Where on earth did he come from? How did he become the multitalented phenom that he is today? We’re here to give you the full scoop and even more. Stay with us to find out how Enrique Iglesias was handed the crown to be the King of Latin Pop.
Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler
You may know him simply as Enrique Iglesias, however, you’re going to have to work your jaw muscles a bit to get his full name out — Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler. It's a mouthful, right?
The Latin heartthrob was welcomed into the world on May 8th, 1975 in Madrid, Spain to parents Julio Iglesias and Isabel Preysler. One look at the couple confirms where he got his dashing good looks from. Although Enrique was the youngest of three children, he certainly made sure to take the limelight.
It’s in the Genes
Enrique's father, Julio is known as one of the most successful Spanish singers in the world. His mother, Isabel Preysler, was a well-known socialite and journalist. Sadly, the power couple would later divorce leaving young Iglesias to be raised by his nanny.
Still, with parents like these, it’s no wonder Enrique Iglesias took the star-studded path that he did. This family might be the ultimate proof that stardom is genetic, case closed!
Hello Dolly?
Want to know one of his most shameful secrets? A school production of "Hello, Dolly!" was his first stepping stone into stardom. That performance proved to be fateful for the young Iglesias’ future as the music bug had bitten hard.
The budding crooner started writing songs and performing them in Miami restaurants with friends. Iglesias didn’t want his Dad, who had sold more than 300 million records, to know about any of this so he kept it a secret for years. We’re imagining the cringe if these videos ever surfaced!
He Owes It All to His Nanny
This chapter of Enrique Iglesias’ life seems straight out of a Disney story. After Iglesias’ parents divorced, Enrique went to live in Miami with his father, and, with the senior Iglesias forever on tour, young Iglesias was raised by his nanny Elvira Olivares.
As we mentioned, he was determined to keep his musical aspirations hidden from his father, so Elvira gave him the $1,800 he needed to record his demo. The eternally grateful Enrique went on to dedicate his album to Olivares.
Enrique... Martinez?
When shopping his demo around, Enrique Iglesias went by the pseudonym Enrique Martinez to avoid bringing attention to himself as the son of the great Julio Iglesias. Initially, the Martinez demo didn’t garner much interest.
But that changed when it landed up with Fonovisa Records, a small indie setup known for its Mexican flavor. A $ 1 million record deal was signed and sealed once the CEO heard the demo and saw the hunky Enrique.
His Heart Is on the Right!
Enrique Iglesias’ hit ballad "Heartbeat" may have a hidden meaning! The Spanish songster has an obscure oddity that you would not be able to identify by looking at him. Iglesias was born with an extraordinary condition known as situs inversus.
This heartthrob's ticker beats on the opposite side of his body. Instead of being to the left, his heart is to the right. In fact, all his organs are a mirror image of the standard! Enrique, we love the sound of both of your heartbeats, the real one and the song.
Business Studies?
Before Iglesias went all-in on music, the world-renowned performer enrolled at the University of Miami to study business administration!
This academic venture wouldn’t work out as planned as fate would have it; the soon-to-be global sensation dropped out in his sophomore year in order to focus his energies on building his music empire. Office life and sitting behind a desk were clearly not what the universe had in store for this superstar.
Smashing Debut
Let’s take a quick stock of Enrique Iglesias’ debut album. Top of the Latin charts? Check. Grammy Award nomination for Best Latin Pop Album? Check. Platinum status in sales in the United States and selling well over five million copies?
Yeah, we think you already knew that was a check. The balladeer’s debut album firmly placed him among the greats on the world stage and would propel him to becoming a household name in the 90s and early 2000s.
Impressing Will Smith
Enrique Iglesias was not the first melodist to bring a spicy Latin flavor to global pop music. Artists such as Ricky Martin and Jenifer Lopez may have paved the way, but when Iglesias crossed over into the global English-language market, he came in swinging.
Iglesias’ fourth studio album ‘Enrique’ was released in 1999 and marked the beginning of his international success. The single ‘Bailamos’ made an impression on Will Smith, who featured it in his film, "Wild Wild West."
