Instagram/@uzoaduba
Inspired by the excitement of watching an electrifying set by Shakira, Uzo Aduba took it to Instagram to laud the Latin champion. Aduba, acting since at least the show of Orange Is the New Black, described Shakira as “insanely talented,” “an icon,” and a “legend.” Judging by the branded backdrop in the picture that features them both, this show very likely was part of Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. In the picture, Aduba is almost smiling ear to ear. In that much, it looks like they were sharing a very joyous backstage moment.
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The post immediately triggered a wave of admiration, and many followers endorsed Aduba’s praise for Shakira’s artworks as timeless. One of the most fitting comments read in both Spanish and English: “What an amazing bunch of artists…total admiration for all of you.” Having the homage in two languages is very telling of Shakira’s transcendent charisma.
Yet those backstage shots triggered some utter green-gasming. “Omggggggg. I loooveee Shakira. All her old Spanish language jams too. Very jealous. I drool,” one very excited fan intoned, turning that FOMO into a concert memory. One way of looking at the mention of Spanish tracks is how Shakira all along has never really abandoned her roots, even with the world steps calling her name.
Age was purportedly another muttering candidate, for several people were commenting on Shakira never seeming to grow older from the looks of it. “She still looks 24 years old!” exclaimed one onlooker. Another chimed in, “She also doesn’t seem a day older than 40,” meaning that Shakira’s youthful aura has been continuing to seduce her fans all through her fifth decade. That thread about her age-defying looks just kicked off a mini-conversation about how the Hips Don’t Lie diva simply does not go with any expectations on aging.
Somebody commented on how the whole casual vibe was pretty much like “theater kids after the show,” which earned appreciation from followers who loved seeing these usually glam stars cracking an unflattering and spaced-out moment. An admirer joined the chorus to praise Aduba with a kind note: “I’ve just finished a rewatch of OITNB and @uzoaduba deserves every bit of praise over that performance. That’s art.” What a nice reciprocation from artist to admirer.
What lends weight to this celebrity interaction is that it really gears towards a crossover moment from highly divergent worlds of entertainment – Aduba’s touted dramatic TV biz versus Shakira’s global pop takeover. The real enthusiasm from both stars and fans alike signals that these cross-genre appreciations are few and far between and thus feel refreshing in an industry often segmented by medium and audience. One comment capped the notion: “two of the most talented women alive,” because excellent artistry acknowledges excellent artistry, whether in a given medium or whether one knows the other’s language.
And thus showing in all of their glory is proof that Shakira is still a worldwide cultural force, with Spanish speakers taking special pride in her. “ESPECTACULAR!! Mujeres Power!! Talentosisimas Todas,” declared one follower, while another praised her as “the best Latin of all time.” These remarks underscore Shakira’s standing far beyond the level of mere musical agent to being a cultural reference point for all Latin audiences everywhere.
This is his big splash of praise from Aduba-equally in caps-all the way-“INCREDIBLE,” “JUST WOW,” “SOoooooo GOOD,” “WOW,” and “Absolutely incredible” with six exclamation points-would excite all starstruck fans rather than fellow A-listers. That bit of authenticity probably went far to enhancing the viral value of the post, giving the impression that sometimes even celebrities geek out over other celebrities. It felt very organic and unfiltered, special in being so relatable, considering it featured two highly famous faces.
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As the comments started flowing, it became evident that this wasn’t just another celebrity meet-and-greet photo. The responses spilled the beans about how Shakira’s music lives through multiple generational reviews with references both to her early Spanish hits and recent ones. For someone known for some very serious dramatic roles, this showed another bright and playful side of Aduba as her fans thoroughly enjoyed seeing. In an entertainment world accused of being far too curated, this genuine moment of mutual admiration shared by two powerhouse performers was a breath of fresh air.