Shakira Performs Medley of Hits & Receives 2023 MTV Video Vanguard Award

Shakira has done it again! The Colombian pop icon’s name has been buzzing all over the internet this week — and with reason. Tonight (Sept. 12), she received the honorary Video Vanguard Award at this year’s 2023 MTV VMAs (Video Music Awards) and performed a career-spanning medley of her most popular hits. The result? An epic performance and reminder of why she’s a GOAT.

In approximately 10 minutes, the Barranquilla-born artist started in a sunny-hued tunnel, performing “She Wolf” decked in a glittery golden outfit showing off her iconic flexibility. Afterward, she continued with “Te Felicito,” dancing her signature robotic moves. She sprinkled in a piece of the kiss-off anthem “TQG” without Karol G, performing the duo’s steamy dance on the floor. She continued singing the rhythmic and memorable “Objection (Tango),” emphasizing her hard-hitting guitars and percussions that helped categorize her as one of Latin America’s greatest artists.

Up next, she continues with a quick glimpse of “Ojos Así.” She then shows off her classic belly dancing, which also distinguishes her artistry. After, she sang “Whenever, Wherever” before diving into the iconic jam “Hips Don’t Lie.” She wrapped up her talented trek with “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53” making sure to sing the now iconic “Yo solo hago música, perdón que te salpique,” and “Las mujeres ya no lloran, las mujeres facturan” lines. As a cherry on top, the Colombian star ended her string of hits in total rock ‘n roll fashion: crowd-surfing through the audience and later rising from the ground up.

Shortly after, Wyclef Jean presented Shak with her prestigious award, reiterating that tonight would go down in history. Shakira accepted the award, thanking MTV for being a big part of her career since she was 18 years old. The artist thanked her creative partners, her record label, and the women in her team. She also gave thanks to her parents and her kids. She especially thanks her children for “cheering [her] up and making [her] feel that mama can do it all.” She ends her acceptance by thanking her fans, who support her through thick and thin, calling them her army that helps her fight all her battles. “Esto es para ustedes, mi gente Latinoamericana, dentro y fuera de este país. Gracias por inspirarme y por inyectar me tanta fuerza y tantas ganas de salir adelante,” she concluded.

Besides the highly-anticipated award and performance, the emblematic Latine singer is nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Latin for “Acróstico and “TQG” with Karol G, and Best Collaboration for “TQG.”

Moreover, this isn’t the first time she’s graced the VMAs stage. In 2006, she performed “Hips Don’t Lie” with Wyclef Jean. In 2005, Shakira performed “La Tortura” with Alejandro Sanz, marking the first-ever Spanish-language performance at the awards. Her first VMAs performance was in 2002 when she sang “Objection (Tango).”

The VMAs is currently taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on Sep. 12. The award show is airing live on the network.