Romeo Santos, the "king of bachata," will perform Saturday in San Diego, where he promises to have fans dancing in the aisles.
The singer-songwriter from the Bronx with Puerto Rican-Dominican roots is at the top of his career.
His songs "Mi Santa" and "Promise," the latter a duet with Usher, are at the top of the Billboard chart. And he's on the final leg of his U.S. tour that has sold out venues such as Madison Square Garden.
And it that weren't enough, his first solo disc, "Formula Volume 1," is on the 18th week on the Billboard chart, where it's currently number one.
There's no doubt that Santos has become one of the most popular Latino artists in the United States.
"It's all been incredible, I could not ask for anything else, I'm so thankful to all the fans," Santos said in a phone interview from Houston.
About his upcoming San Diego concert, the 30-year-old "bachatero" promised constant interaction with the public.
"Every show is different. There are so many emotions, a lot of happiness, a lot of nostalgia."
The singer said his repertoire will be a mix of hits with his former group, Aventura, which he co-founded in 1994 in New York, as well as new material as a soloist.
The singer spoke about the new stage of his career, which he called a challenge.
"I consider myself as privileged. It's an honor to be able to keep growing after being part of such a successful group."
After ten years as the head of the group, hugely popular in Latin America, the singer said he's got new goals.
And despite the success he's enjoying on his own, he did not rule out some day returning to Aventura.
"I'm only taking a break," he said.
The songwriter said he's committed to spreading bachata a romantic, traditional musical style from the Dominican Republic – across the United States.
And he wants to blend this style with music from artists such as Shakira, Michael Bublé and Nicki Minaj, much like Aventura did a wide range of entertainers.
"My goal is to make beautiful music, to make people fall in love with my lyrics, to offer an alternative, and share this style."
alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com
[sidebar]Bachata king
Romeo Santos will perform for fans from both sides of the border Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Valley View Casino Center (formerly the San Diego Sports Arena). Tickets are available through ticketmaster.
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