Rauw Alejandro brought the heat and the energy to Rockefeller Plaza with electric dance moves and sizzling songs during his TODAY Citi Concert Series performance.
Despite a light rainfall the morning of July 12, fans — including one teen who waited for a front-row spot since 8 pm the night before, and another who was 9 months pregnant — gathered to watch the 31-year-old Latin superstar perform four songs.
Alejandro, whose given name is Raúl Alejandro Ocasio Ruiz, got the crowd swaying their hips as he performed “Holy,” “Desperate,” and his latest single off his upcoming fifth studio album “Touching the Sky.” He then surprised attendees by performing exclusively for TODAY for the first time his new single, “Déjame Entrar.”
Fans would later discover that the “Déjame Entrar” version Alejandro performed during his TODAY performance had more of a salsa vibe — complete with a choreographed moment with a dancer — than what he would release a week after. The song is expected to be featured on his upcoming fifth studio album, which he previously teased to TODAY.com as “a little bit more classic” with “’West Side Story’ — more Broadway” vibes.
The Puerto Rican artist also shared with TODAY co-hosts that the album will come out “this year” and include a “few collaborations.”
While with TODAY, Alejandro sat down to answer eight questions before 8 am for our original video series “8 Before 8.” There’s one key rule for this Q&A: If the artist doesn’t want to answer a question, they have to take a morning shot of either ginger, wheatgrass, or electrolytes. (Spoiler alert: Watch what happened when we asked Alejandro the craziest thing he’s done for love.)
Watch the video above or read on for Alejandro’s answers about his perfect date, the last famous person he texted, the story of his first kiss — and more.
What is the theme for your new era?
“The theme for the new era is really classic. More classic, a lot of New York vibes, 1970’s. Where was it the sauce (Where there was salsa music), Fania and Hector Lavoe. It comes from Puerto Rico and that seasoning that arrived when they came to New York (and that spice they brought when they arrived to New York). It’s through that line. I’m always constantly (creating). So I don’t stay in one idea. I’m always going with the flow. But for sure, you’re gonna see a Rauw dressing good all the time.”
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?
“Let’s do a skip. (laughs) D—, that was a tough one. Too early for that. Alright, because I’m not answering that question, I’m gonna take a shot. You got some tequila?”
Who was the last famous person you texted?
“It was Adrien Brody, my friend Adrien Brody. We were just talking about some paintings. Shout out to Adrien, my friend. We got a surprise for you too, guys. And we were just talking about art and painting. He’s a great painter. And yeah, I love art, music dancing, acting, painting, everything.”
What song was your first perreo?
“My first perreoOh my God. I think my first perreo was…that I remember…because I remember having the Walkman’s all the time, was “Snore” of Don Omar. “Ronca,” shout-out to Don Omar. That was my first, on repeat every day.”
