Our Latine communities were well represented at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Not only did our favorite artists slay the “pink” carpet, but both upcoming and established Latine stars graced the stage this year, leaving their mark on one of pop culture’s biggest nights at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, last night (Sept. 12).
It was bound to be a celebratory night for our communities, given this year’s prestigious Video Vanguard Award recipient. Shakira was honored due to her “true global force” that continues to inspire and influence the masses. She went along to perform her string of hits that have cemented her as one of the Latine GOATs since the 1990s.
But that wasn’t all that filled our hearts with pride during the awards ceremony. Before getting into the Latine acts, it’s notable that the ceremony included a diverse lineup of performers spanning across genres and generations. For example, U.S. talents like Diddy, Fall Out Boy, Doja Cat, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five graced the stage. Moreover, the VMAs also highlighted performances by other international talent like K-pop groups Stray Kids, and Tomorrow X Together. Additional stellar acts that also performed include Reneé Rapp, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj — and that’s just scratching the surface.
However, the Latine talent shined extra hard as they took the 2023 MTV VMAs stage. Here’s every performer representing our communities during the award show.
Shakira
Shakira’s medley highlighting her hits was one of the top highlights of the night. During her almost 10-minute performance, the Colombian icon sang hits like “She Wolf,” “Objection (Tango),” “Whenever, Wherever,” and more.
Peso Pluma
Another showstopper was Peso Pluma, who added an unexpected, out-of-the-box touch to his corridos tumbados. The Mexican star added orchestral influences to his track “LADY GAGA.” With this performance, he became the first música mexicana artist to perform at the VMAs.
Karol G
Per usual, Karol G brought her sexiness on stage. The Colombian star performed a mashup of her risqué track “OKI DOKI” and the baile funk anthem “Tá OK.”
Anitta
Anitta’s presence didn’t go unnoticed. The Brazilian pop star performed twice last night. First, she mashed up her recent tracks “Used To Be,” “Funk Rave,” and “Grip.” She then joined the K-pop ensemble Tomorrow X Together for their soon-to-be-released collaboration, “Back For More.”
Cardi B
Cardi B’s performances are always captivating, and last night was no different. La Cardi performed her new twerk-ready track “Bongos” alongside Megan Thee Stallion.
Demi Lovato
Demi performed new rock alternative versions of her hits “Heart Attack,” “Sorry Not Sorry,” and “Cool For The Summer.”
The Warning
Last but not least, the Mexican group The Warning brought their unmatched angst to the VMAs. The Villarreal sisters had a moment as they rocked out to “EVOLVE.”