Courtesy of Wenatchee World
Nobody knew what to expect from this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. When it was announced that it would be performed by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, viewers knew to expect something good, but no one could have been prepared for the incredible show these two powerful women were able to put on. Somehow, during the nail-biting game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, fans were able to forget their worries when Shakira got up and started shaking her hips.
Dancing and singing a myriad of powerful, well-known songs including, “She Wolf,” “I Like It” and “Hips Don’t Lie,” Shakira showed everyone that she can still bring a stadium to its feet. While singing, dancing and playing multiple instruments in her red fringe costume, she brought an energy that has become rare in today’s era.
Next, Jennifer Lopez appeared sliding down a pole. Yes, a pole. Dressed in leather from head to toe, she began her portion with “Jenny from the Block.” She also performed “Waiting for Tonight,” which included a costume change and a pole dance, referencing her recent movie “Hustlers.” Continuing on in a silver, jewel-studded outfit, she showed everyone that even at the age of 50, she can tear up the floor.
To close the show, Lopez’s daughter, Emme Maribel Muñiz, made an appearance. Accompanied by an all-female children’s choir, she started the song “Let’s Get Loud” and was soon joined by her mother. The number was rounded out with Shakira, now in a shimmering gold outfit, on the drums.
Overall, this year’s halftime show was extremely entertaining and exciting. However, entertainment may not have been the only goal these women were trying to achieve. They are the definition of female empowerment and that was very visibly expressed through their dancing and song choices. During “Let’s Get Loud,” the children’s choir was made up of only girls and the stage was lit up to take the shape of the Venus symbol.
The halftime show stood for female empowerment as well as cultural representation, as Shakira and Lopez highlighted their own heritages. Shakira’s dancing showcased her Lebanese and Colombian roots while J.Lo strutted with a Puerto Rican flag as the children’s choir wore American flags on their shirts.
It’s shocking to think that these women, who astonished viewers with their actions and message, were not being paid for the show. Two women who are worth approximately $300-$400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, did not get paid one cent for what was one of their biggest and most exhausting performances of the year.
Although they may not be getting the credit or compensation that they deserve, Shakira and J.Lo put on an exciting and entertaining show with a powerful message. This will definitely be a hard, if not impossible, halftime show to beat. This year the halftime show rose above the standards of entertainment and into the realm of global empowerment and the igniting of social awareness.
