Rauw Alejandro as a Sueños Musical Festival headliner is good on paper, but not so great in practice, as we saw Saturday night. Chicago fans don’t know the words to most of his songs even though he’s one of the most popular reggaetoneros in the world right now.
He performed hit songs like “Party,” “PONTE NASTY” and “Curáme,” but the energy just wasn’t there. Grant Park was still crammed for day one of the two-day festival — Rauw is a big draw, at least in Latin America, where he’s charting at #1 on Apple Music in four countries. He hasn’t fully crossed over into mainstream American music, but since he’s rubbing shoulders with bigger artists like Shakira and Bad Bunny, his time is likely coming soon.
Most recently, Rauw Alejandro made headlines for his whirlwind romance with Rosalía, a Spanish singer-songwriter, that came to an end last year. That breakup probably influenced a lot of his sadder music, which unfortunately contributed to the low mood among festival-goers who came to party.
Rauw Alejandro performs at the Sueños Music Festival at Grant Park in Chicago on Saturday.
Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
He brought Álvaro Díaz on stage as a special guest for the first-ever live performance of “BYAK” since Díaz released his sophomore album “SAYONARA” last week.
“This is the first time he and I have officially sung this song on stage,” Rauw told the audience in Spanish as he introduced his friend. “Voy a dejar que la música hable. I’ll let the music speak for itself.”
The two go way back, having collaborated on “Problemón” in 2021 and both having deep roots in Puerto Rico. They bring out the best in each other when it comes to exploring a more alternative sound. Díaz performed a set of his own early Saturday.
Rauw Alejandro performs at the Suenos Music Festival at Grant Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 25, 2024.|Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
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Rauw Alejandro performs at the Suenos Music Festival at Grant Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 25, 2024.|Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
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Rauw Alejandro performs at the Suenos Music Festival at Grant Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 25, 2024.|Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
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Rauw Alejandro performs at the Suenos Music Festival at Grant Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 25, 2024. |Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
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Rauw Alejandro performs at the Suenos Music Festival at Grant Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 25, 2024. |Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
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Rauw Alejandro performs at the Suenos Music Festival at Grant Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 25, 2024.|Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
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Rauw Alejandro performs at the Suenos Music Festival at Grant Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 25, 2024. |Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
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Before parting ways, the two shared a warm, brotherly hug onstage while Rauw carried a very special version of the Puerto Rican flag: a light blue one, which usually represents Puerto Rican independence.
Even though Rauw still has some work to do to connect with U.S. audiences, he got Sueños attendees moving more and more near the end of his set. When he is able to create songs with catchy lyrics like “Todo De Ti” and “LOKERA,” he resonates with fans looking for a modern twist on reggaeton.
After his debut performance at Sueños Music Festival last month, Álvaro Díaz spent a few minutes speaking to La Voz following the years-long delay of the release of his sophomore album “SAYONARA.”
Chicago fans of superstar Peso Pluma are left high and dry, for the third time this year, because of the threat of severe weather. Two other Pluma concerts were canceled in Chicago because of the alleged threat of cartels.
The 30-year-old Colombian star gave an outstanding performance filled with nostalgic hits. Due to the weather, he was the final performer of the festival.
Chino Pacas of Street Mob Records joined Gabito Ballesteros on stage. The Mexican singer-songwriters are rising corrido tumbado artists, blending traditional Mexican ballads with hip-hop elements.
“A cheer for the Latinos!” a high-pitched Jowell called to damp Sueños attendees who waited out the weather. Though the two set expectations high, the remainder of their set was at times hard to follow.
The man, 18, was in a car in the 9200 block of South Green Street about 3 p.m. Tuesday when he was shot multiple times, police said. He died at the scene.
Four 20-year-old men from the western suburbs are accused of battering four employees around 1:30 a.m. Sunday at the Barraco’s Pizza in Mount Greenwood.
