Shakira’s Surprising Victory: Claiming the 2023 VMAs Video Vanguard Award in Style

The singer from Colombia impressed the crowd by performing a mix of her popular songs, including “She Wolf” and “Hips Don’t Lie”.

Shakira wowed the audience at the VMA’s with her epic crowd surfing moment that solidified her as a music icon. The 46-year-old singer from Colombia was given the video vanguard award, recognizing her incredible contributions to the music world throughout her career. Wyclef Jean, who worked with her on the chart-topping track “Hips Don’t Lie”, hailed her as a musical prodigy as fans cheered her on. During her speech, Shakira thanked MTV for backing her since she was a teenager just starting out in the industry.

During a touching speech, the artist behind “She Wolf” showed her appreciation for the important people in her life who have helped mold her artistic evolution. She specifically mentioned her record label, her parents, and most importantly, her two young children, Milan and Sasha, who are 9 and 7 years old. She credited them for their unwavering support and presence at the event, expressing how their belief in her abilities makes her feel unstoppable. These two little ones, who she co-parents with her ex-partner Gerard Piqué, beamed with pride as they watched their mom pour out her gratitude.

Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images Following the event, the performer conveyed her appreciation for her fans. “I’d like to dedicate this award to all my fans who have supported me unconditionally,” she shared. “Thank you for being my pillar of strength and standing by me through thick and thin.” She then switched to Spanish, conveying her love to her fans, particularly those in Latin America. “Lo quiero muchísimo,” she concluded.

Prior to accepting the award, the Grammy victor donned a stunning nude ensemble and flaunted her signature dance moves to a mash-up of well-loved tunes. The lively performance kicked off on a grand stage and made its way into the crowd, including chart-toppers such as “She Wolf,” “Te Felicito,” “Objection (Tango),” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “Hips Don’t Lie.”

The high-energy performance wrapped up on a high note with the latest installment of “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.” Shakira had the whole audience, including big names like Lil Nas X, Taylor Swift, and Måneskin, grooving along with her. She wowed everyone with a killer guitar solo during “Objection (Tango),” proving that she’s not just a talented singer and dancer, but a skilled musician as well.

During her captivating performance on “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” the renowned singer closed the show by inviting fans up on stage to dance and even daringly crowd surfing through the elated audience. Talking about her vibrant performance on MTV’s pre-show, Shakira shared how she tried to condense her entire career into just 10 minutes. She described the experience as “quite dynamic” and expressed her gratitude for the chance. Joining the ranks of previous winners of the video vanguard award including Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Madonna, Shakira now stands proudly. Not only was she nominated in three other categories at the VMAs this year, but also showcased her multifaceted talent and lasting popularity in the music scene. With four Moon Person trophies in hand, Shakira’s VMA victories have spanned across the years, starting with her initial win in the international viewer’s choice category for “Ojos Así.” Her winning streak continued with memorable hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé. This recent award further cements Shakira’s reign as the Queen of Latin Music.

Shakira, the beloved global icon, continues to amaze audiences around the world with her extraordinary musical abilities. Bruce Gilmer, the president of Paramount’s music division, has hailed her as a trailblazer for women and a leading figure in the spread of Latin music across the globe. Her impact on the music scene is vast, and she is sure to leave a lasting legacy with her consistently outstanding performances. Shakira recently made a triumphant comeback to the VMAs stage after a 17-year absence, wowing fans with her unmatched talent. Her recent collaborations with Colombian artists Manuel Turizo and Karol G have been met with rave reviews, achieving impressive success on the Billboard Global 200 charts. The 2023 MTV VMAs are set to take place live from The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Fans can catch all the action on CBS, BET, and other affiliated networks, or they can stream the show online via MTV.com or Paramount+.