Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Shakira Had to Convince Label to Release Biggest Hit

Shakira performs during her 'Las Mujeres Ya No Ya Lloran' (Women No Longer Cry) world tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 07 March 2025. Colombian singer Shakira performs in Buenos Aires, Argentina - 27 Feb 2025
Photo by JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (15184717b)

Shakira's much-celebrated track “Hips Don't Lie” is firmly entrenched in music history, often recognized as a defining song of the 2000s that elevated her status to that of a global superstar. However, the journey of this song from conception to release was fraught with challenges, as revealed by Shakira on various platforms about how she had to fight to get the song included on her album. Originally not planned as part of her 2005 album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, “Hips Don't Lie” only made it to the album through Shakira's steadfast belief in its potential and her insistence with the record label to halt the release of the album to include this track. Despite the album already being distributed to stores, Shakira went as far as convincing Donny Ienner, the then-head of Sony Music, to recall and repackage the albums — a move that was as audacious as it was costly.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the song's release, Shakira noted that she had a surprising dream about collaborating with Wyclef Jean just before the idea actualized, a serendipitous twist that she couldn't ignore. This meeting led to the collaborative effort on “Hips Don't Lie,” which Shakira and Jean co-wrote, alongside contributions from other notable figures like Omar Alfanno. The collaboration worked from Wyclef Jean’s song “Dance Like This,” adding Shakira's vibrant charisma and unique style that contributed immensely to its worldwide appeal.

When “Hips Don’t Lie” was finally released as part of the album's reissue, it quickly shot to the top of the charts, becoming Shakira's first number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100. It achieved phenomenal success, topping charts in over 55 countries and even setting records for radio plays and digital downloads — the song was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA, selling millions of copies and becoming a staple of dance floors globally.

The song's success is often credited not just to its catchy tune and lyrics but also to Shakira's unforgettable performance in the music video, which highlighted her famous hip movements. The musical success of “Hips Don’t Lie” turned the phrase into a cultural staple and further reinforced Shakira’s prowess as an artist capable of bridging cultural divides with her music.

Interestingly, this tremendous success came just months before Don Ienner's departure from Sony Music, an industry change that underscores the high-stakes environment in which “Hips Don't Lie” was launched. The release of this song marked a watershed moment in Shakira's career, solidifying her intuition and decision-making in the music industry. Reflecting on the decision to push the song, Shakira on *The Tonight Show* shared that the strategic choice, although risky, was transformative and truly “changed her story.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of “Hips Don’t Lie,” and Shakira celebrated this milestone with a performance alongside Wyclef Jean on The Tonight Show, reminiscing about the song's transcendent journey and its lasting impact on her career. The song's enduring appeal continues to resonate with audiences, reinforcing Shakira’s iconic status in the global music scene. As Shakira prepares to embark on the U.S. leg of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, the echoes of “Hips Don't Lie” undeniably linger, reminding audiences of the compelling story behind one of the most memorable hits of the past two decades.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

MAX WEINBERG ( Drums) and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and the E Street Band perform onstage during the opening night of The Land of Hope and Dreams Tour at Co-op Live Arena on May 14, 2025, in Manchester, England. The 2025 tour is SPRINGSTEEN's first major European run since 2023 and features classic hits alongside material from his recent albums. The show took place at the UK's newest and largest indoor arena. Bruce Springsteen Opens The Land Of Hope And Dreams Tour In Manchester, United Kingdom - 14 May 2025

Bruce Springsteen Stuns NYFF With Acoustic “Land of Hope and Dreams”

Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at the 63rd New York Film Festival in New York City on September 28,…

REO Speedwagon Reunites: Rock Legends Come Together Once More

In late September 2025, fans got a shock — and a thrill — when REO Speedwagon reunited onstage for the…

Paul McCartney Surprises by Playing “Help!” in Full After Six Decades

When Sir Paul McCartney opened his 2025 U.S. tour in Santa Barbara with “Help!”, it marked a milestone moment: the…

Bad Bunny to take the stage at Super Bowl Halftime Show

When the NFL tapped Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, it wasn’t just another…

Rock Alert: Ace Frehley Hospitalized After Studio Fall

Legendary guitarist Ace Frehley, best known as a founding member of KISS, was recently hospitalized following a fall sustained in…

Judas Priest & Ozzy Osbourne: Hear two legends collaborate on “War Pigs” on AXS.tv

Hear Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne sing “War Pigs” Few events in heavy metal history resonate as strongly as the…

Sammy Hagar’s new supergroup with Chad Kroeger and Tommy Lee: What we know.

Sammy Hagar just teased a new all-star collaboration with Tommy Lee and Chad Kroeger. Charlie Benante says he cut at…

The Cars’ Heartbeat City Gets Luxuriously Expanded for 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

What’s New in the Re-Release On October 31, 2025, Rhino Records will drop the 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Heartbeat…

Elton John gives his house keys to Lola Young after losing bet

The Headline, The Hook, The House Keys When a legend publicly bets on a newcomer, the cosign alone is news.…