2023 was the year that turned the Spanish-speaking music industry upside down, with our Latin divas playing a big role. When Shakira, fresh off releasing BZRP Music Session Vol. 53 where she vented like never before about her previous relationship, teamed up with Karol G, who was ready to release her historic ‘Mañana Será Bonito’, the world shook.
Both Colombian divas, intergenerational legends, topped the charts with ‘TQG’, an acronym for ‘Te Quedé Grande’. Undoubtedly one of the biggest breakup hits in music history, rarely have we seen two female artists speak so openly about their emotional issues, making people around the world (especially women) relate to their narrative.
However, despite the complicity shown in the music video for the song produced by Ovy On The Drums, it may be that things aren’t too well between the two artists. Even though Karol has expressed her admiration for the ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ singer numerous times, the gesture hasn’t been reciprocated by her colleague.
@los40spain Karol G y Shakira al recibir el premio por TQG en los VMAs #karolg #shakira #mtvvma #mtvvmas #mtvvmas2023 #tqg #shakirakarolg #karolgshakira ♬ sonido original – LOS40 SPAIN
The truth is, Shakira’s public support for her compatriot has always been somewhat distant, in a tone very different from her interactions with Bizarrap or even Cardi B, with whom she recently collaborated on ‘Puntería’. This kind of situation has always sparked criticism and clashes among their fanbases, leading to all sorts of theories.
Theories that, in fact, have been fueled by the latest posts from the Colombians on social media, precisely to celebrate the anniversary of ‘TQG’. Karol didn’t hesitate to celebrate and direct some words to Shakira.
Shakira and Karol G shared TQG’s Spotify Billions Club cover via Instagram. This is the first all-Latin female collaboration to achieve this milestone. 🥂 pic.twitter.com/nzHzOUC1QU
— shakirastuff | fan account (@shakirastuff_) June 7, 2024
“One billion streams for this banger. Thanks to everyone for the love for ‘TQG’. One for the books, @shakira. @ovyonthedrums @keityn dream team,” expressed the ‘Tusa’ singer in an Instagram story.
However, Shakira only posted the Spotify announcement without any mention. It is true that hours later she reposted Karol’s story, but without any comment.
There is indeed a lack of closeness between the artists, at least publicly. Despite attending several events together like the 2023 Latin Grammys or the 2024 Met Gala, they have never been photographed together or greeted each other in public. However, there are no official sources confirming a bad relationship between them.
Several media outlets, such as Molusco TV, have echoed one of the most repeated rumors, suggesting that Karol G might have met with Gerard Piqué, Shakira’s ex-husband, and his current partner, Clara Chía. This supposedly would have incited Shakira’s anger. However, as we highlighted, there is no evidence that this meeting took place.
@javihoyosmartinez Shakira y Karol G: el verdadero motivo de su enfrentamiento. ¿Karol G quedó de manera clandestina con Piqué? #shakira #karolg #pique #greenscreen ♬ TQG – KAROL G & Shakira
Another theory often mentioned is the competitiveness present in the industry, which always differentially affects female artists. The eternal ‘diva wars’ we’ve seen with icons like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears… somehow always bring about a supposed anger that justifies a prolonged comparison between them.
From this perspective, sources like TikToker Javi Hoyos, well-known in the Spanish-speaking community, suggest that this distance is primarily due to Shakira’s jealousy, as she doesn’t want Karol to «reach her level» or «overshadow» her.
However, as we’ve mentioned earlier, although this situation is tangible and visible, neither party has ever spoken out about it, and for now, there are only theories and rumors.
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