Can you handle it?

She’s handled a broken back, speedboating disasters and her son’s teen rebellion – but will Gloria Estefan crumble under the pressure of the Hits’ tough queries?

What did you say to your son when he was expelled for making prank phone calls?

(Sighs heavily) We were not happy. But he wasn’t expelled for all those reasons we saw in the tabloids (he was phoning his mates’ parents and saying their sons were gay). The call he made was to tell some lady that her son was being suspended for throwing food on him. The thing is, he’d impersonated a school officer, so they expelled him. Did I shout at him? No, what does shouting solve? He’s been a prankster since he was a boy. I’m glad someone’s set him a limit.

How’s your back?

It’s fine. I work out hard – well, maybe not that hard – three times a week, to keep my back strong. When I do an exercise I can feel something (ie, the dirty great metal rod which holds Glo’s spine together after a horrific car crash six years ago), but otherwise I’m ver fit.

So, are you plagued by disaster (after the crash, her speedboat ran over and killed a water-skier)?

Plagued by disaster – I like that phrase (laughs). It adds a bit of melodrama. I’ve been through some difficult experiences, but evreyone has – it’s just that I’m a public figure, and they happen to be plastered across newspapers all over the world. But just think of your own life – how many friends have been in crashes? I try to look at the big picture, to make something positive.

Tell us what “Arriba!” means...

Arriba means ‘up’! When people shout it, in that context it means ‘wonderful, great’! (Demonstrates) Arriba!

As a Cuban exile, have you ever smoked a Havana cigar?

No! Emilio (Gloria’s husband and manager of umpteen years) smoked one once and got so nauseous. I’ve never rolled one on my thigh, either (that’s what Cuban birds do)...

Is it true there’s a street named after you in Miami?

Kind of. It’s called Miami Sound Machine Boulevard (Glo’s old band). I used to live there – my sister and aunts still do.

“I’ve drunk five tequilas
without falling over –
I’ve learned my puke limit.”

How come your band ended up as plain “Gloria Estefan”?

At first the band was called the Miami Latin Boys. Emilio heard me sing at a wedding and asked me to join. Over the years, members went their separate ways until Emilio was the only original one left. He wanted the fans to identify more with me as a person. They started billing me with them, but then it really wasn’t a Miami Sound Machine record, it was Emilio and two guys, so they just named it after me. I still tour with Miami Sound Machine – they’re still my band.

Do ou want to be Mayor of Miami?

Eh? No! Politics tie your hands. I can do more through music, and as a citizen.

Do you ever feel that you’re getting a bit old for this pop lark?

My music evolves. Still, time slows you down. It’s five years since I last toured, and my new tour will be different. You mature, and hopefully the music matures along with you. I am trying to slow down.

How many tequillas can you drink without keeling over?

Five – but I didn’t want to go any further (phew, rock’n’roll). Over the years, I’ve learned my puke limit – and I’ve lived long enough to not want to get there.

Do you still wear leather chaps (naff cowboy perv-trews)?

That’s my nightmare, that I’ll get senile and start wearing those chaps again, with my bum cheeks hanging down to my ankles. If I get to that stage, please put me out of my misery.

Did you have to sprinkle on talcum powder to get them on and off?

No! I wore them over jeans! I wouldn’t wear them without – that zipper inside my leg might catch something (!!!).

Does your husband still buy all your clothes?

He does. I can’t be bothered deciding what to wear, but he loves to shop. And his taste is always dead-on.

It’s said that as a teenager you had thick eyebrows, like Oasis. Did you look like one of them?

I don’t know Oasis. I had one massive eyebrow. Sounds like them? Yes, then!

Say something rude in Spanish...

No. (Go on!) Rude words in Spanish are very rude. Can’t I say something and not translate it? No, your Spanish readers would read it, then what would I look like?

Do you still enjoy rumpo while standing on your head?

What!! I was on The Big Breakfast with Paula Yates. I was trying to conceive Emily (her baby). Paula recommended standing on your head – after sex, not during!! (Ah...) I did try it, but Emilio freaked out because of my back. Do you really think I’d tell you otherwise?

So, could Gloria handle it? Nothing could ruffle that cool Latin exterior... Top bird!

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