" I DON,T HAVE GIRLFRIENDS,JUST FRIENDS"
By Graciela Mori ("TV y Novelas", November 24, 2001 Issue)
The appointment was on 33rd floor of Miami Intercontinental Hotel. A cold place for an interview, but relatively near the mansion that the pampered Enrique Iglesias bought in a very exclusive area.
We enter the suite like we would enter a church because everyone was speaking in whispers. Of course, after seeing the luxury of the place, I forgot that I had to be as mute as Rafael del Junco, the character of the soap opera El derecho de nacer.
After waiting a good while, at last its my turn to come face to face with one of the most coveted singers of the moment. A 26-year old boy, with a tremendous sense of humor, frank, and spontaneous, who has sold 17 million CDs and the euphoria that he creates among his millions of admirers everywhere is a rather serious one.
Of course, when he saw me, his first expression was a "Nooooo!" louder than the "Gooool!" that Cantor shouts at soccer games. I dont know if it was because of genuine fright or that he was reacting to one or two critical articles I might have written.
Whatever it was, this large boy chose to sit down in an armchair and pull his long legs up under him while chatting a little bit about Escape, his most recent CD, whose
promotional single, Hero, written by him and inspired by one of his many loves, has become a true hymn, above all, after the terrorist attacks that destroyed the twin
towers.
"I didn't expect it. I wrote that song a year and a half ago and it was released 3 weeks before all of this happened. The song speaks of love, but if it makes people feel better and on top of that creates something positive, I can't ask for more."
Why did it take so long to do this CD?
"Because I needed to rest and to concentrate on the songs and not rush them. Also, I did 2 CDs simultaneously, I have another one in the drawer, which has not been released, it
doesn't even have a title."
But the year was not a sabbatical, because you did a movie.
"Well, I did the movie with Banderas, because I had already finalized my CD and had time. I liked the character, and the director, Robert Rodriguez, told me it would be fun and since I didn't want to remain idle, I did it. Also, my role is very small, I'm barely in it."
"How did you like the acting experience?"
"It was fine, also Robert and his wife are both terrific."
You did a video with Jennifer Love and you have been linked with her. Is there any truth to that romance?
"I have known Jennifer for 2 years and she's a sweetheart. I always thought that when I had to do a video like this, that is so personal, it would be with her, because I would feel comfortable."
But is there romance or not?
"No, we are very good friends. A girlfriend girlfriend, I dont have, just friends."
Changing the subject, you look taller.
"I'm not taller, but I am thinner because I have been eating a little less."
Are you still a meat eater?
"Of course, I love meat."
HE MOCKS WITHOUT PIETY
Enrique interrupts the interview because our photographer's digital camera makes him nervous. He gets up, leaves the room we were in, returns, once again tucks his long legs
into the armchair and asks the photographer to show him the pictures with the digital camera because, evidently, he was not prepared for a photo session. And, immediately after, hes the one who begins conducting the interview.
"Is that a good camera?" he asks us. And like a boy with a new toy, he plays around with it. I tried to resume the conversation, but it was useless. He continued to ask us.
"What does it have? 3.3 megapixels? Have you seen the Nikon? It is very good, I believe it's better than this one. Have you done covers with this camera? Youre kidding!" When he found out that we have not only used it for covers, but also for paparazzi photos, he quit and we continued.
Tell me how things are with your father and your family.
"They are fine. I have been kind of distanced from the family because Ive been immersed in my own world, do you know what I mean?"
Are you still living in your Miami mansion?
"I now live in an apartment because I sold my house."
Why did you sell it?
"Because I went to live in a building between southwest Miami the and Hialeah".
Dont lie.
"No, it's true. I still live in the same place as always. Its just to throw off/confuse the photographers."
Did you go to your sister Chabelis wedding?
"I stopped by for a minute to give her a kiss. It's because I had to go to Sweden and could only be there for 5 minutes, because the wedding ended up being delayed a little."
When the attacks on New York happened, your mother was there. Were you frightened?
"When they woke me up so that I could see it on television, I could not believe it for about 5 minutes, and thats when I realized that my mother was in New York and my sister was
on a flight back to the university. I spoke with her 2 hours later and thats when I finally managed to calm down."
Why didnt you participate in "El ultimo adis"?
"I did not have time. In fact, they also called me about the song by Michael Jackson, but I do not have time, because my schedule is already planned."
However, your participation was great in "United We Stand", the historic telethon done by the four largest networks to unite the world in benefit for the families affected by the terrorist acts.
"During that event I came to realize that I want my songs to have a deep meaning so that I will be able to sing them 20 years later. Thats why a song like "Hero" is very important, because it touches people's hearts. I know that for the next 20 years, if I'm still singing, people will come to see me to hear that song. Therefore, I'm very proud of "Hero".
Lastly, are you going to tell me whom that song is dedicated to?
"I haven't even told that person."
And with a "Take Care!" and and a big hug accompanied by a kiss, we say good-bye to this "greyhound" who each day gets better than waking up late.
