Shakira had the crowd’s hips shaking for her electrifying headlining set at Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on Saturday.
Appearing in a sparkling, sheer full-length body suit and backed by dancers and a band, she launched her performance with “She Wolf,” conjuring fans to howl along with her during the song.
“I’m so thrilled to be here tonight, knowing that each one of you is here because you gave your time or your support to someone you don’t know, but who needed it,” she said between songs. “And I’m so proud of each one of you tonight. It’s so amazing to be surrounded by so many people who really care. So thank you so much for caring, thank you so much Global Citizen for this initiative.”
The 2025 festival focused on increasing access to energy for 1 million people in Africa and — by working with FIFA — ensuring that 30,000 children access quality education and football. The two organizations will mobilize $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of Amazon rainforest. The event will also help register 40,000 New Yorkers to volunteer.
Amid the bangers, she also wove in a ballad. “This next song, I think you remember it,” she said before delivering “Underneath Your Clothes.” Shakira then donned a long, fluttery skirt that emphasized the earth-shaking dance moves and engaging choreography of closing songs “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” and her mega-hit “Hips Don’t Lie.” At the end of her set, she repeated one of the lines from the song, “No fighting,” she said with a smile while blowing a kiss to fans.
Cardi B was a co-headliner on Saturday, where she rocked her baby bump (the rapper announced she was pregnant with her fourth child, and first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs, on Sept. 17) and performed new songs from Am I the Drama?, which arrived earlier this month. Cardi was added to the lineup earlier this week along with Rosé, after the Weeknd bowed out due to “personal reasons.”
Tyla, Mariah the Scientist, and Ayra Starr also performed at this year’s Global Citizen Festival edition. Hugh Jackman, Global Citizen Ambassador, returned as the host.
