By now the hype about Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performing at the Superbowl has died down. There was a lot of hoopla about the epic dance and singing sensations of the night when it happened. While most of us were elated at the two icons sharing a stage, some people were more than a little critical. The two Generation X/Xennials astounded during half-time at Superbowl 2020.

I’m not even going to touch on the subject of inappropriateness. In my opinion, nothing was inappropriate at all. I do think a lot of it was based in prejudices and stereotypes and a shaking of the head at female sexuality. Despite that, this post is about the influence of two wonderfully talented and beautiful performers that I grew up listening to and looking up to. They have always represented themselves with class and respect.

I remember when Jennifer Lopez when she was a Fly Girl and as an actress in the film Anaconda. During my college years she began embarking on her music career. This was during the period when divas were truly made.

As far as I’ve seen, she’s only impacted pop culture in a positive way. I haven’t seen the film, but I know she worked hard to play the part in Hustlers. Constance Wu, who shot to fame due to the hype of Crazy Rich Asians and the Fresh Off the Boat sitcom was the top billed actress in the Hustlers film. I’m pretty sure no matter how much Constance pushed, that wouldn’t have happened unless J.Lo allowed it. She must have known how important it was to Constance, an Asian American actress (usually Asian Americans no matter the gender are cast as sidekicks). Jennifer Lopez is a diva, she must have been in support of this for this reason. I don’t really know. It’s all conjecture, but that’s my hypothesis.

I’m not Latino, but her success has inspired me and I know for a fact a slue of women of color and immigrants that hope to better themselves in society. Her success has meant a big deal to us. And I always thought she worked hard at her craft and attacked each role or album with passion. Also, she’s an amazing dancer.

Talking about amazing dancers, let’s switch over to Shakira. Shakira is one of those international stars that has capped Latin, American, and the whole world…let’s face it, as far as success and billboards go.

From Columbia and of Lebanese descent, Shakira fuses African, Latino, and Middle Eastern dance movements in her own unique style. Most people in the 2000’s didn’t even know what Belly Dance was but equated it to Shakira. The rope thing she did at the half-time show during the Superbowl is something she’s done for years. It’s not a traditional Belly Dance element. It’s her own branded element.

Everything I see her in, her dancing is immaculate. The best advice anyone ever gave me was to be you. She shares herself in everything she does and it’s amazing. Her music has surpassed international limits and brought up a whole generation of dancers and performers.