Julio named "Madrid's Favorite Son"

Madrid, Feb 20 (EFE).- Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias on Friday was named a "Favorite Son of Madrid" in honor of his "brilliant, internationally recognized, meritorious career" and for being a "universal Spaniard" born in the Spanish capital.

Madrid Mayor Ana Botella's nomination of the singer did not receive unanimous support from the City Council, unlike the last Spaniard to receive the title, opera star Placido Domingo, in 2012.

But the delegate of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Pedro Corral, said there is no doubting the talent on which Iglesias achieved his popular following or his willingness in public to boost the city in which he was born on Sep. 23, 1943.

A date for Iglesias to receive the title has not been announced, but a ceremony is expected to take place sometime in March or April, officials told Efe.

The Favorite Son of Madrid title is awarded by the mayor to people born in Madrid for their outstanding qualities or merit, and their services in improving and honoring the city.
Throughout his career, Julio Iglesias has shared the stage with celebrities such as Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Placido Domingo, Charles Aznavour and Sting, among others.

Since debuting as a performer at age 24, Iglesias has sold more than 300 million records, recorded 79 albums during his career, and performed at 5,000 concerts attracting more than 60 million people worldwide.

(Source: Efe)