Super Bad Bowl
Singing at the Super Bowl brought Enrique a bit of embarrassment after Howard Stern berated the super songster for not being able to sing live. To prove Stern wrong, Iglesias later performed the song live on his show with only the help of a guitar.
Stern had no choice but to admit that Iglesias really could sing. The sloppy Super Bowl performance was supposedly due to Iglesias being forced to lip-sync. We have to give it to the man for capitalizing on what started out as bad publicity!
Enrique Becomes Our Hero
If you haven't sung this at the top of your lungs to someone you love while standing in the rain, you need to rethink your life choices. Enrique Iglesias’ much-adored hit single, Hero, reached heroic heights on release. How many copies were sold, you ask?
Eight million and counting. This ultra-tender steamy ballad is why we love Iglesias. The release of this single may have been the exact moment when the entire world fell in love with this Spanish troubadour.
Falling for Anna Kournikova
Enrique and Anna met for the first time in 2001 during the shooting of his music video Escape. Honestly, it didn't even seem like they were acting during their rather steamy scenes. The couple fell for each other from the start and officially announced their relationship in 2002.
Although being world-renowned, the intensely private pair have managed to keep their romance out of the spotlight. We wish they would just let us know some of the details!
Enrique Is Good at Keeping Secrets
Over the years, the super-secretive romance between the singer and Anna Kournikova left fans speculating. Are they married, still dating, or living in Splitsville?
In 2017, the world was shocked to hear that the happy couple had welcomed not one but two babies into the world. The tennis star and king of Latin pop managed to keep the pregnancy well under wraps, and only family and a few close friends knew that the happy couple was expecting twins.
In Hot Water
Childhood experiences have a way of sticking with you, and so do scars. The Latin Pop star literally got himself in hot water when he was just a niño.
Iglesias can still recall being rushed to hospital after he mistakenly sat in a bathtub filled with boiling-hot water. This was way back when gas boilers were still a thing. He has said that he still has scars on his inner thighs, but his more discrete parts are thankfully all fine!
Getting Divorced?!
From day one, Iglesias has always kept his romance with Kournikova well under the media's radar. But fans were left scratching their heads back in 2007 when the Spanish songster said that he and Kournikova had married on the sly and then just as stealthily got divorced.
He was quoted as saying, “I’m single now, but that’s ok. I don’t mind being alone.” Later, Iglesias’ agent set the record straight, saying that Iglesias was joking and that the two were still a couple!
Puppy Love
They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but Iglesias seems to believe that a man is the one who should be there for his dog. He has said that the thing he treasures most is his dogs and that he doesn’t like to be separated from them for too long.
Even with the non-stop schedule of an international pop star, Iglesias manages to carve out time for his prize pooches. These camera-perfect canines have even made appearances on the Spanish star’s Instagram and Twitter.
Universally Questionable
In 2018, the Grammy-winning Latin pop star claimed that Universal Music Group was not paying him what they owed him for his streaming revenue. The savvy singer said that he should be receiving fifty percent of streaming income, and Universal only paid him a fraction of that. The alleged amount owed to him was in the millions.
The lawsuit went further to state that there were “unjustifiable deductions” and “excess charges”. This dispute certainly did not rock Enrique's universe.
He Doesn't Believe in Marriage
Not only the two aren't divorced. Turns out they were never married in the first place! Apparently, Iglesias isn’t too pumped about the whole marriage thing. In 2012 he said he never really thought it would make much difference. The celebrity hunk also said that he doesn’t think you love someone more because it’s on a piece of paper.
Anna Kournikova echoed her partner’s sentiments way back in 2012, stating that marriage was not important to her. Perhaps these two have discovered the secret to marital bliss is not getting married!
His Most Embarrassing Confessions
Ok, so maybe he was kidding around with this one (we really hope he was), but in an interview with the Guardian, he said his most unappealing habit was biting his toenails. Weird habits aside, you have to admit that this Spanish stud is flexible!
Let’s be honest, some of you out there would if you could! In the same interview, he cited that his most embarrassing moment was passing gas in a movie theater while on a first date. Thanks for the overshare, Enrique!
