Singer Anuel AA visits El hormiguero to premiere a new single with Ozuna and discuss his tour, taking the spotlight far beyond music
The recent appearance by Anuel AA on El hormiguero brought more than just a studio performance. While the talk show is known for its playful banter, the discussion inevitably wandered into personal terrain, revealing experiences from the artist’s time behind bars. The interview coincided with his current tour and his travel through the country to promote it, underscoring how intertwined his music and life story have become.
The 2016 chapter of Anuel AA’s life, marked by an arrest for illegal gun possession and a 30 month prison sentence, emerged as a focal point. In reflecting on those years, he shared his perspective on how public perception is shaped. He described the contrast between movie portrayals and real life, emphasizing that personal conduct often speaks louder than sensationalized narratives. He noted that money matters, yet certain forces in life outrun wealth, and in prison, money can lose its sheen while character and resilience gain currency. Source: El Hormiguero.
On the matter of prison experience, Anuel spoke about the idea that individuals in confinement are not so different from those outside. People make mistakes, pay their debts to society, and face outcomes that can alter their paths. He reflected on the belief that there is a larger plan for everyone, and that some situations test faith and purpose. The sentiment extended to how circumstances can transform a person into a stronger version of themselves. During his time behind bars he endured 90 days in isolation, a period he described as controversial yet formative. Source: El Hormiguero.
Music didn’t pause in prison for Anuel. He revealed that he continued recording on a phone, crafting music even while incarcerated. He recounted creating a Spanish adaptation of Eminem’s Stan, a song he dedicated to a devoted fan who had grown overwhelmed. The track gained traction from a distance, helping him feel connected to his audience and salvage his career at a moment when many feared it might be finished. It became a turning point that reasserted his artistic identity while facing career uncertainty. Source: El Hormiguero.
The conversation also touched on the emotional reunion after release. The singer described a moment of intense relief when he finally reunited with his father and son. The authorities had restricted his access to his child for a long period, a measure he described as psychologically challenging. He recalled a first embrace after a lengthy separation, a moment that underscored the personal cost of the legal battle and the toll it took on family life. Source: El Hormiguero.
As the dialogue progressed, Anuel explained how his career appeared to be on a downward trajectory during those years. His hopes of a swift release were dashed when bail was denied, forcing him to make tough choices and endure a long period of uncertainty. He described stepping back from creative work for many months as his spirit quivered under the strain. Yet the longer he spent in confinement, the more he realized that leaving the scene would not be the end of his story. Source: El Hormiguero.
The artist also noted how the public narrative began to shift. What started as whispers and leaks gradually became a chorus of topics that his team addressed publicly, sometimes without his direct input. He described an unusual dynamic where insiders learned about developments through informal channels, and the official narrative found its own momentum on the street. In time, he found a renewed sense of purpose and hope, discovering that resilience can reframe a stalled career and open new avenues for expression. Source: El Hormiguero.
The interview paints a portrait of Anuel AA as a performer who refuses to let past hardships define his present. Instead, he uses those experiences to fuel his music, to connect with fans, and to speak candidly about the costs and consequences of life choices. The conversation underscores the tension between public image and private struggle, a balance many artists navigate as they rebuild their lives after setbacks. Source: El Hormiguero.