Shakira transformed Central Park into her own den of healing and power during her headlining set at the Global Citizen Festival 2025 on Saturday night (Sept. 27). From the first piercing howl to the final shake of her famous hips, she delivered an electrifying performance that was equal parts spectacle and spirit.
Kicking off at 9:30 p.m. ET, the Colombian superstar built anticipation as the “10 Commandments of the She-Wolf” illuminated the massive screens — just like on her successful world stadium tour Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don’t Cry Anymore). “You will not ask permission to be yourself.” “You will dance and sing when you need to heal.” “You will choose your path without anyone forcing it upon you,” read some of the empowering declarations. The crowd roared with excitement as a visual of Shakira appeared, the artist morphing between human and wolf in an acrobatic display that heralded the arrival of La Loba herself.
“Awhooooooo!” she howled into the mic, launching straight into her infectious 2009 track “She Wolf.” Clad in the skin-tight beige and lavender bodysuit she made famous on her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, her blonde hair whipping as she moved, Shakira commanded the stage, surrounded by a dozen high-energy dancers. “I wanna hear you, She-Wolves!” she shouted.
From there, she glided into the viral smash “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” turning the park into a euphoric singalong. The percussion thundered under the weight of the crowd’s collective voice: “Una loba como yo no está pa’ novatos/ Una loba como yo no está pa’ tipos como tú!”
And just when it seemed the energy couldn’t soar any higher, the opening notes of “Whenever, Wherever” brought waves of nostalgia crashing over the crowd. Shakira’s hips needed no introduction, and they didn’t lie as her signature movements left fans thrilled.
Between hits, she paused to reflect, delivering words that highlighted the night’s greater purpose. “I was 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. “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 Citizens, for this initiative.” Ticket purchases support Global Citizen’s mission to end extreme poverty and protect the Amazon rainforest.
Her set took a quieter moment with “Underneath Your Clothes,” but it wasn’t long before the tempo picked back up, with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” her hip movements more exaggerated and hypnotizing than ever.
She closed the night with her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Hips Don’t Lie,” a finale that burst with vitality and joy. Shakira once again proved that she’s a force of nature — a She-Wolf inspiring her pack to howl, dance, and believe in something bigger than themselves.
Cardi B was the other co-headliner that evening. Rosé, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Tyla, Camilo and more also took the stage.