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Who Is Enrique Iglesias?
Enrique Iglesias, born on May 8, 1975, in Madrid, Spain, is a celebrated musician and the son of renowned Spanish singer Julio Iglesias. Raised primarily in Miami, Iglesias began his musical journey as a teenager. He released his debut self-titled album in 1995, which marked the beginning of a successful career that would see him sell over 100 million records globally. Iglesias is known for numerous hit songs, including “Bailamos,” “Rhythm Divine,” “Be With You,” “Escape,” “Maybe,” “Don’t Turn Off the Lights,” and “Hero.”
Early Years
Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler, as he was originally named, is the youngest of three children. Following the kidnapping of his grandfather, Iglesias moved to Miami to live with his father, which prompted significant changes in his upbringing. Due to Julio Iglesias’s demanding touring schedule, Enrique was primarily raised by his nanny, Elvira Olivares, whom he later honored by dedicating his first album to her.
Iglesias’s passion for music began in adolescence, with his first performance occurring in a school production of Hello, Dolly! at the prestigious Gulliver Private School in Miami. He started writing and performing songs at local restaurants, keeping these activities hidden from his parents. Iglesias reflected on this time, stating, “I did it because I loved it. For me, it was a getaway to sing.”
After high school, he enrolled at the University of Miami to study business. However, the allure of music proved too strong, leading him to drop out after just one year to pursue a career in the industry.
Albums and Songs
Enrique Iglesias
Determined to establish himself independently of his father’s fame, Iglesias recorded demos under the pseudonym Enrique Martinez, borrowing money from his nanny to fund the project. His efforts culminated in a record deal in 1995 and the release of his self-titled debut album, which achieved significant commercial success, selling over 6 million copies worldwide and earning him a Grammy Award for Best Latin Performer in 1996.
Vivir and Enrique
Iglesias’s 1997 follow-up album, Vivir, sold over 5 million copies and initiated his first world tour. In 1999, he gained international recognition with “Bailamos,” which topped the U.S. charts and featured in the film Wild Wild West. His first English-language album, Enrique (2000), included hits like “Rhythm Divine” and “Be With You.”
Escape
Iglesias reached new heights with his 2001 album, Escape, which he co-wrote and features hit songs such as “Escape,” “Maybe,” “Don’t Turn Off the Lights,” and “Hero.” The album solidified his status as a leading figure in pop music.
7, Insomniac, and Euphoria
Following Escape, Iglesias continued to release successful albums, including 7 (2003), Insomniac (2007)—featuring the popular track “Push”—and Euphoria (2010), which included hits like “I Like It” and “Ayer.”
Sex and Love
In March 2014, Iglesias released Sex and Love, which included popular singles like “I’m a Freak” featuring Pitbull and “Bailando.” This album topped the Hot Latin Songs chart and was one of his top-charting albums on the Billboard 200.
In the subsequent years, Iglesias collaborated with various artists, including Nicky Jam on “El Perdón” (2015), Wisin on “Duele el Corazón” (2016), Bad Bunny on “El Baño” (2018), and rejoined Pitbull for “Move to Miami.” Over the course of his career, Iglesias has achieved immense international success, earning accolades such as “The King of Latin Pop” from Billboard.
Personal Life
Iglesias began a relationship with Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova after her appearance in the music video for “Escape” in 2001. Despite their celebrity status, they maintained a low profile, keeping their relationship largely private. In December 2017, they welcomed twins, followed by the birth of a daughter in January 2020.
With his tall, good-looking demeanor and distinct artistic identity, Iglesias has carefully crafted a career separate from his father’s legacy. Although there have been rumors of distance between him and Julio Iglesias, the elder Iglesias has publicly expressed pride in his son’s achievements, stating, “What has happened to him is sensational.”