Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who uses his iPod mostly for studying Spanish, made a powerful endorsement on Tuesday and backed Colombian pop star Shakira in the race for Video of the Year at MTV’s Video Music Awards.
Bloomberg passed over the other nominated artists, Madonna, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Panic! At the Disco and even Christina Aguilera, who’s from Staten Island.
In a taped spot that aired on MTV’s “Total Request Live” daily countdown show, Bloomberg defended his choice by noting the truth in the title of Shakira’s smash single “Hips Don’t Lie,” which refers to her famous curves.
“I think I’m going to have to go with Shakira — those hips don’t lie,” Bloomberg said.
Alongside Shakira, who is perhaps best known for her suggestive gyrating dance moves, the nominated video also features Wyclef Jean singing, “I never really knew that she could dance like this. She makes a man want to speak Spanish.”
Shakira is traveling on her “Oral Fixation” world tour. She received seven nominations for the VMAs, which are returning to New York this year after briefly fleeing to Miami.
The mayor’s taped promotion will repeat several times before the awards are broadcast Thursday evening from Radio City Music Hall.