Shakira Will Perform At MTV Awards In Newark: ‘Trailblazer For Women’

NEWARK, NJ — Shakira has done it again.

On Monday, MTV announced that it will be awarding its prestigious “Video Vanguard Award” to the global megastar during the 2023 Video Music Awards (VMAs), which will take place in Newark, New Jersey on Sept. 12.

It’s the first time a South American artist has nailed down the honor, MTV noted; Shakira was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Previous recipients of the award include Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliott. David Bowie, The Beatles and director Richard Lester shared the honor at the first-ever VMAs (1984).

The four-time VMA winner took home her first “Moon Person” statue in 2000 for International Viewer’s Choice (Latin America North). She received four nods this year for “Best Collaboration,” “Best Latin” (2x) and “Artist of the Year.”

Shakira recently became the first female vocalist of all time to debut in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with a Spanish-language track with “BZRP Music Sessions Vol. 53”, and again a month later with "TQG". Earlier this year, she broke 14 Guinness World Records with “BZRP Music Sessions Vol. 53,” including the most-streamed Latin track on Spotify in 24 hours, most-viewed Latin track on YouTube in 24 hour, fastest Latin track to reach 100 million views on YouTube, and most-streamed Latin track on Spotify in one week.

She also recently made history in the Top 3 spots on the Billboard Latin Pop Airplay Chart, an achievement never before reached in the list’s nearly 30-year history.

“Shakira is a true global force who continues to inspire and influence the masses with her unique musical prowess,” said Bruce Gillmer, an executive at Paramount.

“She's a trailblazer for women around the world and one of the first artists to lead the globalization of Latin music,” Gillmer added.

• See Related: Shakira Receives Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame (PHOTOS)
• See Related: MTV Is Bringing 2023 Video Music Awards Back To Newark
• See Related: Taylor Swift Nabs Most Nominations For 2023 MTV Awards

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