Shakira’s Medley Named As The Best Performance Of The 2023 By Billboard

Shakira, the musical chameleon, left everyone spellbound at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on September 12th. Her potent hits medley took the audience on a mesmerizing journey, showcasing her extraordinary talent and stage presence.

Shapeshifting on Stage: The Unforgettable Performance

Shakira kicked off her performance with the iconic “She Wolf.” Inside what seemed like a human-sized cube, she moved gracefully from trance-like yoga poses to robotic-like motions, all with a fluid transition. Dressed in a shimmering flesh-toned outfit, she then transitioned to the electro-pop hit “Te Felicito,” her 2022 collaboration with Rauw Alejandro, joined by four male backup dancers, igniting the stage with energy.

But the real magic happened when Shakira took us back to her legendary 2006 VMAs performance with the extended version of “Objection (Tango).” Surrounded by tribal-styled percussionists in a captivating drum circle, Shakira demonstrated her magnetic star power. She didn’t stop there, grabbing an electric guitar to showcase her power cords and versatility.

By the time she reached “Hips Don’t Lie,” the entire audience, including Taylor Swift, was on their feet, dancing to the infectious rhythm. Shakira concluded her performance with the popular track “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” the crowd eagerly chimed in, singing in Spanish, “Las mujeres ya no lloran, las mujeres facturan!” (“Women no longer cry, women cash in!”)

And that wasn’t all—Shakira even crowd-surfed and received a traditional Colombian sombrero from an audience member. This marked her first time gracing the VMAs stage since her iconic 2006 performance.

Making History: The Vanguard Award and Heartfelt Thanks

Shakira not only delivered an unforgettable performance but also made history by becoming the first South American artist to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award. The only other Latin artist to receive this honor was Jennifer Lopez in 2018.

During her acceptance speech, the 46-year-old singer-songwriter expressed her gratitude to MTV for being a part of her career since she was 18 years old. She also acknowledged key figures in the creation of her music videos, Jaume de Laiguana and Maite Marcos, referring to them as friends and collaborators.

Shakira extended her thanks to her record label, Sony Music, and its collaborators, as well as her parents and her sons, Milan and Sasha, who were present at the ceremony. She dedicated the award to her devoted fans, who have supported her through every phase of her career, saying, “Thank you so much for being my army and helping me fight all my battles.”

In a heartfelt moment, she added in Spanish, “This is for you, my people… Thank you for inspiring me and for injecting me with so much strength and so much desire to keep going.”

Shakira: A Transformative Pop Star

Shakira’s performance and Video Vanguard Award win underscore her transformative career. She has not only crossed over from Spanish to English but has redefined her sound and image over three decades. She represents a unique kind of multicultural pop stardom that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Her journey began in the mid-1990s when she emerged as a pop-rock icon for Latin American audiences with albums like “Pies Descalzos” and “Dónde Están los Ladrones?” Her musical style is a blend of diverse influences, rhythms, and cultural backgrounds, highlighting her multicultural upbringing.

Despite initial challenges with her English-language album “Laundry Service,” Shakira persevered and created hits like “Whenever, Wherever.” Her ability to pivot between genres and languages demonstrated her artistic autonomy and authenticity.

Shakira’s influence extended beyond music. She used her platform to make political statements, even criticizing the Iraq War during a New York City concert after 9/11.

As she prepares to release her first album since 2017, Shakira stands on the edge of a comeback era. While the Latin music scene has evolved, she remains a trailblazer who transcends borders and expectations.

In an industry shaped by global forces in streaming and social media, Shakira’s unique blend of multiculturalism and musical innovation continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Her Video Vanguard Award is not just a recognition of her past achievements but a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.

Conclusion

Shakira’s performance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards was nothing short of spectacular. With her unique blend of multicultural influences and musical innovation, she proved once again why she’s one of the most transformative and influential pop stars of our time. As she embarks on a new chapter in her career, there’s no doubt that Shakira will continue to break boundaries and inspire artists and fans alike.

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