Shakira Makes History as the First South American MTV Video Vanguard Winner

Shakira continues to dominate 2023 following the massive success of her recent hits including “TGQ” with Karol G and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”. The 47-year-old icon was awarded the Video Vanguard award at the MTV Video Music Awards and made history as the first South American to receive the honor. She’s also only the second Latina in history to receive the Video Vanguard award following Jennifer Lopez who took home the  award in 2018. The Colombian singer also performed on the VMA stage for the first time in 17 years with an epic 10-minute show featuring some of her greatest hits. She kicked it off with “She Wolf” and “Te Felicito”  as well as “TQG,” “Objection,” “Ojos Así,” “Whenever, Wherever”, “Hips Don’t Lie”, and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”.

“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. Este es para mi gente,” she said during her speech.

The four-time VMA winner was also nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration for “TQG” with Karol G, and Best Latin for both “TQG” and her track “Acróstico.” She took home the moon man for Best Collab with Karol G for “TQG”  and during her speech she gave a shoutout to Colombia where both singers are from.

“I just wanna say three things,” Shakira started. “Que viva Barranquilla!” referring to her hometown. “Que viva Medallo!” referring to Karol G’s hometown, and “Y que viva Colombia!” Meanwhile,  Karol G praised Shakira and emphasized what she means to the Latinx community:  “She’s a legend. She represents our country and our Latina community,” she said in Spanish.

Shaki wasn’t the only one to make history at the show; Peso Pluma made history as the first Mexican performer in VMA history performing “Lady Gaga”. The 24-year-old from Jalisco is no stranger to making history with his album Génesis, released in June,  being the biggest música Mexicana album of all time. Other Latinx winners include Brazilian singer Anitta for best Latin for “Funk Rave”, Selena Gomez and Rema for best Afrobeats for “Calm Down”, and Ice Spice for best new artist.

“I want to thank myself, because I work so hard, oh, my God,” Anitta said during her speech. She also raved about Shakira during a pre-show interview saying she helped pave the way for other Latinas.

“I think Shakira for us was a big, big influence … to make us believe that it’s possible being a Latina and getting here and showing our culture and everything.”