Marc Anthony's Spectacular Year
Singer Marc Anthony said Thursday in New York that all his expectations and "much more" had been fulfilled this year, during which he successfully conquered the English-speaking market and married former Miss Universe Daynara Torres, who is expecting.
In an interview with EFE, the Puerto Rican star said that he was anxious and ready to welcome 2001, which will begin with the arrival of his first child in February and the worldwide release of the pop and salsa records on which he is working.
"All my expectations were fulfilled and much more. I have seen things I never expected to see, live or feel. I grew as a man, son, father and husband," said the clearly relaxed, talkative and happy performer of "I Need to Know."
The singer said he was pleased to have entered the difficult European market, a feat that will pave the way for his 2001 European tour, coinciding with the release of his second album in English, which also includes songs in Spanish.
"We worked hard in Europe, with almost 60 concerts. I had everything I wanted, but everything was up in the air and I needed to put things in their place," Anthony said.
After leaving the RMM company, which launched him to fame, he signed with Sony, both for the Spanish- and English-speaking markets, following in the footsteps of Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez.
At the end of his tour, Marc Anthony devoted his time to staging benefit concerts and to his family. This week, he will resume his public life, ready and full of energy for the new millennium, he said.
"I am recording two albums at the same time: pop, for which I am also composing, and salsa. They will be released into the market on the same day, probably in March or April," he said.
For his tropical music album, produced by Cucco Peña, he said he chose eight tunes by several composers, including his father.
However, despite the fact he had a good year, the singer did not describe it as his best.
"I had never gone on a tour like this, with a crew of 125, truckloads of equipment and encompassing such diverse cities. It was difficult, but after the tour I was able to focus on my private life," he added.
He said he was deeply in love with his wife, who is seven months pregnant and was the third Puerto Rican to become Miss Universe.
Although he wants a boy, because he already has a six-year-old daughter, his wife wants a girl, Anthony said.
Marc Anthony has a busy schedule still ahead of him this year, including an appearance on the Rosie O'Donell show and a Christmas special to be aired on national television.
He will also stage a concert in Madison Square Garden on Dec. 31, a very special venue for the singer, since he is the only salsa performer who managed to fill all its 19,000 seats.
In 2001, he also plans to star in three films, record two albums and go on an international tour.
