On Sunday, March 19th, 2023, Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Rauw Alejandro made his DC debut with another sold-out indoor arena performance. To say Rauw’s performance was otherworldly would be an accurate yet casual understatement of the raw talent exhibited on stage that night. The modern king of reggaeton slammed the stage at full force with thousands of fans emitting excited shrieks and shrills. Between intricate visuals, elaborate choreography, and exquisite wardrobe choices, Rauw sent the stadium into cosmic orbit.

Born Raúl Alejandro Ocasio Ruiz in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the artist is known for his deeply rooted hometown pride and contributions to the new age variation of Reggaeton. Beginning his music career in 2014, Rauw rapidly climbed industry charts, earning not one but three Grammy Award nominations in the past two years. With every new release, Rauw stretches the genre’s bounds, solidifying his position as a generational talent and inspiration for up-and-coming artists across the globe. His latest addition, SATURNO, further showcases his ability to reach across all elements of music and create fresh pieces of art. 

At the  Capitol One Arena, Rauw’s infectious sound and hypnotizing aura shone brightly as he electrified the stage with every track. Before the lights dimmed, a woman’s voice from the heavens warned the onset of the show, cueing a 90s electronic dance playlist. Then, as darkness filled the stadium the first track of the album SATURNO rang out. A thunderous roar from fans wrapped around the stage where dancers emerged. The mysterious voice played again, “Welcome to the Saturno Tour”. On that same note, fireworks exploded revealing Rauw center stage. 

Within minutes of performing, fans from all sections were hurling their undergarments at Rauw, a common occurrence at his shows. Although many fell between the cracks of general admission, few landed on stage and whenever spotted, they would be picked up and swung to every note. A colossal amount of clothes were especially thrown during the popular PANTIES Y BRAIERES, proving its lyrics accurate. 

At the onset of GATAS, up-and-coming Latin artist, Chris Palace appeared on stage provoking another round of screams from fans. The contrast in style between the two was apparent as Rauw, dressed in a sleek black jacket and pants, faced Palace in a sleeveless white shirt and cargo pants. Once Rauw briefly exited the stage, Palace went on to perform his own singles. Hailing from Silver Spring, Maryland, the DMV native returned to his roots during DCs performance, a monumental moment in Palace’s career.

As the evening continued, Rauw roused fans left and right with intoxicating lyrics and choreography. Suddenly, he tumbled backward, laying directly in the middle of the stage, a ring of green sparks encircling him. The brief rest period ceased with the onset of Party, a remix of fellow singer, Bad Bunny. Within seconds elated cries erupted, Puerto Rican flags waved, and Rauw was back on his feet, wooing fans once again.

Halfway through the show, American hip-hop dance crew, the Jabbawockeez flooded the stage inducing a wave of thrill. They performed a mix of billboard hits, including songs in both English and Spanish. Through elaborate moves, signature gestures, and complex formations, the Jabbawockeez held Rauw’s hype as he made his second costume change of the night. 

Once reentering the stage in a new matching set, Rauw did not stay stationary for long. After a loud whooshing noise blared, stadium screens transformed into a rotating saucer, beaming a green light down on the singer’s entire body. Rauw's feet departed from the floor and soon he was levitating in the air, while simultaneously serenading his fans. 

Though this was one of the many highlights of the night, it was far from the only one. Once returning to earth, he called on the audience in preparation for a couple’s dance-off. After plucking one couple from the crowd and later two more men and women, Rauw proceeded to explain the rules of the contest, the two would “perrear” and the best pair would win. Following one song of ferocious dancing, Rauw announced the winners, giving the first couple the crown. 

Not only was this blast to the past perceived through his enthralling hits but also within the entrancing visuals. Symbols of 90s tech wrapped around the overhead monitor in the form of different green line patterns and shapes. At one point, realistic cartoon characters resembling Bratz dolls filled the screens. One of the most classic moments of the night occurred during CORAZÓN DESPEINADO where the video game series Dance Dance Revolution moved with the beat of the song. Surprising the audience more, massive tangible planets circulated the venue during the last few tracks.

Despite his revolutionary album, Rauw's performance and production proved themselves spectacular, with audience members gazing in awe during every bit of the concert. With every unique single released so far, there is no doubt Rauw will continue to shatter the limits of multiple genres. If you missed him in DC this past weekend, make sure to catch him on one of his next dates!