The count has commenced as musician Pitbull seeks to establish the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps. If deemed legitimate, the Latin hip hop artist, 45, is expected to receive a certificate shortly before his British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park headline set on Friday evening, following a count that began at approximately 5pm.
Origin of the Record Attempt
The initiative originated earlier this year when BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James conceived the idea and texted the artist, known as Mr Worldwide and whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, during a live broadcast. Taking the stage in a white vest top, black tie, and a bald cap ahead of the official 60-second count, James announced: “Today, thousands of you are about to take part in an official Guinness World Record. This could be the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps that’s ever taken place in the history of the world. And we would love to present Mr Three Oh Five, Mr Worldwide, with a certificate to say that he is a world record holder today, but that relies on all of you taking this very seriously.”
Fan Participation and Conditions
Pitbull fans, dubbed Bald-es, flocked to the main stage at the festival donning bald caps to be counted, as temperatures in the capital were forecast to reach 31°C. Many sported the singer’s signature black aviator sunglasses and stick-on black goatees, juggling pints of drink while carrying inflatable globes. James added a note of caution: “Quickly though, are there any actual bald people here? 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.”
No Existing Record
If the count proceeds without issue, the event will set the record, as no such category currently exists for this feat. The trend of fans dressing up as Pitbull for his concerts—sporting suits, aviator glasses, and bald caps—has gone viral in recent years, with videos showing audience-packed arenas full of bald-cap-wearing fans singing along.
Preparation and Support
Prior to Friday’s performance, the singer and festival organizers appealed for volunteers to count the bald caps in the crowd. Supermarket chain Aldi supplied 300 caps to fans outside the London park and temporarily rebranded itself as “Baldi.” The rapper is among the all-male main stage headliners at the festival this year, following shows by US band Maroon 5, folk pop group Mumford & Sons, and an upcoming set from Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi. Miami-born Pitbull is best known for hits such as Fireball, Timber, Time Of Our Lives, On The Floor, Give Me Everything, Feel This Moment, and Don’t Stop The Party.
