The Colombian superstar, Shakira, has been chosen as the recipient of the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The announcement was made official by MTV and Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+.
Past Video Vanguard Awardees
Esteemed stars such as Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, LL Cool J, Justin Timberlake, and Missy Elliott have had the pleasure of being crowned with this highly sought-after tribute before. Even towering figures in music history like David Bowie and The Beatles weren’t left out, along with respected film director Richard Lester. They were given a nod for this accolade first at the VMAs back in the good old days of 1984.
Shakira’s Legacy
Shakira first set the world stage on fire back in the 90s, and she hasn’t stopped sizzling since. This pop sensation has been riding an unstoppable wave of triumph, all thanks to her unique and captivating music videos. Just to give you an idea of her global appeal, consider this – six of her chart-topping hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” where she teamed up with Wyclef Jean, or the irresistible anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” have each garnered over a billion views on YouTube. Impressive! And it doesn’t stop there; our Latin queen isn’t a stranger to the VMA spotlight either, having scooped up four Moon Person awards already. Now hold onto your hats! This year, Shakira’s name is up for not just one or two but four categories! Can you believe it? This year she’s in the running for not one, not two, but four categories:
- Artist of the Year
- Best Collaboration for “TQG” with Karol G
- Best Latin for “TQG”
- Best Latin for “Acróstico”
In his statement, Gillmer lauded Shakira, emphasizing her influence on the masses. He said, “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. Her massive impact across the musical landscape will be long-lasting as she continues to create and entertain at the highest level.”
2023 MTV VMAs Overview
Brace yourself for a gala event like no other; the 2023 VMAs are all slated to dazzle and shine at Newark’s very own Prudential Center, New Jersey. The date? Mark your calendars for September 12th! Adding a cherry on top, we have Shakira gracing the VMA stage after a lengthy pause of 17 years. She’s back to rekindle her magic, folks!
Nominations and Performances
Taylor Swift leads the nominations list with eight nods, primarily for her “Anti-Hero” music video. Close behind is SZA with six nominations. Shakira, on her part, shares her nomination count with global sensations like BLACKPINK and Diddy. Additional performances for the evening include Demi Lovato, Karol G, Måneskin, and Stray Kids, with more names to be announced soon.
Fan Voting and Engagement
For the fans eager to support their favorite artists, MTV has opened voting across 15 gender-neutral categories, including the much sought-after “Video of the Year,” presented by Burger King®. Voting is accessible at vote.mtv.com until Friday, September 1st. Meanwhile, voting for the “Best New Artist” will continue until the show’s air date. Nominations for social categories will be disclosed at a later stage.
Conclusion
The 2023 MTV VMAs promises to be a memorable event, especially with Shakira’s recognition for her unparalleled contributions to the global music landscape. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate the evening, ready to celebrate the best of music and entertainment., as they tune in to witness stellar performances, surprising collaborations, and heartwarming moments of appreciation.