Attacked by a Drone
Pop stars have to contend with not only critics, hecklers, and bad publicity — it seems that drones have it out for them too. While performing in Mexico, Iglesias reached up to hold a drone as if it were a harmless kitten.
Alas, the quadcopter blades injured his hand while on stage. After a quick consult with a medic, the brave, albeit embarrassed, performer was back on stage, singing his heart out with a long bandage trailing behind him!
Bloody Shirt
After a freak drone accident left the singer with an injured hand, Iglesias instinctively painted a heart shape on his t-shirt and went on with his show.
This would lead to him partnering with the Save the Children Foundation to sell replicas of the t-shirt. He was quoted as saying, “My heart goes out to all the kids around the world who lived through a humanitarian crisis and have had to rebuild their lives from scratch.”
The Mysterious Mole
From his debut album to his first U.S. performance, Enrique and his mole have been together from the beginning, but, sadly, it was time to part ways. The Hero’s trademark mole was surgically removed after his doctor said it might become dangerous to keep it. It’s better to be safe than sorry, but holy moley, we can’t believe it’s gone!
Although the procedure took only five minutes, the world’s most famous mole will remain forever in our hearts.
All Too Eager Fans
Enrique Iglesias, the object of many fans’ desires, surely has to be used to being swamped by adoring crowds. However, one fan took it a little too far when she forced a smooch on the Spanish idol during a show in Kyiv.
What started out as an innocent selfie request quickly devolved into a very unwelcome snog. We’re sure that his long-term girlfriend, Anna Kournikova, wasn't too happy when the images surfaced!
Once Upon an Enrique
With such a busy music schedule, you’d think that Enrique Iglesias would have no time to branch out into other creative areas. But, in 2003, the red hot crooner set aside the microphone for a moment to flex his acting chops on the silver screen.
Iglesias played alongside superstars Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Johnny Depp in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico." But this wasn’t the star’s first crack at acting; back in 1995, the baby-faced Enrique played a renegade hitman in the neo-western "Desperado."
Pitbull’s Pal
The unlikely bromance between the slick pop star and the American rapper Pitbull goes far beyond business. The friendly duo has collaborated together on tracks like Messin’ Around and I Like It.
Their shoulders have rubbed together on stage often. So it comes as no surprise that they’re big pals off stage. The two admit to being good friends. They hang out in their city of Miami whenever possible. Iglesias says there is a degree of honesty between them that’s needed for making fresh music.
Hiatus
After a flurry of back-to-back record releases and tours, Iglesias fell off the radar except for some media speculation around his passionate romance with tennis babe Kournikova. For three years, he was silent, but the hunky idol was not completely idle.
Iglesias had been working on something new and fresh. His eighth studio album entitled "Insomniac" was released in 2007. It was a dark and edgy left turn from his usual style, that no one was expecting.
Dazzling in Damascus
In 2007 he poured out his steamy Latin pop for 10,000 adoring fans in Syria and became the first western artist to grace the place in three decades. Iglesias is no stranger to high-conflict areas. Jet setting Iglesias visited Bali shortly after the attacks of 2002.
He cites the Syrian audience as one of the best crowds for which he has ever performed. After seeing the unifying effects of music, the star hopes that other artists will perform in Syria.
Trouble in Sri Lanka
As we know, the sultry songster doesn’t shy away from flaunting his visual appeal. His "Sex and Love" tour would land him in hot water after Sri Lakan fans got a bit too hot under the collar. A few frenzied fans flung their “garments” at the singer.
This upset the President of Sri Lanka. The furious leader deemed it uncivilized behavior and said that the organizers of the event should be punished somehow. Keep in mind that punishments get creative over there!
He Almost Lost His Hit Single Bailando
Enrique Iglesias’ smash hit Bailando is one of the greatest songs of the Latin singer’s career but it almost never happened. The star was in two minds about recording the song after co-writing it with Descemer Bueno.
Beuno originally reworked it and released it online as a single of his own, but when Iglesias heard it he was convinced he should take a stab at it. It’s a good thing he did as it went platinum four times in the United States.
