Pitbull is set to perform in New Orleans, Louisiana later this year as part of his 2023 world tour. The hip hop artist, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, is known for hits like “Give Me Everything” and “Timber.” His high-energy shows frequently feature opening acts to get the crowd excited before Pitbull takes the stage. So who will have the coveted opening spot for the New Orleans show? Let’s take a look at some possibilities.
Enrique Iglesias
One potential opening act for Pitbull in New Orleans is fellow Latin pop star Enrique Iglesias. Iglesias has collaborated with Pitbull multiple times over the years on songs like “I Like It” and “Messin’ Around.” Their musical chemistry and similar fanbases could make Iglesias a good choice to open the show. Iglesias is an experienced performer who knows how to amp up a crowd. Hits like “Hero” and “Bailamos” would get the fans on their feet dancing before Pitbull even appears. Playing a venue like the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans seems right up Iglesias’s alley. The only potential downside is that he’s a big star in his own right, so he may decide to pass on an opening slot. But if he’s available, he’d likely put on an energetic set that would transition well into Pitbull’s performance.
Becky G
Another possibility is Becky G. The Mexican-American singer first hit it big in 2014 with the hit single “Shower” and has continued releasing popular songs like “Mayores” and “Sin Pijama.” She’s a rising star in Latin pop and has collaborated multiple times with Pitbull in the past on songs like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Mala Mía.” Becky G is skilled at hyping up a crowd and her upbeat, danceable catalog would pair nicely with Pitbull’s show. As a younger artist still building her career, she may jump at the chance to open for a major star like Pitbull. The New Orleans show would be a great opportunity to gain new fans. Becky G’s fiery personality and catchy tunes could be just what’s needed to kick off an energetic Pitbull concert in New Orleans.
Prince Royce
Prince Royce could be another excellent choice as Pitbull’s opening act in New Orleans. The bachata singer from the Bronx has become hugely popular over the last decade, cracking into the mainstream with his Latin pop sound. He’s earned 22 number one singles on the US Latin charts, tying a record set by legendary musician Enrique Iglesias. Prince Royce would bring smooth dance moves and passionate vocals to his opening set. Songs like “Darte Un Beso,” “Deja Vu,” and “Back It Up” would have fans swaying and singing along in anticipation of Pitbull. Prince Royce’s romantic songs also provide an interesting contrast to Pitbull’s party anthems. His contributions to the tropical music genre give him a unique sound that could really complement Pitbull’s show. If he’s not already booked that night, Prince Royce would make for an dynamic opening act choice.
Farruko
Hailing from Puerto Rico, Farruko is a reggaeton artist and singer who could really bring the energy as Pitbull’s opener in New Orleans. He’s had major hits with songs like “6 AM,” “Obsesionado,” and “Pepas.” Farruko’s music is perfect to dance and party to, which would get the crowd pumped up. He brings an urban Latin vibe that could really play well in a lively city like New Orleans. Farruko has previously opened concerts for Pitbull, so he understands how best to warm up the audience for the main event. The two artists also collaborated on the song “Hey Ma” from the Fate of the Furious movie soundtrack. Farruko’s reggaeton dance grooves and upbeat tempo would make him an exciting choice to kick off a high-powered Pitbull show.
J Balvin
One of Pitbull’s most frequent collaborators, J Balvin seems like an obvious choice to open the New Orleans show. As one of the most streamed Latin music artists in the world, the Colombian reggaeton performer brings instant name recognition. He’s dominating global music charts with monster hits like “Mi Gente,” “X,” and “I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny. J Balvin and Pitbull have collaborated over 10 times on songs like “Hey Ma” and “Bonita.” Their chemistry on stage is excellent and the energy passes naturally between the two stars. As arguably the biggest name in Latin music today, Balvin would draw in a huge crowd as Pitbull’s opener. The stylistic similarities between reggaeton and Latin hip hop would also make this pairing a seamless concert experience. Unless he has a scheduling conflict, expect J Balvin to be hyping up the crowd in New Orleans before Pitbull takes over.
Daddy Yankee
Not many artists can claim to have paved the way for Latin music’s current global dominance. But one pioneer who does deserve credit is Daddy Yankee. Known as the “King of Reggaeton,” he helped popularize the genre with megahits like “Gasolina” and “Despacito” with Luis Fonsi. For his indispensable contributions, Yankee would be a worthy choice to introduce Pitbull in New Orleans. Yankee brings decades of experience performing reggaeton to excited crowds. And collaborations with Pitbull on songs like “Watagatapitusberry” and a remix of “Gasolina” prove their chemistry. Seeing the two reggaeton OGs share a stage would be historic. Daddy Yankee could run through his most classic hits to remind the audience of his legacy before passing the baton to Pitbull. There may be bigger current acts, but none would show more respect to the genre than its trailblazing king.
