Shakira Soars Through the Crowd to Win 2023 VMAs Video Vanguard Prize

The Colombian performer wowed the audience with a medley of her hits, such as “She Wolf” and “Hips Don’t Lie”.

Shakira stole the show at the VMA’s by crowd surfing her way to iconic status. The 46-year-old Colombian singer was honored with the prestigious video vanguard award, celebrating her lifetime of achievements in the music industry. Wyclef Jean, her collaborator on the hit song “Hips Don’t Lie”, praised her as a musical genius as the crowd cheered her on. In her acceptance speech, Shakira expressed her gratitude to MTV for supporting her career since she was just 18 years old.

In a heartfelt moment, the singer of “She Wolf” expressed her gratitude to those who have played a significant part in shaping her visual journey. She made sure to acknowledge her label, her parents, and especially her two children, Milan and Sasha, aged 9 and 7. She thanked them for their support and for being there to cheer her on during the ceremony, letting them know that they make her feel like she can conquer anything. The kids, who she shares with her former partner Gerard Piqué, watched proudly from the audience as their mama expressed her appreciation.

Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images Afterwards, the entertainer expressed her gratitude towards her supporters. “I also want to dedicate this award to my fans, who have been there for me through everything,” she expressed. “Thank you for being my rock and for standing by me in all my struggles.” She then switched to Spanish, dedicating the award to her fans, especially those in Latin America. “Lo quiero muchísimo,” she ended.

Before receiving the award, the Grammy winner wore a glamorous, nude-colored outfit and showcased her iconic dance moves to a medley of beloved songs. The high-energy performance started on a large stage and ended up in the audience, featuring hits like “She Wolf,” “Te Felicito,” “Objection (Tango),” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” The electrifying show concluded with a bang with “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.” During the set, Shakira had everyone in the crowd, including celebrities like Lil Nas X, Taylor Swift, and Måneskin, up on their feet dancing along with her. She even impressed the audience with a guitar solo during “Objection (Tango),” showcasing her talent beyond just singing and dancing.

During her electrifying performance of “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” the celebrated artist ended the show with a bang by inviting fans on stage to dance and even taking a moment to crowd surf through the ecstatic audience. Reflecting on her dynamic performance during MTV’s pre-show, Shakira mentioned how she tried to encapsulate her entire career in just 10 minutes. She described the experience as “pretty dynamic” and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. Shakira now joins the esteemed list of past recipients of the video vanguard award, including icons such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Madonna. This year, she was also nominated in three other categories at the VMAs, showcasing her versatile talent and enduring popularity in the music industry. With four Moon Person trophies under her belt, Shakira’s VMA wins have spanned over the years, starting with her first win for “Ojos Así” in the international viewer’s choice category. Her winning streak continued with iconic hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and collaborations with artists like Beyoncé. This latest accolade adds to Shakira’s legacy as the Queen of Latin Music.

Shakira, the global sensation, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her exceptional musical talent. Paramount’s music president, Bruce Gilmer, praised her as a trailblazer for women and a pioneer in the globalization of Latin music. Her influence in the music industry is immense, and her legacy will endure as she consistently delivers top-notch performances. Shakira made a triumphant return to the VMAs stage after 17 years, showcasing her unparalleled talent. Her recent collaborations with Colombian artists Manuel Turizo and Karol G have been met with critical acclaim, with chart-topping success on the Billboard Global 200. The 2023 MTV VMAs will be broadcasted live from The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Fans can tune in to CBS, BET, and other affiliated networks or stream the show online through MTV.com or Paramount+.