Shakira Reveals How She Fought to Get ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ on Her Album—and Made History

May 11, 2025: Pop icon Shakira recently opened up about how her global smash hit ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ almost didn’t make it onto her 2005 album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the singer revealed that she had to convince her record label to include the now-iconic track in the album’s lineup—even after it had already been released.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Shakira recalled a conversation with then-head of Epic Records, Donny Lenner, during which she insisted on repackaging the album to include the track featuring Wyclef Jean.

“I knew I had a hit,” she told Fallon, reflecting on the moment she felt strongly about the song’s potential. Shakira also revealed a serendipitous twist: the night before her manager suggested a collaboration with Wyclef Jean, she had a dream about working with him. The coincidence only strengthened her belief that the track was meant to be.

Despite the label’s initial resistance—since the albums had already been distributed—Shakira’s persistence led them to reissue the album with ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ included. That decision paid off massively. The song soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the biggest hits of her career and helping to solidify her status as a global superstar.

As the song marks its 20th anniversary, Shakira is also preparing to hit the road again with the North American leg of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, which kicks off on May 13.