Shakira Brings The ‘El Dorado World Tour’ To Los Angeles: Live Review

Mike Wass | August 29, 2018 1:54 pm
Shakira & Maluma's 'Clandestino' Video
The Colombian superstars hit the beach in their sexy 'Clandestino' video.

Shakira’s El Dorado World Tour falls somewhere between a traditional Latin concert and the modern-day pop extravaganza. The emphasis on artistry and musicianship that marks the former is on full display, with a sprinkling of the pyrotechnics, projections and elaborate staging of the latter. The end result is an intoxicating, electric live experience that feels both intimate and epic. From the opening number to her final bow, the Colombian superstar had last night’s (August 28) sold-out crowd completely under her spell.

After kicking off the show with a nod to 1995’s Pies Descalzos, Shakira treated The Forum to one of the true gems in her discography. The still-breathtakingly odd “She Wolf” began with the 41-year-old chained to the stage, before getting fans involved with a little audience participation. She then backtracked to the Dónde Están los Ladrones? era with “Si Te Vas” (a major fan favorite), before slowing down the tempo with El Dorado ballad, “Nada.” The switch up was a little jarring at first, but it soon became apparent that ballad or slow segments don’t exist in this diva’s world. She just throws the odd one in between bangers.

The next part of the show was a case in point. Trap anthem “Perro Fiel” was followed by Laundry Service classic “Underneath Your Clothes.” The perky “Me Enamoré” got the audience back on their feet, while “Inevitable” was another chance to catch your breath. And we needed it, because the one-two punch of “Chantaje” and “Whenever, Wherever” turned the arena into a full-blown party. The mega-hits showcased not only the slick production (Maluma joined us via projection, lyrics were beamed on a catwalk etc.) and quirky transitions (a little belly-dancing, anyone?), but also Shakira’s staggering longevity. After all, these songs were released 16 years apart.

That mix of old and new continued with “Tú” (1998) and “Amarillo” (2017), but both were received with equal enthusiasm. The same goes for the now-classic Alejandro Sanz collaboration, “La Tortura,” and “Antología,” which she performed acoustically with the band. From there, it rained hits. The pop icon treated us to a reggae version of “Can’t Remember To Forget You,” a medley of Latin bangers (“Loca” and “Rabiosa”) and a pair of Football anthems. “La La La (Brazil 2014)” brought a blast of techno to the forum, while “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” still sounds as absurdly catchy as it did in 2010. And yes, she did the dance.

Shakira never strayed far from the stage throughout the entire show with costume changes taking place in the blink of an eye. That changed with the elaborate encore, which found the enduring hitmaker performing El Dorado ballad “Toneladas” on a makeshift stage at the back of the venue. She then whipped off her golden gown to reveal a slinky pink number and made her way through the audience, hugging fans as she began the iconic “Hips Don’t Lie.” That was followed by “La Bicicleta,” which Shakira completed in a tornado of confetti. Long may her reign as the Queen of Latin pop continue.

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