On September 18, 2026, Shakira launched her highly anticipated Madrid residency at the Shakira Stadium within the Iberdrola Music complex. The nearly two-hour performance blended three decades of hits with deeply personal anecdotes and a new merengue track titled "Agua" featuring Maluma.
The Barranquilla Carnival spirit arrives at the Iberdrola Music complex
The atmosphere surrounding the Shakira Stadium was electric long before the singer took the stage. fans arriving at the Iberdrola Music complex transformed the venue into a sea of color, donning purple wigs, masks, and scarves inspired by the traditional Carnival of Barranquilla.. This festive buildup set a celebratory tone for a night that aimed to bridge Shakira's Colombian roots with her massive Spanish following.
This immersive experience reflects a broader trend in major pop residencies where the venue itself becomes a site of cultural pilgrimage. As the report notes, the crowd was a diverse mix of long-term supporters who have followed Shakira for over 30 years and a newer generation of listeners drawn to her recent reggaeton and pop successes. The production emphasized this longevity, using Shakira's Lebanese heritage and varied musical influences to connect with a wide demographic.
From 'Hips Don't Lie' to the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem 'Dai Dai'
Shakira’s setlist served as a chronological journey through her career, moving seamlessly between rock, pop, and reggaeton. The performance reached a fever pitch when she performed "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the report, Shakira used the moment to celebrate Spain's championship, sparking a massive response from the Madrid audience.
The set also featured her global staples such as "Hips Don't Lie," "TQG," and "Soltera." By integrating the World Cup anthem into her set, Shakira successfully tied her personal brand to the massive sporting event currently capturing the global spotlight, ensuring the residency feels both timely and culturally significant to the local Spanish audience.
A tribute to Milan, Sasha, and a heartbreak in Madrid
Beyond the high-energy dance numbers, the residency opening featured moments of profound vulnerability. Shakira dedicated the song "Acróstico" to her children , Milan and Sasha, a move that reportedly moved many in the audience to tears.. This emotional depth was furthered by the debut of "Te Dejo Madrid" during this specific residency run.
The singer used the song to recount her personal history with the city, recalling her arrival in Madrid at age 19. She shared a humorous yet poignant anecdote about a "dark-haired, fun and cheerful" local man—whom she jokingly called an "Iberian specimen"—who eventually broke her heart. These personal revelations suggest that the Madrid residency is being used as a platform for Shakira to process her recent life experiences through her music.
The mystery of the missing surprise guest in Shakira's 11-date run
Despite the high-octane energy and the release of her new merengue collaboration "Agua" with Maluma, the night did not deliver on one specific fan expectation. While many attendees arrived hoping for a surprise guest appearance, the opening night concluded without any unannounced performers joining Shakira on stage.
This leaves several questions for the remaining 11 dates in Madrid. It remains unverified whether the lack of a guest was a deliberate choice for the opening night or if special appearances are being saved for later in the residency. As the tour continues,fans will be watching to see if the momentum from the Maluma collaboration leads to further high-profile cameos.
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