Eternal Kiss Miles Apart
Could I Have This Kiss Forever was released on Iglesias’ 1999 album. It featured the great songstress Whitney Houston. Although you could cut the vocal tension there with a knife, the two never actually met face-to-face. The artists recorded their parts in separate studios 5,636 miles apart — Iglesias in California and Houston in Hamburg, Germany.
Later, the fiery music video would confirm the chemistry between the two despite the initial long-distance recording session.
Magnificent Mansion
Where do the King of Latin pop and tennis super-babe live when they’re out of public sight? How about a 7,622 square foot Moroccan-style Miami mansion.
Villa Jasmine, as it's affectionately referred to, boasts seven bedrooms, a lengthy marble driveway, a grand mosaic-tiled fountain, and a spa! What on earth do they do with all those rooms? The Miami home comes in at a cool $18.5 million. We wouldn’t expect anything less from a Grammy Award-winning superstar.
Two and a Half Men and a Pop Star
The Spanish pop star tried to steal Charlie’s girlfriend in an episode of "Two And a Half Men". But instead of cameoing as the superstar he is, he plays a hunky but humble handyman named Fernando.
Not only does he compete for the affections of Charlie’s girlfriend, but even Berta, Charlie’s maid, takes a liking to the doe-eyed Mr. Fix-it. Bitter old Charlie had no other choice but to fire the handsome handyman.
Iglesias Off-Broadway
Singing, songwriting, and acting — the gorgeous phenom can do it all. The Latin singing sensation has even produced an Off-Broadway show! You may get a bit tongue-tied with the title: "4 Guys Named Jose and una Mujer Named Maria."
The rhythmic stage show pays homage to the development of Latin music over the decades and has catchy melodies and a whirlwind story of love and loss. Where to next, Enrique?
How Enrique Met Your Mother
Enrique Iglesias flexed his acting muscles when he played Gael, Robin’s Argentinian rebound, in an episode of the American sitcom "How I Met Your Mother."
Every guy's nightmare is that his ex-girlfriend will hook up with a guy like Gael – a seductive, guitar-slinging surfer and masseuse. We felt for Ted. The poor guy couldn’t catch a break. Ted’s perpetual suffering aside, we enjoyed watching Iglesias, Gael, serenade the gang.
Eau de Enrique
You know you’ve made it as a global icon when you have your own fragrance. Enrique Iglesias teamed up with Tommy Hilfiger to become the face of True Star Men. Iglesias was in good company as True Star Woman is fronted by the unstoppable Beyoncé.
What surprised the Latin megastar was how much went into creating a fragrance. Iglesias compared the process to creating an album. His sensual yet easy-going style inspires True Star.
Emperor Iglesias
The hunky Hero teamed up with Pink, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé in one of the most lavish Super Bowl commercials of all time. In a spinoff of the popular film "Gladiator," the power trio of divas plays smoking hot gladiators in the Colosseum while Iglesias plays an evil Pepsi swigging emperor.
The three heroines throw down their weapons and lead a rebellion against Emperor Iglesias as they sing an earth-shaking rendition of Queen’s We Will Rock You.
Saving the Children
With all the chart-topping success, Iglesias still has time for charity. And it seems his heart is as big as his hits. The Save The Children Foundation referred to the hit-making Latin artist as a “Changemaker” after he and his fans raised $350,000 for the organization.
The donations came from all over the world and will go toward education in Peru, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Iglesias was quoted saying that he “has the best fans on the planet.”
Baby Mary
In 2020, the hit-maker and tennis star welcomed baby Mary into the world. Her sweet nickname Masha is a tip of the hat to her mum’s Russian roots. Iglesias admits that little Mary will be welcomed into an already chaotic household with two other twin siblings and two dogs.
While the couple has kept their private life out of the public eye, they shared intimate photos of hers on Instagram where they referred to the newcomer as “Sunshine.”
Jenifer Lopez & Iglesias
It was only a matter of time until these mega stars would join forces on a tour. While the two heavy-hitting pop stars were crushing it on stage, behind the scenes they were clashing on a touchy subject — marriage.
It has been reported that Lopez, thrice-married, was trying to convince the Iglesias to put a ring on the finger of his long-time girlfriend, Kournikova. Iglesias was quoted saying “I think Jennifer and I think differently when it comes down to that.”
