David Bisbal keeps L.A. debut in line

David Bisbal is a bona fide Latin pop phenomenon. Eight days ago, he performed in Mexico in front of 10,000 fans. The Spanish heartthrob’s second album, “Buleria,” has sold more than a million copies worldwide.

Things are a little different in L.A., where Bisbal is just getting started.

The singer’s local debut was scheduled for the Wiltern LG, but underwhelming ticket sales forced promoters to move the event to the smaller Avalon on Friday.

If your introduction to Bisbal was his unintentionally hilarious, chest-thumping, mucho macho duet with Jessica Simpson on the Latin Grammy telecast in September, you may have gone to the Avalon expecting the worst.

As it turns out, Bisbal has somewhat tamed his theatrics since that grotesque appearance.

Friday’s concert was a tightly choreographed foray into lavish Latin pop dynamics, complete with an 11-piece band, peppy party anthems, and soft-core balladry in the manner of Luis Miguel and Enrique Iglesias.

With his suggestive dance moves, boundless energy and impressive vocal chops, Bisbal had no problem unleashing waves of hysteria from his screaming female fans.

Could Bisbal become the next Luis Miguel? Sure, if he works a little harder on finding quality material.

His songs verge from the pleasantly energetic (“Angel de la Noche”) to the downright pathetic (“Corazon Latino”). Bisbal’s toreador-like bravado deserves better.