The 2023 VMAs are in full swing and fans are filling X/Twitter with their reactions to the show. One moment that has many people talking is Shakira’s performance. The singer took the VMAs stage to perform an electrifying medley of her hit songs. With a career that first emerged in the ‘90s, Shakira delivered countless bops, including “Objection (Tango),” “Hips Don’t Lie” with Wyclef Jean, “She Wolf,” and many others. The 10-minute performance was definitely one to see. When she was done, Shakira accepted the Video Vanguard award from her friend and frequent collaborator, Wyclef Jean. In her acceptance speech, the singer thanked her family, creative team, and her “army” of fans. The performance was everything and didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
Naturally, fans immediately hopped on social media to share their reactions to Shakira’s performance. Though many loved her dance moves and visuals, others were hyper-focused on the singer’s mouth as they were convinced she was lip-syncing. Now, this wouldn’t be the first time an artist was caught lipsyncing during a live performance, but viewers can’t seem to ignore that something about Shakira’s singing seemed a little off.
Though it seemed Shakira was lip-syncing, fans still weren’t disappointed with her performance. To some, Shakira’s lipsyncing isn’t a big deal since she’s such an icon.
In addition to being honored with the Video Vanguard award, Shakira was also nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Latin Video for “Acróstico” and Best Collaboration for “TQG,” her song with Karol G.
Shakira is the first South American artist to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, which has been awarded to iconic artists such as Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliot, Rihanna, and many more.
“Shakira is a true global force who continues to inspire & 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,” Bruce Gillmer — president of music, music talent, programming, and events, for Paramount — said in a previous statement. “Her massive impact across the musical landscape will be long-lasting as she continues to create and entertain at the highest level.”
Though the viewers were focused on Shakira’s alleged lipsyncing, there’s no denying that her performance was amazing. Shakira proved that she is a legend and an icon, so her being the recipient of the 2023 Video Vanguard Award was no surprise.