Interview: "Julio Iglesias is my homeboy"

 

Julio Iglesias is cooler than cool—he’s ice cold (word to Andre 3000). Once we got on the phone with the legendary Spanish crooner, it was as if we were talking to our hip Tio Julio who schools you on love and has done it all . . . twice. Iglesias is truly the most interesting man in the world: he wrestles lions, he kicks Chuck Norris’ ass, and he flirts with your mom every chance he gets—swag!

Here Iglesias talks to us openly about his #1 Greatest Hits Deluxe Edition, which is out today, his tanning tips, oh, and, a special message for all the mothers of the world. Boss!

Do you want to do the interview in Spanish or English? Just be warned my Spanish is a bit shaky.

But why, if your last name is Trivino?

Yes, but Spanish is not my first language, so forgive me.

Spanish is your second language?

Yes, it’s my second language. I was born here but my parents are from Ecuador.

Ecuador? What part, Guayaquil or Quito?

Guayaquil.

I sang there the other say, I sang there about two months ago.

Yeah? Awesome!

I ate two crab legs—huge crab legs! They were absolutely delicious!

Yeah, the seafood there is really good.

Just amazing. So tell me. What do you want me to tell you?

Whatever you want to say!

[Laughs]

Let’s talk about your greatest hits album—there have been many before, so what makes this one different?

This one is an album where I redid everything—the bass, the guitar, the rhythm, the voice. I only kept the atmosphere and mood of previous albums, but I also put new vocals in. When I first started singing, I felt I was bad, and it’s not that I’m perfect now, but I am a little better, so there’s the difference.

[Laughs]. So tell me, after so many years of performing, what do you do to keep it fresh for you?

Jesús, it’s all about passion. How old are you, Jesús?

I am 32 years old.

Still so young. Are you single or married?

I’ve been married for almost six years, and I’ve been working in the field for 12 years.

So you’re a natural! So look, for me, what’s keeping me fresh is passion. Passion for everything. I mean, if I didn’t have passion, I wouldn’t be doing this interview. The passion I have is what keeps me alive and motivated to keep going.

Aside from being one of the greatest singers of all time, you’re also viewed as one of the most legendary Latin sex symbols of all time.

Yup!

So who do you—

You want to know about my sex life?

No, no, no, no — God, no!

[Laughs].

But you’re viewed as—I remember my mother was a huge fan of your singing but probably for something else too [laughs].

Your mother is a lady with beautiful taste!

What does it take to be a sex symbol in your opinion?

You know, sex symbol is bulls--t. What does this symbol mean? I love to sing. Singing is my passion. Everything else pales in comparison. Other than that, I guess I should say that I’m thin. I try to stay fit and healthy. I do a lot of sports, like swimming. But the most important thing in my life is my passion for singing. Think of it like this — in the ‘70s and ‘80s, I was your age, and my passion led me to have already sold millions of records by then.

You’ve recorded in many languages. How do you convey the same suaveness that comes across in your native tongue of Spanish in Chinese?

That’s a good question. First, the most important thing for me is to acknowledge what I’m talking about when I’m singing in Chinese. When I know exactly what I’m talking about phrase by phrase, I can have an actual interpretation and acknowledge what I’m singing. But in any case, for me to sing in Chinese, to sing in Japanese, to sing in Tagalong, or in German — it’s not very easy. The language is so strong, it makes a lot of difficulties for me to pronounce, and it’s very difficult.

What’s been your proudest moment as a father?

You never forget the day that your kid born, when the mommy gives birth to your baby, that’s an amazing day. But you know it’s important for a father to keep being a father throughout his life. I feel that the most important thing is the dedication that you give to being that father figure to your children.

You’re also known for having a great complexion. Do you have any tanning tips you can share?

Well, the sun has always been a good friend of mine, but not these days. I think I’ve been in the sun for too long.

Do any of today’s singers impress you?

My son Enrique. I love my son (laughs).

I knew you were going to say that! Anyone besides Enrique?

I like my son Julio after Enrique (laughs).

No one else?

Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber. I think they’re great!

Do you have any final words for our female readers?

Thank you for your kindness and support, from your fathers, grandparents and especially from your mothers (laughs)!

 

 

(Source: julioiglesias.com)