Tayyaba
Shakira has been honored as the first South American artist to receive MTV’s Video Vanguard Award. Wyclef Jean presented the four-time VMAs winner with the award Tuesday night, calling her a “musical genius.” In her acceptance speech, Shakira first and foremost expressed gratitude to MTV for being a significant part of her career since she was only 18 years old.
What did Shakira say about her win at the 2023 VMA’s?
“I want to thank people who have played a key role in my visual history. Friends, very dear friends, and creative partners, who I simply can’t live without,” began the Hips Don’t Lie singer. She then expressed feelings of appreciation for her label, since it was “always supporting my vision,” and the “amazing women who work with me who always help me to push through all my challenges while wearing so many hats.”
Shakira then went on to talk about the love she has for her parents and children for “cheering me up and for making me feel that mama can do it all” after her recent split with Gerard Pique. She then ended the speech by concluding that wants to “share this award with my fans” that “always support me through thick and thin. Thank you so much for being my army and helping me fight all my battles.”
Shakira, other awards and an ongoing musical legacy:
Shakira was nominated for four VMAs this year, including best collaboration, best Latin (two nominations), and artist of the year. In 2000, she won her first Moon Person award for international viewer’s choice and as we all know, it went uphill from there. The Wherever, Whenever crooner has consistently broken music records during her career, and this year she became the first female singer to debut in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with a Spanish-language song: BZRP Music Sessions Vol. 53 and again a month later with TQG. She also made history by becoming the first artist to occupy the top three spots on the Billboard Latin Pop Airplay Chart.
“Shakira is a true global force who continues to inspire and influence the masses with her unique, musical prowess. She’s a trailblazer for women around the world & one of the first artists to lead the globalization of Latin music,” previously stated Bruce Gillmer, paramount’s president of music, music talent, programming, and events, and Paramount+’s chief content officer for music. “Her massive impact across the musical landscape will be long lasting as she continues to create and entertain at the highest level.”