Twenty years ago, a Colombian pop star and a Haitian rapper created a global phenomenon that made hips move worldwide. Now, they've reunited for an epic celebration. Shakira and Wyclef Jean just delivered a nostalgic performance of "Hips Don't Lie" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, marking two decades since the song dominated charts everywhere.
The iconic duo took the stage on May 6th, 2025, transforming Studio 6B into a mini arena complete with sand flooring. Shakira stunned in a red dress while Wyclef rocked his signature white hat as they recreated the magic that captivated audiences back in 2006. Surrounded by dancers and live musicians, they performed the track with the same energy and chemistry that made it a worldwide sensation.
What many don't know is that "Hips Don't Lie" almost never happened. The song was originally called "Dance Like This" and appeared on Wyclef's 2004 album. But when Shakira heard it, she convinced him to rework it with her Colombian influence. The result? A fusion of pop, cumbia, and reggaeton that became Shakira's first Billboard Hot 100 number one.
The song didn't just top charts in America – it reached number one in over 55 countries, becoming one of the best-selling singles of the 21st century with more than 10 million copies sold. It propelled Shakira from Latin American star to global superstar, cementing her status alongside artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna.
This Tonight Show performance is just the beginning of Shakira's media blitz. She's scheduled to return to Fallon's show twice more this month – once for a sit-down interview on May 8th where she'll discuss the song's cultural impact and her latest album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," and again later this month for a special performance of her 1996 ballad "Antología."
All this coincides with the U.S. leg of Shakira's world tour, which kicks off on May 13th at Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina. The tour has already broken records, earning $70.6 million from just 11 shows in March – the highest earnings for any tour that month.
Twenty years later, "Hips Don't Lie" remains more than just a catchy tune – it's a cultural moment that bridged languages and musical styles. The song has been streamed over 2 billion times on Spotify alone and continues to be one of the most recognized dance tracks globally.
As Shakira embarks on this new chapter of her career with her first album since her highly publicized separation from Gerard Piqué, this reunion with Wyclef serves as a powerful reminder of her incredible journey. From a young singer from Barranquilla, Colombia to becoming a global icon whose hips – and talent – truly don't lie.