Shakira was the highlight of the 2023 MTV VMAs

Latinos had quite the showing at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Tuesday’s broadcast featured performances from Karol G, Peso Pluma, Stephen Sanchez, Demi Lovato and Cardi B, who was joined on stage by Megan Thee Stallion for a live rendition of the duo’s latest single “Bongos.”

The night, however, belonged to Shakira.

The 46-year-old Colombian pop star was this year’s recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, becoming the second Latina to be given the lifetime achievement honor, after Jennifer Lopez in 2018.

“Latin music would not be the global force that it is without Shakira,” said rapper Wyclef Jean of his “Hips Don’t Lie” collaborator moments before she hit the stage to perform a medley of her biggest hits. Jean added that Shakira had redefined the wide-ranging genre “with her one-of-a- kind voice, passionate pop songs and trademark choreography.”

Those traits were on display during a 10-minute set that sampled much of her post-millennium catalog and kept those in attendance at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., dancing in their seats. 

Shakira kicked it off with 2009’s “She Wolf” before transitioning into her collaborations with Latin stars Rauw Alejandro (“Te Felicito”) and Karol G (“TQG”). The pop singer followed her recent hits with “Objection (Tango),” a nod to her performance at the 2002 VMAs, her first ever at the awards ceremony. 

The medley even gave some love to her pre-crossover era — she briefly bellydanced through the opening of “Ojos Así” before segueing into “Whenever, Wherever” and “Hips Don’t Lie.”

Shakira closed off her well-choreographed set by crowdsurfing to “Bzrp Music Sessions #53,” the epic diss track recorded with Argentine producer Bizarrap in the wake of her acrimonious breakup with Gerard Piqué.

Following the dazzling performance, Jean presented Shakira with the VMA Vanguard moon man statue.