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Ivy Queen Performs Reimagined Versions of Her Reggaetón Anthems in NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Backed by a violin, cello and viola, the Puerto Rican hitmaker sang from "La Vida Es Así" to "Quiero Bailar."

Ivy Queen Performs Reimagined Versions of Her Reggaetón Anthems in NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Ivy Queen performed her reggaetón anthems for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts on Wednesday (Oct. 11). And, she wasn’t alone; backed by a live orchestra including a violin, cello, viola, double bass and a piano, the Puerto Rican superstar sang from “La Vida Es Así” to “Menor Que Yo” and “Quiero Bailar.”

“Let me take you to my motherland — Puerto Rico, that is,” she said at the beginning of her 24-minute set. She went on to belt out the lyrics to her first song, “Reza Por Mí,” and afterwards added: “I’m more nervous than you are, believe me. Singing here isn’t the same as singing in the studio. There are songs that transcend time and my songs have always been a message for us all. And there are songs we didn’t dare dedicate to anyone. Sing this one with me if you know it.”


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She was talking about her ultra-empowering “La Vida Es Así.” Later, after explaining that the lyrics she writes narrate her life, she delivered a poignant message any women listening to her intimate set. “We have the right to be happy, we have the right to change, to take care of ourselves, to protect ourselves.” She wrapped her set with “En Que Fallamos” and “Quiero Bailar.”

Ivy Queen’s Tiny Desk concert comes just days after being honored with the Icon Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards on Oct. 5. “I’m so happy, but at the same time I’m feeling so many emotions,” the reggaetón star told Billboardafter accepting her special award. “There’s a lot of things going through my mind because it’s been a long journey. God has blessed me with so much stuff; with work, people that love me and talent has no expiration date.”

Other Latin stars that have recently recorded Tiny Desk concerts include DannyLux, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Kany García, Karol G, Carla Morrison, Carin Leon, Farruko and Tokischa, among others.

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Watch Ivy Queen’s Tiny Desk concert above.

This article originally appeared on Billboard U.S.

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The Halluci Nation
Remi Theriault

The Halluci Nation

Music News

Ottawa's First-Ever Capital Music Week Will Feature The Halluci Nation, Skydiggers

An initiative of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, the event will focus on local and national music cultures, hosting an international nightlife summit as well as showcasing concerts, networking events and more.

Canada's capital city is getting a new national music event.

The first-ever Capital Music Week (CxMW) will take place in Ottawa from May 20-25, featuring concerts, networking activities and an international nightlife summit. Presented by the non-profit Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC), the initiative has local and national ambitions, seeking to promote Ottawa's as a national music hub, as well as fostering industry connections across the country.

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