Pitbull fans set Guinness World Record at BST Hyde Park show

ByNaomi Clarke

BBC Newsbeat

Pitbull and his legion of fans have set the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps at his headline BST Hyde Park show.

The rapper and singer, who has been called Mr Worldwide, lived up to his name by inspiring a global trend in recent years which sees crowds rock up to his concerts dressed in his signature style of suits and sunglasses and, of course, wearing bald caps.

Ahead of his performance at the London festival, tens of thousands of concertgoers gathered by the main stage to be officially counted.

It was later confirmed to Pitbull the record had been set at 22,141 bald cap wearers, which he hailed as a "blessing" and an "honour".

"Who would have ever thought a first-generation Cuban would be able to be in London record-breaking and record-making one for the Guinness Book of World Records," the Grammy-award winner, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, told reporters.

He thanked his fans, "the baldies", for their support, praising them as his "number one" focus.

BBC Radio 1 Breakfast presenter Greg James and content creator Jack Remmington kickstarted the idea last year after Remmington shared a video suggesting the record should be attempted at BST, while James helped get Pitbull on board.

Fans who had come decked out in full Pitbull attire told BBC Newsbeat they were feeling "sweaty and bald" but "amazing" as they basked in highs of 32C in London.

Reflecting on why they wanted to be a part of the world record attempt, they described the music artist, also known as Mr 305, as "an inspiration" and someone who is "so fun" and brings "such good vibes".

"He just brings out the best in everyone," another fan added.

"Look at everyone, it's amazing, its great to be a part of this."

Pitbull kept the good times rolling when he took to the stage to perform a host of his hits.

The 45-year-old star, who was born in Miami to Cuban parents, began his career in the Latin hip hop scene, releasing his debut album M.I.A.M.I. back in 2004.

By the late 2000s he had transitioned into the world of pop with tracks like I Know You Want Me and Hotel Room Service, which shot him up the charts in the UK and US.

He has gone on to collaborate with global stars, such as Christina Aguilera, Usher and Shakira, sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and secured a best Latin Rock or Alternative Album Grammy for his record Dale.

The festival also saw lively performances by Kesha, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon.

Pass Out star Tempah told Newsbeat he thinks people are connecting with artists who bring them nostalagia as they are "harking back to a more simple time in the world".

"I think it's amazing to be an artist that's been in people's lives year-on-year, memories upon memories.

"Whether it's graduating from school, going to your first Fresher's rave, meeting your partner, I think that's always what resonates with me about music."

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