Daddy Yankee and Don Omar, two of reggaeton’s biggest stars, took part in a musical face-off in Las Vegas, a clash that produced no clear winner but did offer a healthy sampling of that genre’s primal energy.
Friday night’s show at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas was the first U.S. stop on the recording artists’ “The Kingdom” tour, in which the two Puerto Rican stars battle it out for the title of reggaeton king.
The clash, however, was a bit disappointing for the fans because after a pair of electrifying solo performances the two did not appear on stage together in a head-to-head contest.
Daddy Yankee got the crowd moving with “Boricua Morena” and “Ella Me Levanto” and wrapped up his performance with a racy and sweaty rendition of “Gasolina,” one of reggaeton’s first big international hits.
A smiling Don Omar then came on after a brief intermission, countering with “Dale Don Dale,” “Dile, Cuentale” and “Pobre diabla,” among other hits.
Daddy Yankee and Don Omar have few differences, but on Friday night the former showcased a more aggressive, hip-hop style while the latter leaned on more sensual Latin and Caribbean rhythms.
The tour began in December in Puerto Rico and will also include stops in Washington, New York, Miami and Orlando, among other U.S. cities, organizers told MLM.
