As the 49ers and the Chiefs faced off for the biggest game of the year, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira delivered one of the best Super Bowl halftime performances in history. Adam Levine’s less-than-impressive Super Bowl LIII halftime show left viewers displeased, but these two iconic artists picked up his slack, to say the least. The 50-year-old Lopez and 43-year-old Shakira brought us a performance as intense as the Miami heat, literally dropping jaws on Sunday, Feb. 2. Two women dominating the stage and celebrating their Latin culture? Now that will get America talking.
With Shakira taking the stage first and viciously strutting through her back-up dancers, she stunned viewers by wearing a sparkly red outfit with matching sparkly red knee-high boots. After captivating the audience with her skilled dance moves, she grabbed her electric guitar—also sparkly red—and effortlessly delivers the song, “Empire,” her 2014 hit that won her World’s Best Song at the World Music Awards. Next, with a rope in hand, she removed a piece of clothing and belly danced through flaming special effects to “Whenever, Wherever” and “Chantaje.” She also proved that her hips certainly do not lie. Fans were getting amped up, but it wasn’t until she returned to the stage, spooked fans with her tongue movements, and let out a surprising roar that got people posting. No shocker, meme-obsessed Americans had this clip trending all over the internet within seconds, which will surely remain a memorable part of the performance.
And then came Jennifer “J.Lo” Lopez in her skin-tight black leather bodysuit. She asked Miami, “Are you ready?” but nobody was. “Jenny From The Block” was performed on a pole, and using strictly her thigh muscles, Lopez twirled her entire body through the air. Her unbelievable strength wowed millions. With her fabulous curls and undeniable liveliness, Lopez reminded fans why she became the legendary singer and actress we love. What really took viewers by surprise was when Lopez’s 11-year-old daughter, Emme, arrived on stage to cover Bruce Springsteen’s famous anthem, “Born in the USA.” America could not get enough of this mother-daughter duo.
Along with J.Lo’s daughter, Emme, Bad Bunny and J Balvin also made guest appearances during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, bringing in more Latin elements to the performance. Although the celebration of culture was unquestionably present during this 15-minute football break, viewers have brought up controversy regarding the extremely sexual dancing of Shakira and J.Lo. Objectifying or empowering, viewers feel strongly about both sides of the argument. While the choreography was a key part of the performance, their out-there characteristics are what made these women such iconic players in pop culture. Being two of the sexiest artists in the industry, they do not need to play it safe.