Music for Relief
Enrique Iglesias’ eternally expanding heart teamed up with the band Linkin Park in establishing the non-profit organization Music for Relief in 2004 to help those whose lives have been devastated by natural disasters.
Iglesias said that he has Haitian friends in Miami who lost family members in the Haiti Earthquake. Previously unreleased songs by the Latin megastar were available through the Download to Donate initiative to raise money for the Haitian community.
Ditched
Enrique Iglesias is used to people swooning at his feet and flinging undergarments, but this wasn’t always the case. The ‘Bailando’ balladeer claims that when he was 17, he had no luck with the ladies.
He recalls a time (before his gorgeous face became famous) when his sweetheart dumped him shortly before prom night. Imagine the regret of this unlucky lady now that Enrique Iglesias is an ultra-rich, jet-setting, global heartthrob.
Staying Power
Good looks and charm aside, the Latin hottie has staying power! Well, at least his songs do. Namely, his smash hit Bailando, which topped the charts on May 17, 2014, and didn’t budge for 41 full weeks.
Iglesias was honored with an award from the Guinness Book of World Records for most number-one singles on the “Hot Latin Songs” Billboard chart. The Latin idol said, “It feels so unreal to be included in the book with all those unbelievable facts.”
Bust With Britney
Shortly after Britney Spears announced her coming tour at the tail end of 2011 with Enrique as an opening artist, the Spanish idol pulled out of the deal. Slick-as-heck Iglesias was known as a headlining act early on in his career. So, as you would imagine, he was concerned about how it would be perceived if he were to take a back seat as a support act to the sultry songstress.
Attempts were made to reframe the tour as a “co-headlining” tour, but Iglesias had already made up his mind.
Top Latin Artist
The Spanish singing sensation has been referred to as the King of Latin Pop for some time. But the ultra-talented writer, singer, composer, and performer officially earned this title when he was presented with a Billboard award for the best Latin Artist of All Time.
The award was presented by his long-time collaborator and friend, Pitbull, who was quoted as saying, “He’s a living legend and it’s a true honor to call him my friend and my dog. He is music.”
Touring Daddies
In the fall of 2021, Ricky Martin, a fellow Latin crooner of “She Bangs” fame, joined Enrique Iglesias on a co-headlining tour. Iglesias admitted to being a big fan of Ricky Martin, who recently welcomed his fourth child. Iglesias went on to say that it’s a dream come true to be on the same bill as Martin.
Coincidentally, the megastars are both fathers of twins. We’re fairly certain that the daddy duo shared dad jokes a while livin’ la vida dada!
Gracious Iglesias
Like the world really needs another reason to love Enrique. Iglesias has made it clear that he loves his fans, but in a video he posted, he shows us how much.
While the pop star was enjoying the sites of Puerto Rico after a show, he was approached by a few fans who requested a photo. The ever-gracious Iglesias obliged, exited his vehicle, and posed for snapshots with the lucky fans right there in the street.
Security!
In 2021 an overexcited young fan gave the singer a hug. But, she proceeded to wrap her legs around the bewildered songster. Event security guards tried to intervene, but nice-guy-Iglesias quickly stopped the guards from dragging her away.
After the enthusiastic dame handed Iglesias a letter and exchanged some words, another hug escalated into more leg wrapping! We are not sure who the hero of this story is, but this is not how we would respond if a fan treated us like that.
On Being a Dad
With his hectic music schedule, it’s a wonder that he has time for family. After entering fatherhood, he was quoted as saying, “It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”
He also expressed how things had changed when he said he now “drives slower.” He also said that he wouldn’t mind if his kid were to pick up a mic and follow in his footsteps one day. He hopes to be a “cool, easy-going dad.”
Russian Wedding
Let’s face it, this global singing icon was never destined to be a wedding singer. But Enrique Iglesias, along with Sting and Jennifer Lopez, would entertain the wedding guests of a Russian billionaire's son.
The lavish 2016 reception was in Moscow and has been speculated to have cost over $1 billion! The trio of stars performed for an audience of 600 guests while they enjoyed a mammoth fireworks display and a 9-tier wedding cake.
