Rauw Alejandro Turns His Past, Present & Future Into a Three-Act Spectacle at Forest Hills Stadium: ‘2027 Will Be Completely Raúl’
The Puerto Rican star discussed Red Bull Chapters, a production that fused his personal history with an athletic approach to live performance.
Forest Hills Stadium, nestled in Queens, exuded an air of nostalgia, with its Tudor-style cottages and intimate village-like pathways. On Saturday night (Sept. 5), Rauw Alejandro transformed that atmosphere into a three-act living narrative at the inaugural Red Bull Chapters event. The performance, initially sold out, expanded to a second night (Sept. 6), marking Red Bull’s first Chapters project centered on a recording artist.
The show, titled "Inspiration," "Impulse," and "Legacy," crafted Rauw’s career into a past-present-future storyline. Rather than following a linear chronology, it highlighted his evolution through leaps: from his roots, influences, and musical journey; to global prominence; and the risks he took to progress.
The Caribbean Sea and sun set the stage for the opening act, accompanied by a narration of Puerto Rico’s unique blend of mountains, ocean, and city. Rauw traced his lineage to Taíno, African, and Spanish influences, connecting salsa, reggaetón, and rock through his grandfather’s trovador roots, his father’s guitar skills and American oldies, and his early love affair with reggaetón.
Dressed in a brown studded leather jacket, dark sunglasses, and matching pants, Rauw kicked off the concert with "Santa," collaborating with Rvssian and Ayra Starr. He engaged the crowd with a singalong to "2/Catorce," followed by a neon-lit rendition of "Club El Calentero." During "Tú Con Él," his cover of a classic Frankie Ruiz tune, he was backed by a full band, delivering the song with a resonance that bridged generations of Puerto Rican music.
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