Pitbull set the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps, with 22,141 fans counted ahead of his British Summer Time (BST) headline set in Hyde Park on Friday evening.
Record-Breaking Achievement
The Latin hip hop artist, 45, was recognised with the achievement after fans donned the caps en masse. Speaking before his certificate was presented, Pitbull said: "Record breaking, record making, history in the making. Thank you London, thank you to the fans, thank you Hyde Park, thank you to the Bald-es."
Mr Worldwide, real name Armando Christian Perez, was presented with the framed Guinness World Record certificate by BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James, who came up with the idea earlier this year and texted the singer on air. After an official from Guinness World Records announced the number, Pitbull shouted, "We did it Bald-es, we did it Bald-es."
Fan Participation
Pitbull fans, known as Bald-es, rushed to the main stage in their bald caps to be counted, as temperatures were forecast to hit 31C in the capital. Many sported the singer's signature black aviators and stick-on black goatees, juggling pints of drink as they carried inflatable globes.
Pitbull set the record as the first person to attempt the feat under official adjudication, meaning there was no previous record to beat. He continued: "It's a blessing. It's an honour. First of all, to all the Bald-es and all the fans out there, what an honour, a blessing, and it's still amazing to go around any city."
Trend Origins
The trend of attending Pitbull's concerts dressed as him, sporting suits, aviator glasses and bald caps, has gone viral in recent years. Videos of audience-packed arenas full of bald cap-wearing fans singing his songs back at him have circulated widely.
Prior to Friday's gig, the singer and festival organisers had appealed for volunteers to count bald caps in the crowd. Supermarket chain Aldi also supplied 300 caps to fans outside the London park and temporarily rebranded itself as "Baldi".
Event Details
As the count began, James told the crowd: "Quickly though, are there any actual bald people here? You do need, sir, you do need a bald cap on your bald head for this to count. You will not be counted. I know you're bald and I know you've gone through a lot, but this won't count."
The rapper is among the roster of all-male main stage headliners performing at the festival this year, following shows by US band Maroon 5, folk pop group Mumford And Sons, and an upcoming set from Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi. Miami-born Pitbull is best known for songs including Fireball, Timber, Time Of Our Lives, On The Floor, Give Me Everything, Feel This Moment and Don't Stop The Party.