Crushing It on YouTube
While cute cat videos offer some heavy competition, we’re pretty sure this megastar isn’t concerned with how he performs on YouTube. But whatever his thoughts are on the video-sharing site, he’s still crushing it.
With the help of his fans, the pop star's hit Bailando became the first Spanish song to gain one billion views on YouTube. Enrique thanked his fans in a heartfelt Instagram video for their role in making the video a success.
Universal Break-Away
Behind all the glitz, glamor, and frenzied fans, the music biz is just that: business. After a lengthy and profitable relationship with Universal Music Group, the hunk of a hit-maker left for greener pastures and signed with Sony Music.
Rumor has it that the music behemoth, Sony, offered the star one of the most significant contracts any artist had seen for a while. Enrique Iglesias would join the ranks of Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, and Marc Anthony, who are also signed to the major label.
Berklee Scholarship
The ever-helpful hit-maker joined forces with the Latin Grammy Foundation to create a Berklee scholarship that would be awarded to an underprivileged musician. The big-hearted pop star said most don't get to do what they love, so it's a privilege to help people pursue their dreams.
Enrique is not short on creative ideas when giving back to the world! A 23-year-old saxophone player was the lucky recipient of the $200,000 scholarship!
Check Your Crib Notes!
The ballad-maker was left gobsmacked when he was accused of ripping off Christian Escuti and German Schulz’s track Quiero Bailar, which was apparently recorded in 2009. The duo claimed that Iglesias lifted his 2014 hit Bailando from their tune.
The alleged infringement of the copyright was based on the melody, chorus, and lyrics being all too similar to Schulz and Escuti’s recording. When asked to present the recording, the twosome declined the request.
Egypt
The Grammy Award-winning hit-maker is no stranger to global conflict areas. In 2014 Iglesias performed in the country of the Great Pyramids of Giza. He would be the first artist to do so since Egypt’s uprisings led to the removal of President Hosni Mubarak from power.
The charitable hunk said that music is a universal language, and using it all over the world, even in areas of conflict, is the best way to help all of us stay united.
Near-Death Experience
Life flashed before the eyes of the Spanish stud while in Egypt in 2015. After playing a show in Alexandria, Iglesias and his tour manager were being driven to the airport when a reckless juggernaut driver cut them off. Thanks to the catlike reflexes of their driver, the star and his manager escaped unscathed.
A shaken but not stirred Iglesias posted a video showing his appreciation of the driver who managed to swerve out of harm's way.
Bilingual
The bilingual balladeer was delighted to release his album "Sex and Love" as it is only his second album that features both Spanish and English lyrics. The star of many accolades said that singing in both languages keeps him on his toes.
His eclectic stage shows are known to shift gears rapidly, from Spanish ballads to his well-loved English hits. We’re glad to see that the Spanish pop star is still well in touch with his roots!
A Family Feud?
In 2014 Enrique Iglesias’ father, Julio Iglesias, admitted to hardly ever seeing his in-demand son. On top of that, he hadn’t even met his son’s long-time girlfriend, tennis star Anna Kournikova. Are you guys smelling what we're smelling? A family feud?
Julio said he respects that his son is a private person but he also said that he follows his son's career closely and hopes that someday they’ll spend more time together when the two aren't so busy.
Kylie and Enrique
Australian princess of pop, Kylie Minogue joined Enrique Iglesias to record the ballad Beautiful. Minogue was quoted saying that it was an honor to work with him and that she was moved to tears the first time she heard the song.
The songstress admits to always loving Iglesias’ voice and that when they recorded the ultra-romantic tear-jerker together it happened organically. We’re left wondering what Kournikova thinks about all that chemistry!
He's a Leg Man
While the star is now a committed family man, when asked what he looks for in a woman back in 2014 he said that a good set of legs is paramount.
He also said that he likes a woman with a sense of humor who will laugh at the stupid things he says. Legs and laughs, everyone. That’s all it takes to win the affections of this hunk. Too bad he's already taken, cause we feel like we have just what he needs!
What About Anna?
