The MTV Video Music Awards highlighted many Latina and Latino artists this year. There were stellar performances by Shakira, Cardi B, Karol G, Peso Pluma, and more. Here are five of our favorite moments from the all-star event, which aired live from New Jersey.
Shakira’s Incredible Career-Spanning Medley
Shakira made history as the first artist from Latin America to receive the Video Vanguard Award. She thanked her fans and her children, Sasha and Milan, for “making me feel like mama can do it all.” The Colombian pop icon celebrated the moment with an epic 10-minute medley of her biggest hits. Shakira brought down the house as she performed “She Wolf,” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” She also sang her Spanish smashes like “Ojos Así,” “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53” and “TQG” (sans Karol G). Check out our 10 favorite Shakira music videos here.
Anitta Brings Brazilian Funk to the VMAs
For the second year in a row, Anitta won Best Latin at MTV Video Music Awards. Thalia and Fat Joe presented the Brazilian superstar with the award for “Funk Rave.” Anitta later proudly represented Brazilian funk music with her fun performance. She brought the music on her “Funk Generation: A Favela Love Story” EP to life. Anitta performed a medley of her songs, which included her recent viral hit “Used To Be.” She also previewed a brand new song called “Grip.” Anitta later joined K-Pop group Tomorrow X Together to perform “Back For More.”
Karol G Wins Her First VMA (With Shakira!)
Karol G won her first ever Video Music Award for Best Collaboration. The Colombian superstar and her compatriot Shakira took home Moon Person trophies for their 2023 knockout hit “TQG.” Karol G later hit the stage with a vibrantly-colored performance of her own. First, she sang the quirky song “Oki Doki” from her latest album “Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season)” live. Karol G then brought more Brazilian funk vibes to the stage when she performed her part of Dennis and MC Kevin’s “Tá OK” remix.
Peso Pluma Proudly Represents Regional Mexican Music
Peso Pluma made history as the first regional Mexican music artist to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards. The Mexican superstar opened his performance on a symphonic note before the corridos tumbados dropped. His voice soared as he sang his recent hit song “Lady Gaga” live. In the middle of the performance, he proudly represented his country by shouting, “¡Arriba México, viejo!” In the audience cam, Taylor Swift could be seen bopping along to Peso Pluma’s alluring love song.
Cardi B, Ice Spice, and More Highlights
Cardi B turned the VMAs into a party with her performance. For the first time, the Dominican-American superstar performed “Bongos” live with Megan Thee Stallion. Both women had the crowd going wild as they danced together to the Brazilian funk-infused banger. More Latina highlights included rising Dominican-American rapper Ice Spice winning the award for Best New Artist. Demi Lovato also put on an electrifying performance of her Revamped hits. On the Extended Play Stage, The Warning, an all-women rock group from Mexico, and Panamanian-American rapper Kaliii were standouts.
Lucas Villa is a freelance music contributor for LATINA. His work is also featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Teen Vogue, MTV News and W Magazine.
