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International sensation Shakira makes history as first South American artist to receive Video Vanguard Award, presented by Toyota and perform LIVE at 2023 “VMAs”

International sensation Shakira makes history as first South American artist to receive
Video Vanguard Award, presented by Toyota and perform LIVE at 2023 “VMAs” 

  • Global megastar, GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Award winner Shakira will receive MTV’s coveted Video Vanguard Award, presented by Toyota, marking the first time the award has been given to a South American artist. She is slated to accept the award, and perform for the first time on the MTV stage in 17 years, at the 2023 “VMAs,” airing LIVE from Prudential Center on Tuesday, September 12 at 8PM ET/PT.

    • The 4x “VMAs” winner, who took home her first Moon Person in 2000 for International Viewer’s Choice (Latin America North), received four nods this year for “Best Collaboration,” “Best Latin” (2x) and the much-coveted “Artist of the Year.”

    • “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,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “Her massive impact across the musical landscape will be long lasting as she continues to create and entertain at the highest level.”

    • This year Shakira 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".

    • Shakira 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.

    • 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.

    • Previous Michael Jackson Vanguard Award recipients 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).

  • Shakira’s many memorable moments from previous “VMAs” include:

    • Her unforgettable “VMAs” debut in 2002, a fiery performance of “Objection (Tango)” featuring her signature belly dancing moves and an impressive crowd surf.

    • In 2005, she made “VMAs” history with the first-ever performance done entirely in Spanish, captivating fans with “La Tortura” feat. Alejandro Sanz.

    • The Columbian-born superstar’s last “VMAs” performance was in 2006, where she teamed with collaborator Wyclef Jean for their #1 hit single “Hips Don’t Lie.”

  • Shakira’s impressive list of “VMAs” stats include:

    • Following her first win in 2000, Shakira’s domination across multiple “VMAs” categories included a repeat win for “International Viewer’s Choice (Latin America North)” in 2002, also garnering three additional noms for the same category. 

    • The 30x “VMAs” nominee most recently took home a coveted Moon Person in 2007 for “Most Earth Shattering Collaboration” with Beyoncé for “Beautiful Liar.”  

  • Toyota Motor North America involvement with 2023 “VMAs” includes:

    • This marks Toyota’s fifth year as sponsor of “VMAs” and their first tied to the Video Vanguard Award following four years sponsoring the Toyota Stage with remote performances.

    • To spotlight Shakira’s iconic career and upcoming Video Vanguard tribute and performance, MTV and Toyota will celebrate this honor through longform, music-centric content – produced by Paramount Brand Studio – debuting in the VMA broadcast, a Shakira fan viewing party the night of the show, and providing unprecedented behind the scenes moments fans won’t want to miss.

    • “Bringing our partners into the cultural conversation through seamless storytelling is what we do best,” said Dario Spina, CMO, Paramount Brand Studio. “Toyota has been a valued partner of the VMAs for years and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to celebrate Shakira’s impact and musical career as this year’s Video Vanguard winner.”

    • “Toyota has collaborated with the MTV VMAs to bring five years of groundbreaking and memorable performances to the show,” said Jessamine Merrill, general manager, media and digital engagement, Toyota Motor North America. “This year is no different with the first-ever automotive sponsorship of the Video Vanguard Award presented by Toyota to recognize and celebrate Latin icon and global superstar Shakira.”

Previously announced “VMAs” news includes:

  • PERFORMERS: Demi Lovato, Karol G, Måneskin and Stray Kids are the first round of global performers set to take the “VMAs” stage. Additional names to be announced soon. 

  • NOMINATIONS: Taylor Swift (8) leads, closely followed by SZA (6), Doja Cat, Kim Petras, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo and Sam Smith (5 each), and BLACKPINK, Diddy and Shakira (4 each). 

  • VOTING: Fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories, including the highly-coveted “Video of the Year,” presented by Burger King®, by visiting vote.mtv.com through Friday, September 1st; voting for “Best New Artist” will remain active into the show on Tuesday, September 12th. Nominations for social categories including “Group of the Year” and “Song of Summer” presented by M&M’S®, will be announced at a later date.

  • SPONSORS: Official sponsors of the 2023 “VMAs” include BACARDÍ® Rum, Burger King®, Clearblue®, DESCOVY®, Doritos®, HEINZ, M&M’S, Swiffer, and Toyota Motor North America.

  • CREDITS: Bruce Gillmer and Den of Thieves co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic are Executive Producers. Barb Bialkowski is Co-Executive Producer. Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba serve as Executives in Charge of Production. Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent. Lisa Lauricella is Music Talent Executive.

  • PRESS CREDENTIALS: Applications are now closed; contact vmas@triple7pr.com with questions. 

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