Iglesias Takes His 'OMG' Fame to Broadway as Narrator
Jose Iglesias, known as Candelita, made his Broadway debut in 'Buena Vista Social Club' on Thursday night, playing the Narrator. The former MLB All-Star gained fame for his hit song 'OMG' in 2024, which he performed at the Home Run Derby. His musical career began after signing with the Mets.
Iglesias's path to the stage began with his 2024 single "OMG," which became a rallying cry for Mets fans after he signed with the club that year. The song's popularity grew so significantly that Major League Baseball invited him to perform it during the Home Run Derby festivities. His Broadway role as the Narrator in "Buena Vista Social Club" marks a notable crossover from sports to performing arts. The production itself has a recent history, having premiered off-Broadway in 2023 before moving to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in March 2025. Iglesias, performing under his musical alias Candelita, now adds theatrical credits to a résumé that already includes All-Star recognition in baseball.
Iglesias's Broadway debut may broaden public perception of professional athletes as multi-dimensional artists, potentially inspiring other players to pursue creative outlets beyond sports. His crossover could also draw new audiences to theater, particularly younger baseball fans unfamiliar with Broadway productions. Additionally, this move may encourage conversations about athletes planning post-playing careers in the arts, offering a template for identity beyond the field. The cultural blending of sports and theater could create fresh marketing opportunities for both industries, though its lasting influence depends on how seriously audiences and critics receive his performance.