Shakira’s hips didn’t lie — her signature dance moves and high-energy performance led her to the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) stage Tuesday to accept the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
Shakira sang a medley of her top hits and showcased the broad range of her vocals while putting on an epic performance. The Colombian star thrilled fans by crowdsurfing while wearing a glittery cowboy hat and dancing with knives, which she used to prop up her hair as she shook her hips and belted out some of her biggest hits. Friend and fellow collaborator Wyclef Jean presented Shakira with the Michael Jackson Vanguard Video Award, making her the first-ever South American artist to accept the honor.
Shakira wore a flesh-toned glimmering outfit and kicked off her set with “She Wolf,” featuring quick movements and popping choreography that was featured in her iconic video from 2009. She quickly transitioned to her electro-pop tune, “Te Felicito,” and was joined by four back-up dancers. She cut to “TQG,” supported by a full pyrotechnic show, before treating fans to a belly dance performance.
Video Vanguard recipient Shakira performs her top hits at the 2023 #VMAs pic.twitter.com/7snWebNZEe
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 13, 2023
She belly-danced through “Objection,” her classic hit “Whenever, Wherever” and, of course, the banger tune everyone associates with the Colombian star’s hip-gyrating moves: “Hips Don’t Lie.”
She crowdsurfed while singing “BZRP Music Sessions #53,” and was carried to the stage while holding a Columbian flag.
— v (@ViralMaterialz) September 13, 2023
Shakira’s set included being lifted well above the stage on a metal lift as she sang to the adoring fans far beneath her elevated stage.
Shakira paid tribute to her decades-long career with an astounding 10-minute performance that had fellow celebrities and musical artists dancing in the audience through each rapid transition of her impressive catalogue. (RELATED: Olivia Rodrigo Rushed Off Stage After Props Crash During MTV Awards)
Ouu Shakira ready to cut a bitch!! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/aZ64eeeBjw
— ☽ ⱼₒₙₐₛ ☾ (@cinnamongerru) September 13, 2023
She spoke in a blend of English and Spanish while accepting her award.
Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliot, Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé are all past recipients of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.