Ever wondered what Iglesias’ long-term girlfriend and tennis babe Anna Kournikova thinks of her sweetheart featuring other women in his steamy videos?
Well, apparently she gave him the green light to frolic with scantily-clad actresses in his music video for ‘I’m a Freak’. Throughout the video, we see Enrique becoming rather “affectionate” with his co-stars… Amazingly, the tennis star approved it. It seems like there is a lot of trust between the two!
Unwelcome Guest
In 2014 a bleary-eyed Spanish singer awoke to a surprise visitor on a cold day at his Miami Mansion. The confounded crooner spotted a wet and bedraggled woman wandering his property in nothing but her underwear.
The women had found the only way onto his property — an icy swim and a climb up a vertical sea wall. The ever-gracious Iglesias did not press charges and his long-time partner, Anna Kournikova, made sure that the woman was given some warm clothes
Just Say No
While Enrique Iglesias admits to enjoying a drink here and there in a social setting, he says that’s as far as it goes.
Iglesias acknowledges that substance abuse is very common in the music industry. He has been quoted saying that he’s never been tempted to indulge. He has said that he has no problem with stars who make their own choices, however. For himself, he prefers to stay away from these things.
Night Owl
Much like a creature of the night, the phenom has developed nocturnal habits due to his touring lifestyle. He has admitted to producing his best work in the shadows of night. Enrique was also quoted saying “It’s true, I barely sleep, but as vampires do, I prefer resting during the day.”
The sleepless singer has admitted to suffering from insomnia in the past and has had to rely on prescription sleeping pills from time to time.
Skinny Soaks
While living the mega-star life in Miami, Iglesias enjoys water-skiing, swimming, and fishing. Along with having a love for the ocean, this handsome water-baby has admitted to going au naturel once a while to take a dip at his secret spot.
The pop star was quoted jokingly saying “I won’t tell where because it would ruin my career. There’s not a lot to show off.” The skinny-dipping singer better watch out for the paparazzi! Or not.
Kate Moss Throws Things
We imagine the list of women that Enrique Iglesias has serenaded is quite long. Supermodel Kate Moss made her way onto this list, albeit reluctantly. While performing at Sir Philip Green’s birthday party in Mexico, the confident crooner decided to turn his affections toward Moss.
The serenade was interrupted by projectiles hurled from the model’s table. The charming singer took the jestful rejection in his stride as he was pelted with bread rolls and used napkins.
Skinny Skiing
We know the Spanish star likes to go full monty and take a dip when the paparazzi aren't around but he took it a step further when he disrobed for a skiing streak. In 2010, the hunkster was quoted saying that if Spain wins the World Cup that year he will drink and then ski naked! It has been reported that Iglesias went through with the feat as promised!
Considering Miami waters are known for sharks we see why he needed a little liquid courage.
Captain Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias wasn’t always confident getting on an airplane, which is a surprise considering his excessive globetrotting. In a courageous effort to remedy his fear of flying the singing sensation enrolled in flying lessons.
He has since earned his pilot’s license but it will be a while until he flies himself to shows as he considers himself to be a terrible pilot and has no idea how he managed to get his license in the first place.
Chip Off the Old Block
While the two may not spend a ton of time together, the star credits his father for showing him how to treat fans. Young Enrique Iglesias would study the smooth moves of his father, Julio Iglesias.
He has said that he learned from his dad to treat fans with great respect and as equals. The Spaniard has been quoted saying “You have to spoil your fans because without them you’re nothing.” It seems like the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Gaddafi
Being no stranger to performing at parties of the elite, the hitmaker flew to the Caribbean to sing at a New Year's Eve party organized by the sons of Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader. This was after the star’s girlfriend Kournikova had connected with the sons during the Venice Film Festival.
It has been reported that Iglesias was paid an eye-watering six-figure stack to perform, but he didn’t socialize at the event and apparently didn’t even leave his VIP space.
Burger Flipper
The singer swapped out his baseball cap for a chef hat and an apron to play a part in a prank for the Jimmy Kimmel Show. Our jaws dropped when the actress, Amy Smart, stopped by for a bite to eat and the undercover megastar asked her if she’d ever go out with a guy who flipped burgers.
