During the MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday night, Shakira, a Grammy-winning artist, celebrated her successful career with a 10-minute performance that was filled with her greatest hits. Shakira began her performance by performing “She Wolf” and incorporated the iconic choreography from the song’s music video in 2009. She then quickly transitioned into a performance of “Te Felicito” with Rauw Alejandro before singing “TQG” with Karol G. Shakira also revisited her early career by performing “Objection,” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “Hips Don’t Lie” while belly dancing. During “BZRP Music Sessions #53,” Shakira even crowd-surfed through the audience and was greeted by a fan holding a Colombian flag in her honor.
After her performance, the singer returned to receive the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award from Wyclef Jean. Shakira expressed her gratitude towards her family, creative partners, and most of all, her “army” of loyal fans. It is worth noting that Shakira is the first-ever South American artist to be awarded this prestigious recognition. Previous recipients of this award include Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and Missy Elliott.
In a statement released earlier, Bruce Gillmer, the President of Music, Music Talent, Programming, and Events for Paramount, praised Shakira as a true global icon who has inspired and influenced millions with her unparalleled musical skills. He also acknowledged her trailblazing efforts in promoting Latin music around the world, highlighting that her impact on the musical landscape will undoubtedly be long-lasting. As Shakira continues to create and entertain at the highest level, her massive influence on the industry will only continue to grow.
Shakira had a successful year, with many chart-topping collaborations including “Monotonía” with Ozuna, “BZRP Music Sessions #53,” with Bizarrap, “TGQ” with Karol, and “Copa Vacía” with Manuel Turizo. She received four nominations at the award ceremony on Tuesday, including artist of the year, best collaboration for “TQG” with Karol, and best Latin video for both “TQG” and “Acróstico.” This isn’t Shakira’s first time winning an award, as she previously won her first Moon Person in 2000 for the international viewer’s choice (Latin America North) for her single, “Ojos Así.” She continued to win in the same category in 2002 for “Whenever, Wherever/Suerte,” and also won best choreography in a video for “Hips Don’t Lie.”