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.”

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 Billboard after 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.

Watch Ivy Queen’s Tiny Desk concert above.