Smart and most of the diners later admitted that the fry cook looked familiar but had no idea it was actually the Latin music icon!
Restaurant
You’ll be left salivating when you hear that the hitmaker ventured into the restaurant game. Iglesias joined forces with compatriots and sporting superstars Rafael Nadal, Pau Gasol, and Cristiano Ronaldo, on a delectable venture.
Their aim is to spread their love of Spanish cuisine by opening a chain of restaurants around the world. Tatel Miami offers high-class clientele breathtaking Spanish cuisine and an experience to remember. And this is just the start!
Triple Winner
It’s no secret that this sexy Spaniard has received a barrage of music awards over his career. But he would go on to clinch not one, not two, but three Latin Grammy awards on the same night!
The megastar was awarded Best Urban Performance, Best Urban Song as well as the Song of The Year Award! That’s enough to make your head spin. His acceptance speech came in via satellite in which he expressed his thanks and appreciation.
Show in Madrid
After rising to fame and becoming one of the hottest acts in American music, he would return to his homeland of Spain to promote his ninth studio album. In 2012 he performed in Madrid for the first time in 12 years.
The last time he had performed in Spain was when he was on tour promoting his album "Enrique" back in 2000. His homecoming was welcomed by fans and critics alike and would win him the Billboard Touring Artist of The Year Award.
Surpassing MJ
The late great moon-walking legend Michael Jackson held the title of most number one American Billboard club hits by a male artist. This was until 2011 when the King of Latin Pop danced passed the ‘Thriller’ legend.
Iglesias stole the crown when his track ‘Dirty Dancer’ raced to the top of the chart. Supreme diva, Madonna has a big lead on the Latin crooner with a total of 40 number one club hits. Good luck, Enrique!
What’s that smell?
You will be shocked to hear that Iglesias prefers the smell of body odor over fancy sweet-smelling fragrances. While the singer is the face of a Tommy Hilfiger cologne for men he says that he prefers the natural scent of his tennis babe Anna Kournikova.
He was quoted saying that “He can’t stand it when she wears too much perfume.” Well, there you have it ladies, throw out your eau de toilette and let your natural odors waft.
Jersey Shore
The Latin megastar is known to be mobbed by adoring fans but he was dealing with a different mob when the cast of Jersey Shore photobombed his ‘I Like It’ music video.
In the video JWoww, The Situation and Snooki seem to be trying to gatecrash the shoot. By the time the video is in full swing, the reality stars had joined Iglesias on stage along with rapper Pitbull. It turns out they were actually invited!
The Final Album. Literally.
Fans were breathless when Enrique Iglesias said that his 2021 album ‘Final’ will be his last album. He was quoted saying that it's something he's been thinking about for years and years.
You can take another breath now, as he did offer some comfort when he said that he’ll continue to make music. Will he ever spoil us with a full solo album again? This is a question that remains to be answered. Stay tuned!
Pre-Show Jitters
You may balk when you hear that the Latin legend still gets pre-show jitters. Thankfully he has found his own ways of handling the pressure. A small tipple loosens him up enough to quell the butterflies so he can carry on with the show.
He was quoted saying that this helps him, as long as he makes sure to only take a small sip. He doesn't want to drink enough to forget his own lyrics!
Grand Kidnapping
How does this story not have Hollywood scriptwriters lined up? Enriques Iglesias’ grandfather, Dr. Julio Iglesias Puga, was taken in 1982 and those who took him demanded a whopping $2 million from Enrique’s superstar father, Julio Iglesias.
Thankfully, police forces managed to rescue grand-daddy Iglesias after nineteen days. The Iglesias patriarch was unharmed. Enrique has not made mention of this event, but we can only imagine the impact it had on him.
Too Close for Comfort
Fans of Enrique Iglesias are known to get a bit too close, but Iglesias is always very gracious toward autograph and selfie hunters. One young fan, however, was injured when the car Iglesias was being transported in collided with her as she stepped too far into the road trying to catch a glimpse of her idol.
The hit maker's manager was driving the vehicle but Iglesias was drawn into a case after the mother of the girl sued for “emotional injury.”