Photos by Andy Argyrakis

At any point since they became international superstars, Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin could’ve easily amounted to one of the most mega Latin pop pairings imaginable.

But coming out of pandemic-related closures and landing right in the center of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month made the co-headlining combination at the Allstate Arena all the more in-demand.

During the first of two concerts (that continue on Friday, October 1), Iglesias started the evening pulling from albums that cumulatively sold more than 180 million copies, including the brand new “Final Vol. 1,” which outside of a second volume, is said to be his last series of long-players.

Even so, there’s no end in sight to the entertainer’s concert career or the possibility of recording singles and there were so many on display, the 70-minute set accompanied by a sizzling band could’ve easily been doubled.

However, it made for a super tight presentation packed with both English and Spanish smashes, from “I’m A Freak,” “Be With You,” “Escape” and “Hero,” to “Bailamos” and “Bailando” with the audience’s screams (even in masks for those who complied, as per Illinois’ indoor mandate) easily matching Iglesias.

It all reached a fever pitch with “I Like It” as initialed beach balls dropped from the ceiling and a confetti blizzard added to the assortment of fireballs, giant screens and multiple stages that gave everyone an improved view.

After all that action, Martin also turned in a little over an hour of solo material since leaving the mega-famous boy band Menudo, surprisingly opening with his grandest American splash, “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” then swiveling his way around “Vuelve,” “She Bangs” and “Shake Your Bon-Bon” with a cast of masked dancers and several spicy musicians.

The show was still going strong as the clock approached midnight, but no matter if some called it a night or stayed until the bitter end, it made for a thirst-quenching drink and then some from “The Cup Of Life.”

Click here for more photos of Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin at the Allstate Arena.

For additional information on Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin, visit EnriqueIglesias.com and RickyMartinMusic.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Allstate Arena include Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin (Oct. 1); Marc Anthony (Oct. 8); Andrea Bocelli (Oct. 14); Maluma (Oct. 24); Grupo Firme (Nov. 11-12); Pentatonix (Dec. 15); Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 23) and Jeff Dunham (Dec. 31). For additional details, visit Rosemont.com/Allstate/.

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