Te Felicito (Shakira And Rauw Alejandro Song)

"Te Felicito" (transl. "I Congratulate You") is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira and Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Rauw Alejandro. The song was released on 21 April 2022, through Sony Music Latin, as the lead single from Shakira's twelfth studio album, ''Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran'' (2024).

Background and release

On 9 April 2022, a tweet appeared on Shakira's Twitter account, stating "Te felicito que bien actúas" ("I congratulate you on acting well"). The tweet was deleted soon afterwards, but it led to speculation on social media about who the tweet was aimed at. The following week, the appearance of a white robot on the thumbnails of six of Shakira's most popular music videos caused further speculation. On 14 April 2022, Shakira posted the cover of the single, featuring her dressed in the white robot costume, on her Instagram account, announcing its release on 22 April 2022.

Recording and composition

Colombian songwriter Keityn confirmed in an interview with Puerto Rican radio host Molusco that he had composed "Te Felicito" before he even met Shakira. He later presented the song to her in 2021 and worked on the song together.

Music video

The music video was directed by long-time collaborator Jaume de Laiguana. Its cinematography was handled by Xavi Giménez. It has a futuristic visual appeal, neon and pastel color schemes, and robotic hip hop choreography. Thematically, several scenes in the video are inspired by ''Frankenstein'' (by Mary Shelley); Shakira’s character is portrayed as a female “Dr. Frankenstein” figure, as she is heartbroken over a recent breakup and begins “building” her ideal man (played by Rauw Alejandro). She can be seen digging through a box of “spare parts”, taken from mannequins and dolls, and working on a life-like figure (Rauw Alejandro) in her dark and clandestine “workshop”. Shakira is seen wearing a gas mask and using power tools as she constructs her perfect male figure. There is a scene where Rauw’s sleeping head is seen stored in a refrigerator, and he opens his eyes and mouth to sing ''”…los tengo rojos,”'' before coming fully to life. Rauw Alejandro’s character begins singing his verses and dancing the Robot with Shakira. About halfway through the video, Shakira lights a neon green fire circle, and begins to dance in the center of it while surrounded by the flames. Shakira and Rauw Alejandro strike a pose as the song ends. Just as the video fades to black, Shakira can be seen making kissing gestures toward the camera.

Commercial performance

In the United States, "Te Felicito" topped the ''Billboard'' Latin Airplay chart with an audience impression of 10.52 million, extending Shakira's record as the female artist with the most number ones on the chart. The song also topped the Latin Pop Airplay, and Latin Rhythm Airplay. The song also peaked at number 10 on Hot Latin Songs chart. The song debuted at 88 on US Hot 100, becoming Shakira's 23rd and Rauw's fifth entry, later peaking at number 67.

The song was successful throughout Latin America, reaching the top 10 on all charts it entered, and topping numerous airplay charts, including Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru and Uruguay. "Te Felicito" also became Shakira's first number-one single on the ''Billboard'' Argentina Hot 100, which was launched in October 2018.

"Te Felicito" peaked at number four on the Russian airplay chart. In Europe, the song peaked at number two in Spain, where the song was certified quadruple platinum by Promusicae for selling 240,000 units in the country. In Switzerland, the song debuted at number 88 on the week ending June 19 and reached number 71.

Globally, the song peaked at number 11 on ''Billboard'' Global 200 chart, while peaking at number six on the ''Billboard'' Global 200 Excl. US. The song became Shakira's second top 100 entry on the Global 200 and her first top 10. It also became her second top 30 and first top 10 on the Excl. US chart.

"Te Felicito" was the 15th most streamed song in summer 2022 on Spotify globally.

Reception

American news website BuzzFeed News named "Te Felicito" as one of the "26 Songs That Defined 2022" stating that "it feels like Colombian pop star Shakira doesn’t rest, and never misses." ''Latina'' magazine placed the song at number two on their list of the “Top 20 Songs of 2022 by Latina Artists”, stating that "the Colombian icon seemingly and masterfully channeled that heartbreak into one of the year’s most cutting kiss-off anthems. Like Rihanna in ' Take a Bow', Shakira compared an ex-lover to an actor who played a part during their relationship. Shakira got her groove back." ''Billboard'' magazine named "Te Felicito" as one of the “17 Biggest Song Collaborations of 2022”.

Awards and nominations

Charts

Weekly charts

Monthly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

See also

* List of ''Billboard'' Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay number ones of 2022
*List of best-selling singles in Spain

References

{{Authority control

2022 singles
2022 songs
Argentina Hot 100 number-one singles
Rauw Alejandro songs
Electropop songs
Reggaeton songs
Shakira songs
Songs written by Rauw Alejandro
Songs written by Shakira
Songs in Spanish