Cuban-born American, Gloria Estefan, is arguably the most successful Latin American crossover artist of all time, having sold over 90 million records, in both English and Spanish, won five Grammy Awards, and performed sold-out concerts all over the world.
The long-time Miami resident has said this will be her last tour of Latin America, as she is quitting the road to spend more time with her teenage daughter, Emily.
A Truimphant Return for Estefan
If the capacity crowd were upset at this prospect, it certainly didn't show. Taking to the stage in a red blouse and long red frilly skirt (the first of three outfits worn over the course of the evening), the Queen of Latin Pop was given a raptuous reception by an ecsctatic audience who had waited more than ten years to see her in the flesh.
Backed by a huge backing band that included two guitars, a drummer, a percussionist, a brass section and backing vocalists, as well as two female and two male dancers, this looked set to be a night to remember.
If anyone had thought that the hits would be ignored in favour of more recent material, they need not have worried. Rhythm is Gonna Get You and Por Los Años Que Me Quedan (described by Gloria as a song that has become "something of a classic here in Mexico") were both played early on and offered a clear reminder of her enduring talent.
Thanking the Fans
Gloria spoke movingly of the accident that nearly crippled her 19 years ago and thanked the fans for their prayers and support. She then launched into Desde la Oscuridad, the Spanish version of Coming Out of the Dark, and was joined onstage by children from a local hospital, who were there to ask for the public's support in helping to raise money for children's charity, Teleton.
Gloria also brought her daughter, Emily out on stage to play the guitar (and drums) on Play That Funky Music. while she changed into outfit number two, a white blouse and long white frilly skirt.
Over 25 Years of Crossover Hits
The (mainly Spanish) hits kept on coming and newer songs, such as Hoy and Fotografia (from 2003's Unwrapped) and No Llores (from 90 Millas) blended well with more well-known standards like No Te Olvidare (the Spanish-language version of Anything for You) and Si Voy a Perderte (I Don't Wanna Lose You Now).
Her English hits were also represented, with fine, high-energy renditions of Everlasting Love, Turn the Beat Around and Conga. A lucky Brazillian man was even treated to an accapella version of I Can't Stay Away from You in Portuguese.
Displaying Cuban Pride
Throughout the evening, Gloria spoke of her love for the people of Latin America and of the world, and expressed her desire to see freedom return to her home country. Two songs, Esperando (Cuando Cuba Sea Libre) and 90 Millas (a track referring to the 90 miles separating Cuba and the coast of Florida) expressed this view most prominantly, while images of the island and its people were displayed behind.
Will This Really be the Last Time?
The first of three encores consisted of Gloria's breakthrough smash, Dr. Beat, the always-brilliant Get On Your Feet and I Just Wanna be Happy, and had members of the audience dancing in the aisles.
The final song of the evening was 1,2,3 and left the crowd calling out for more. If this really is the last time she will tour, it will be a huge loss to popular music, for there are few female artists around today who have managed to achieve and maintain the level of success that Gloria has without either removing most of their clothes or writhing about on the stage.
A farewell to arms? Let's hope not.
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