Shakira’s halftime show at Copa America final: A mixed reception

Shakira took the stage amid the tension of the Copa America Final between Argentina and Colombia, injecting energy into the event with a highly anticipated halftime performance.

With the first half of the match ending in a 0-0 stalemate, Shakira’s show aimed to electrify the crowd and millions of viewers watching worldwide. The performance was visually enhanced with augmented reality elements, visible to those watching the broadcast.

However, Shakira’s halftime show sparked mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. On stage, the Colombian superstar delivered some of her classic hits, including “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Te Felicito,” “TQG,” and “Punteria.”

Despite the excitement surrounding her performance, many fans noticed that she appeared to use playback for most of her songs, with her lip-syncing to studio-recorded tracks. This drew comparisons to her previous performances, notably her Super Bowl show, as both featured similar choreography and song choices.

Initially announced as a 25-minute spectacle, Shakira’s performance was shorter than expected, lasting just seven minutes. The show, which consisted of only four songs, felt underwhelming to many, as it was abruptly cut short at several points. The brevity of the performance, coupled with the reliance on playback, led to a flurry of criticism on social media.

The halftime break, extended to accommodate Shakira’s performance, drew the ire of some football professionals.

The 15-minute regulation intermission was stretched to 26 minutes, causing delays and frustration. Colombian national team coach Néstor Lorenzo expressed his discontent, questioning the necessity of the extended break and its impact on the game. “I think it should be like any other match, with the 15 minutes that correspond to the regulations,” Lorenzo remarked at a press conference.

Despite the mixed reviews, Shakira’s performance marked a historic moment as the first musical act to headline a Copa America final halftime show. The extended break and ensuing criticisms highlighted the challenges of integrating entertainment with high-stakes sports events.

Argentina went on to defend their Copa America title.