Let me just say that being a 90’s kid, I grew up listening to both of these women at their peak. And being a woman, made me gravitate towards Shakira and J.Lo’s music even more. In those years you had either straight rap or dance-pop. With that being said, let’s break down their Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show.
The songs these 2 marvellous women put together for this history-making set, are highly representative of their careers. The first sounds we hear are percussion instruments that later transition to ‘She Wolf‘ by Shakira. This part was rather focused on the complex choreography. Props to the dancers for staying synchronized from beginning til the end.
Then we get an absolutely beautiful live execution of her song ‘Empire‘, which probably is one of her personal favorites, as prior to this performance, safe to say, no one knew about but her die-hard fans. I can only hope more people will want to discover this musical masterpiece.
Shakira then proceeds to a nostalgia fest with Ojos Asi, one of her 1st worldwide hits. And she does so beautifully with a piece of rope, that she uses as an accessory to emphasize her belly dance moves.
As soon as she’s done with the rope, we can hear the notes of Whenever, Wherever kicking in and she does her catwalk, like in the music video that made her a global superstar.
With elaborate choreography, she moves on to a surprise song! A medley version of I like it like that by Pete Rodriguez (you know the song from Cardi B’s I like it). And with that, an unexpected guest, Bad Bunny.
He raps his part quite flawlessly, then both speed it up to Chantaje, in a mix with Callaita. Masterfully, Shakira sways from the trumpet sounds and latino rhythm to Hips Don’t Lie, meshed with African music vibes.
At the 06:13 mark, the queen from the Bronx makes her entry and hits us with Jenny from the Block. What really stands out is that Jennifer is very, very clearly singing live. Which I am not so sure about, when it comes to Shakira. Shakira does some insane body moves and yet, is never out of breath.
J.Lo then cleverly transitions to Ain’t It Funny, with a smooth choreo. I hate to say it, but the beginning of J.Lo’s set is somewhat underwhelming, after the expectations Shakira has set 10 seconds ago. You can feel the energy of the crowd lingering, asking for more, waiting. She is trying really hard by hyping up the audience with her attitude and facial expressions. What makes it weird, is that she’s giving off Beyonce vibes from the 2013 Super Bowl Show: black leather, aggressive faces, same hair color and length, high knee boots, short top. Thankfully, this lasts only for a few moments, as she later on delivers as promised and picks up her performance.
It is very curious how well defined these two stars’ styles have become over the years. Jennifer carries with her that sass, that oomph of confidence in every single song she got, while Shakira’s music feels like a celebration of love and life. Moving on to Get it right, Jennifer starts to unleash herself in a way that is much more enjoyable to us, and makes it easier for us to focus on HER, not on the similarities between queen B and the queen from the Bronx.
Just when you got over the dull feeling, Jen instantly converts the stage set into the music video of Waiting for tonight. What a show!!! This piece right here, takes your breath away. And that white glittery bodysuit? That’s how you do it! Now, we finally have our girl, Jenny from the Bronx. Fun note: the influence of the movie Hustlers, that she did in 2019, can definitely be seen when Jen is climbing up that pole. Those legs and arms! Great job Jen! Fun note #2: She is 50 years old :-O my dear God… teach us master.
Somehow, Jen managed to free the beat for J Balvin and his songs Que Calor and Mi Gente. All while these 2 are meshed with Love Don’t Cost a Thing. Seriously, how did they do it? Yet again, J.Lo succeeds to charge up even more so the performance, by some serious high energy head banging and hair whipping.
The set changes to On The Floor, only to get snatched away by her very own daughter, Emme Maribel Muñiz, who delightfully sings a slower version of Let’s Get Loud.
She is accompanied by, plot twist, Shakira on the drums! Great shocker and awesome planning! Side note: I believe Jennifer is slowly introducing the public to her very talented daughter. I am very convinced Emme will pursue a music career, and will continue the legacy of both her parents, J.Lo and Marc Anthony.
Jen reappears on set with a huge American-Flag-inspired pouf, helps Emme end her set, and later is joined on stage by Shakira, who to our delight, also sang Let’s Get Loud along with J.Lo.
Just when you get incredibly excited to see Shak truly supporting Jen, we get another plot twist! The sound abruptly switches to Shakira’s memorable hit, Waka Waka. And now we get to see the queen from the Bronx, rocking to a song that is very out of her comfort zone.
Thank you Jen! By the end, they both have a sort of dance battle, that makes it incredibly hard to pick a side.
In the last seconds, they get together, and FINALLY sync to the same moves! Just adorable! They close off with a ‘muchas gracias!’ from Shakira and ‘thank you so much!’ from Jennifer.
In conclusion, we had the top 2 female superstars bring it on stage, together, at the Super Bowl Haltime Show. It surely raised the bar for collaborations, and showed that it can be done with taste, power, raw vocals, and exquisite fashion choices. The mark of a new decade in the live performances of major artists has been placed. Cheers to a great show!
Blue Rhymez Entertainment 