Justin Quiles' Performance at the Fillmore Proved He's a Rising Star

Fans already know Justin Quiles is an expert composer and artist in his genre, but last night he proved he's serious about rising to the top of the reggaeton game. Though most people only go to clubs or huge arenas to catch their favorite reggaeton artists, Quiles was able to fill the Fillmore his first time performing at such a large venue in Miami. Dancing and drinks made the elegant venue feel like a nightclub, but the stage production kept it pro.

The crowd was clearly impressed by Justin's performance but was especially blown away by the surprise guests who joined him onstage, including Nicky Jam, Jencarlos Canela, Zion & Lennox, and Valentino.

Surprisingly, many people showed up on time to catch the openers. Jammin' Johnny from El Zol 106.7 was the MC, pumping up the crowd throughout the night in anticipation of Quiles' performance. Opening the show was reggaaeton artist Barbara Doza, followed by R&B/trap act Dalex. Both are signed to Rich Music alongside Quiles.

By 9:30 p.m., the Fillmore was filled with fans drinking and dancing to reggaeton by artists such as Maluma, Don Omar, and Ozuna pumped through the speakers. DJ Dimelo Flow took the stage at 9:45 as the last opener. Though doors opened at 7, the show was on Miami time: Quiles didn't go on until 10:30 p.m. The delay gave the crowd time to drink and loosen up for the main performance.

Joined by Dimelo Flow and his band, consisting of two keyboard players, a drummer, and a guitarist, Quiles appeared in a burst of smoke atop a platform onstage, and the crowd went wild. Four songs in, eight stage dancers in sequined black bikinis danced their way to the stage while Quiles sang his hit "Orgullo." The stage featured a large screen displaying artistic visuals and lights that lit the entire venue. During the performance of "Si Ella Quisiera," Quiles brought his mom onstage to give his thanks to her.

Besides having the look and the songwriting talent to back up his fame, Quiles boasts impressive vocal ability, especially in the diversity of songs he performed, such as "Adicto," a reggaeton ballad. Surprise guest and Cuban balada singer Jencarlos Canela agreed: After performing "Hora Loca" with Quiles and then "Pa Que Me Invitan" solo, Canela told the crowd he thinks Quiles is one of the best composers he knows.

As Canela was exiting the stage, marketing director of Warner Music Latina, Miguel Garrocho, surprised Quiles with a double-platinum award in the United States for his song "No Quiero Amarte."

When Nicky Jam hit the stage to join Quiles and Valentino for their performance of "Tu y Yo," fans rushed to the pit to get a closer look and better shots with their phones. Finally, famed reggaeton duo Zion & Lennox appeared as the last surprise guests. After performing their hit "Bandolera" and J Balvin's "No Es Justo," the duo joined Quiles in singing the smash "No Quiero Amarte," his latest single. After thanking father and son Rich and Josh Mendez, founders of the record label Rich Music, Quiles bid the crowd goodnight.

In light of so much star power onstage, the $50 ticket price turned out to be a steal — especially because last night's performance might be one of Quiles' last Miami appearances in a midsize venue such as the Fillmore. With his songwriting chops, performing talent, and support from industry stars, Quiles will be headlining arenas before long.