by The Cowl Editor on February 6, 2020
Music
by Anne DeLello ’20 A&E Staff
Every year, people across the country get together to watch the Super Bowl. Not only is this one of the world’s biggest stages in sports, but the halftime show at the Super Bowl is the world’s biggest stage for musical artists as well. Viewed by over 100 million people this year, the performers of the Super Bowl Halftime Show have the opportunity to stun the world each year.
This year at Super Bowl LIV Jennifer Lopez and Shakira took the stage and their highly anticipated halftime performance did not disappoint. Some notable predecessors are Madonna, Beyoncé, and Prince.
The two women made history during this Super Bowl performance as it was, “the first time two Latinas star[red] on that stage and the first time the two global superstars perform[ed] together.”
Both women commented on the fact that they would be making history with this performance. Lopez spoke out, saying, “Two Latinas doing this in this country at this time is just very empowering to us.” Shakira went on to comment, “It’s very important for us to convey a message of unity and also to show what a relevant force the Latin community is in this country.”
Not only were the two stars intending to showcase their Latin roots, but they also intended to pay tribute to the recently deceased Kobe Bryant with this performance.
The stars declared their excitement to perform together at the Super Bowl when it was announced. Jennifer Lopez spoke about how she has wanted to perform at the Super Bowl since watching Diana Ross do so in 1996. She went on to say that “It’s made even more special not only because it’s the NFL’s 100th season, but also because I am performing with a fellow Latina. I can’t wait to show what us girls can do on the world’s biggest stage.”
Shakira also noted how excited she was to represent Latin artists on such a large platform. In a press conference, she told reporters, “This is a true American dream and we are going to bring the show of a lifetime!”
The women set out to impress and gave a standout show to the 100 million people watching. The set list included fan favorites such as, “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Waka Waka,” “Jenny from the Block,” and “On the Floor.”
Lopez and Shakira gave a performance that embodied Latinx and female empowerment, even including Lopez’s daughter and a group of other young girls on stage with them towards the end of the performance.
This was certainly a show to remember, and Shakira and Lopez made history as they joined the esteemed ranks of people who have performed on the world’s biggest stage.