Natti Natasha
Natti Natasha has become one of the most popular Latin music artists in recent years. The Dominican singer could provide an impactful female presence as Pitbull’s opening act in New Orleans. She’s notched over a billion YouTube views thanks to smash hits like “Sin Pijama,” “Criminal,” and “Despues de las 12.” Natti Natasha brings sexuality and sass to her live performance that helps her stand out from the crowd. She’s also collaborated with Pitbull on songs like “No Lo Trates” and Mr. Worldwide clearly enjoys sharing a stage with the rising star. Having Natti Natasha open the show would add some diversity to the lineup while showcasing another top Latin talent. She always comes to play and would energize the New Orleans crowd with her femme fatale vibes.
Ozuna
One of the hottest young Latin artists right now is Ozuna. The Puerto Rican reggaetonero has dominated streaming charts with songs like “Taki Taki,” “Baila Baila Baila,” and “La Modelo.” In just a few short years, he’s already won two Latin Grammys and become one of the most influential voices in reggaeton. Ozuna brings a youthful exuberance to the stage that perfectly complements Pitbull’s veteran confidence. The two previously collaborated on the song “Mueve.” Seeing them share a stage in New Orleans would be a passing of the baton from one Latin music icon to another. Ozuna also just headlined the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival this past spring. So he’s no stranger to putting on a big show in The Big Easy. If he gets the call to open for Pitbull, expect Ozuna to come out firing on all cylinders.
Maluma
The fresh-faced Colombian singer Maluma has tracks like “Felices los 4” and “Mala Mia” with over a billion views each on YouTube. With his dashing looks and high energy shows, Maluma attracts big crowds of loyal fans wherever he goes. He’d bring instant excitement as the opener for Pitbull in New Orleans. While Maluma classifies his music more as reggaeton-pop versus hip hop, his crossover appeal could help introduce Pitbull to some new listeners. The two artists previously connected on the song “Medellín” from Madonna’s 2019 album Madame X. Maluma is also no stranger to opening for major stars, having warmed up crowds on tour for Ricky Martin and Shakira. With every show he seems to get bigger and bigger. So watch out for Maluma’s rising star if he gets tabbed to open for Pitbull in The Big Easy.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny has risen from a grocery store bagger in Puerto Rico to one of the hottest musical acts on Earth. His Latin trap and reggaeton hits like ” Yo Perreo Sola,” “Dakiti”, and “Tití Me Preguntó” dominate streaming charts with their infectious vibes. Bad Bunny’s gender-bending fashion and incendiary live shows have also earned him legions of fans worldwide. He’d bring immediate buzz and energy if announced as Pitbull’s opening act in New Orleans. The two hitmakers previously connected on the mega-remix of “Mia” with Drake. Seeing them share a stage would be an iconic passing of the torch between Latin music icons of different eras. Bad Bunny would also draw a huge crowd on name recognition alone. But don’t expect the young global superstar to stay in an opener’s spot for long. He’d likely use the platform to continue his own meteoric rise.
Other Potential Openers
Beyond these top candidates, there are a few other Latin artists who could conceivably open for Pitbull in New Orleans. Colombian reggaetonero Manuel Turizo is coming off his hit “La Bachata” and previous success with “Una Lady Como Tú.” Mike Towers, Nicky Jam, Sech and Rauw Alejandro have also notched recent reggaeton hits and collaborated with Pitbull before. If any are available that night, they’d make solid choices. Fans might also see some lesser-known up-and-coming Latin acts get the opportunity. New Orleans could be a chance for Pitbull to showcase some fresh faces. No matter who gets the coveted opening slot, the show is sure to be a fiesta from start to finish. The chance to perform alongside global superstar Pitbull in an energetic city like New Orleans is a huge opportunity for any artist.
Conclusion
Based on their success, popularity and previous collaborations with Pitbull, J Balvin seems like the frontrunner to open the New Orleans show if he’s not already booked. Enrique Iglesias, Becky G or Ozuna would also make excellent choices. We may see Pitbull bring out multiple artists for shorter opening sets as well. But no matter who warms up the crowd, Pitbull will undoubtedly deliver with an explosive headline performance of his hits. The show promises to be a fun, high-energy event that highlights the widespread appeal of Latin music. New Orleans is in for a treat when Pitbull comes to town with his supporting lineup of reggaeton all-stars.