Shakira Performs Her Biggest Hits During 2023 VMAs
Whenever, wherever—Shakira continues to forge her musical legacy.
The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer was honored at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards with the Video Vanguard Award, making her the first South American artist to receive the career accolade.
Taking to the stage in a blush pink outfit, Shakira thanked her collaborators and her record label, as well as her two sons Milan, 10 and Sasha, 8.
“I want to thank my parents and my kids, Milan and Sasha, who are here,” she said onstage. “Thank you so much for cheering me up and making me feel like mama can do it all. Especially I want to share this award with my fans who always, always support me through thick and thin. Thank you so much for being my army and helping me fight all my battles.”
The top honor marks Shakira’s fierce return to the VMAs for the first time in 17 years. It also comes amid a career renaissance for the 46-year-old, who has released emotional new songs since her June 2022 split with Gerard Piqué.
One of those songs included the buzzy and record-breaking collab with Bizarrap, titled “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” which appeared to throw shade at Gerard, 36, who is now dating 24-year-old Clara Chia Marti.
“I’ve had a very rough year after my separation, and writing this song has been so important to me,” Shakira said in a March 10 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “It’s been a healthy way to channel my emotions.”
In May, Shakira further reflected on her life-changing year, which also included moving away from Barcelona, Spain with her and Gerard’s sons.
“This has been a year of seismic change in my life where I’ve felt more than ever and very personally what it is to be a women. And what it means,” Shakira said at Billboard’s Latin Women in Music gala, per Billboard. “It’s been a year where I’ve realized we women are stronger than we think, braver than we believed, more independent than we were taught to be.”
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
Shakira was formally announced as the 2023 Video Vanguard Award honoree in August, joining past recipients such as Beyoncé, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and more.
Ahead of the VMAs, Bruce Gillmer—a Paramount music executive—called Shakira a “true global force.”
“She’s a trailblazer for women around the world & one of the first artists to lead the globalization of Latin music,” he continued in a press release statement. “Her massive impact across the musical landscape will be long lasting as she continues to create and entertain at the highest level.”
Keep scrolling to see all the stars at the 2023 MTV VMAs.
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Nicki Minaj
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini
Her in Mônot.
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Shakira with sons Milan & Sasha
In Versace.
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Taylor Swift
In Versace dress and Ariel Saidian, Anita Ko, and Maria Tash jewelry.
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Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick & Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV)
Selena Gomez
In Oscar de la Renta dress and Jimmy Choo shoes.
Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
Emily Ratajkowski
In Jean Paul Gaultier dress and Melissa Kaye jewelry.
Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Doja Cat
In Oscar De La Renta.
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Dove Cameron
In Coach.
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Tiffany Haddish
In Jason Wu.
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Charli D’Amelio
In Shushu/tong.
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
Lil Nas X
In Palomo Spain.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Olivia Rodrigo
In Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Tinashe
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Cardi B
In Dilara Findikoglu
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Megan Thee Stallion
In Brandon Blackwood.
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Sabrina Carpenter
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Saweetie
In Area.
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
Ice Spice
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV
Dixie D’Amelio
In Maticevski.
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Sofia Carson
In Alexandre Vauthier
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Bebe Rexha
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for MTV
Madelyn Cline
In Givenchy
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Demi Lovato
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Anitta
In Schiaparelli.
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Coco Jones
In Moschino.
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Nelly Furtado
Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
Karol G
In Ashi Studio dress and Jacob & Co. jewelry.
Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV
Chlöe Bailey
In Roberto Cavalli.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Reneé Rapp
Watch the 2023 MTV VMAs on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
