming sessions.
He pulled a visibly nervous male fan onstage for swigs of rum and a "Stand by Me" duet, which Iglesias said helped him learn English as a child. The fan eventually took the mic and strutted solo down the runway, emboldened by the cheering crowd and the liquor. Iglesias stood back and watched in amazement. He's still an ace at aching, heartthrob pop, including the rousing "Be With You" and "Escape," which built to an impressive frenzy.
Power ballad "Hero" found Iglesias atop a small stage at the opposite end of the venue, where he pulled a nine-month pregnant Roula from the KRBE morning show onstage, and kissed her lips and her belly.
"I just wanted to make it to the Enrique-J.Lo concert," she gasped. "Now she (the baby) can come."
Opener Frankie J, who joined the tour just a few days ago, was a nice surprise. He glided through hits "Obsession," "Don't Wanna Try" and "Suga Suga" with charm and ease. It was also a homecoming of sorts; he lived in Houston for several years.
Amazing review! :D
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