- When: Friday, September 25, 2026 — Shakira's 4th Madrid concert.
- What: Surprise guest Alejandro Sanz joined her for "La Tortura".
- Bonus: He came back the very next night, too.
- After: Sanz posted an emotional tribute ending with "I love you, Shakira."
Some songs never really leave. Colombian superstar Shakira proved it in Madrid when she walked out with a guest nobody expected: Spanish legend Alejandro Sanz. The moment the first notes of "La Tortura" hit, the stadium exploded — thousands of fans singing every word of the song that ruled Latin music in the mid-2000s.
🎥 Watch the video of the performance here
The Surprise Nobody Saw Coming
On Friday, September 25, 2026, Shakira opened the second weekend of her Madrid residency — part of her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" World Tour. Fans came for the hits. They didn't expect Alejandro Sanz to step onto the stage.
Sanz is the second star Shakira has brought out during the residency. A week earlier, Italian singer Laura Pausini joined her for "Antología." But Sanz's appearance hit different — he's the voice behind one of the biggest chapters of Shakira's career.
You go out there, and the universe gets a little messed up just to look at you.
— Alejandro Sanz to Shakira, on Instagram (translated)Alejandro Sanz's Emotional Message to Shakira
After the show, Sanz shared photos from the stage and from rehearsals earlier that day. With them came a heartfelt note. He said Shakira has something that can't be learned or explained. He called her a mix of magic, music, and Latin pride — and closed with three simple words: "I love you, Shakira."
Fans flooded the comments. For many, it felt like watching two old friends celebrate more than 20 years of history together.
"La Tortura": Then vs. Now
- Released April 11, 2005
- Lead single of Fijación Oral, Vol. 1
- Hit No. 1 on several charts worldwide
- First all-Spanish performance at the MTV VMAs
- Surprise live reunion in Madrid
- A whole stadium sang along
- Sanz returned the next night
- Clips went viral on Instagram and TikTok
💡 Did you know? When Shakira and Sanz sang "La Tortura" at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, it was the first time a song was performed entirely in Spanish in the show's history.
He Came Back the Next Night
One night wasn't enough. On Saturday, September 26, Sanz joined Shakira again for her fifth Madrid show. This time, the two sang "La Tortura" and also his classic "Corazón partío" — two of the best-known songs from each artist's career.
Shakira & Sanz: A 21-Year Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Alejandro Sanz perform with Shakira in Madrid?
Yes. He joined her as a surprise guest at her 4th Madrid concert on September 25, 2026, and again the next night on September 26.
What song did Shakira and Alejandro Sanz sing?
They sang "La Tortura," their 2005 hit. On the second night, they also performed Sanz's "Corazón partío."
What did Alejandro Sanz say about Shakira?
On Instagram, he said she has something that can't be learned or explained, called her a blend of magic, music and Latin pride, and ended with "I love you, Shakira."
What tour is Shakira's Madrid residency part of?
The Madrid residency is part of her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" World Tour, with 12 shows planned in the city.
When was "La Tortura" released?
April 11, 2005, as the lead single from Shakira's album Fijación Oral, Vol. 1.
🎶 The Bottom Line
Twenty-one years later, "La Tortura" still hits. Shakira's Madrid residency keeps delivering surprises — first Laura Pausini, now Alejandro Sanz twice in a row. With more shows left, fans are already asking: who's next?
💬 Were you team "La Tortura" back in 2005? Share this story!
