The Real Champions of Super Bowl LIV
Graphic by Agnes Lee. Image via The Post Athens
When Shakira and Jennifer Lopez took to the stage during Super Bowl LIV, they delivered an electric halftime show that celebrated Latin pop and dance. The pair performed a medley of their greatest hits and made history as the first Latina artists to co-headline the show. Additionally, their sparkly ensembles ensured that they quite literally outshone the headliners from years past.
Shakira began her set in a custom Peter Dundas look that was adorned with 123,000 red Swarovski crystals. Each crystal was placed by hand and added an undeniable flair to Shakira’s fringed skirt, bustier and removable corset.
Image via Insider
Shakira’s second look was also laden with Swarovski crystals, and it featured a gold crop top, bomber jacket and hot pants that were also designed by Dundas.
Image via Insider
All of Jennifer Lopez’s outfits were custom Versace designs. She first hit the stage in a striking leather suit that was detailed with gold studs and zippers. On Instagram, Versace revealed that the leather ensemble took over 900 hours to create.
Image via Today
Following Lopez’s leather outfit was a sparkling silver bodysuit that took over 700 hours to complete. The details were made from lustrous fabrics, metallic inserts and Swarovski crystals.
Additionally, J.Lo used one of her costumes to make a political statement – what was perhaps the most striking look of her performance. She strutted the stage in a bold, feathery jacket that depicted the American flag on one side and the Puerto Rican flag on the other, referring to how Puerto Rico was recently devastated by a hurricane, and even though it is a U.S. territory, President Trump was reluctant to supply the region with sufficient aid.
The internet had a lot to say about the women’s choice of attire – many people felt that their looks were too revealing.
However, Jennifer Lopez labeled this criticism as “silliness” when she spoke to Variety on the red carpet of the Independent Spirit Awards.
“Both of us are really respectful performers who are moms and have kids and are very conscious of what we do,” she said. “We [put on] a show that I believe was a celebration of women and our Latino culture that I think was really well reserved.”
Personally, I believe Lopez is entirely correct. Women should be able to wear whatever they feel confident and beautiful in, and I thought the halftime show really embodied this idea. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez sent a powerful message to young girls during their performance, as they ultimately proved how powerful it can be to celebrate one’s body and heritage.