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Jennifer Lopez cavorted on a pole. Shakira showed off her world-famous belly. And yes, there were gyrating hips and shimmying sequins. And yes, you could describe Sunday’s Super Bowl LIV halftime show as “red hot” or “spicy.” Several lazy headlines did.

It was vibrant and sexy and fiery. But the historic pairing of bilingual superstars was much more than that.

Both of these women represent something so important for so many people. It’s not just that they’re talented, it’s that they were given the opportunity to be on this stage. To represent a faction of people who so often feel overlooked and who currently feel under siege in this country.

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Amid a cavalcade of pop anthems and glittering body suits and athletic dancers, Lopez and Shakira, aided by Bad Bunny and J Balvin, demonstrated la fuerza de Latinos — the power of Latinos. There have been others — Enrique Iglesias, Christina Aguilera — but none have brandished the flag so proudly. Only Gloria Estefan, a clear forerunner to these women, did it in 1992 and 1999.

But don’t get it twisted. Lopez and Shakira also made it a declaration that women can indeed by sexy, and sexual, and still be powerful.

A pair of Texas women took the mic earlier in the day. Houston’s Yolanda Adams served elegance and grace during “America the Beautiful.” Underrated powerhouse Demi Lovato, fresh from a stunning Grammy comeback, soared on the Star Spangled Banner.

Shakira was first on the halftime stage, barreling through some of her best hits: the disco delirium of “She Wolf,” the rock snarl of “Empire,” glorious throwback “Ojos Asi” and English-language “Whenever, Wherever.” She was joined by Bad Bunny for quick runs through Cardi B’s “I Like It” and her own “Chantaje.” Her hips, of course, did not lie at any point during the frenzy.

Lopez showcased her own formidable canon of hits, pop smashes that have stood the test of time. Every song — “Jenny from the Block,” “Ain’t it Funny,” the underappreciated “Get Right” — signified a moment in time, the evolution of a woman who has worked hard to maintain her place. Her 1999 hit “Waiting for Tonight” remains one of the best pop songs in recent memory.

On top of that, Lopez emanates pure star power, from the top of her perfectly coiffed head to the points of her heels.

J Balvin chimed in with his own “Que Calor” and “Mi Gente.” Like Bad Bunny, he continues to push Latin music forward. Both men were a nice complement and grounded some of the razzle dazzle.

The sweetest surprise was Lopez’s daughter Emme, who sang on a mashup of her mom’s “Let’s Get Loud” and Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA.” Shakira pounded the drums as Lopez brandished a fuzzy wrap that featured the U.S. flag on one side and the Puerto Rico flag on another. It was wrapped in glam, but the message on immigration and racism and simple awareness was clear. Puerto Rico has recently been ravaged by earthquakes.

This was, taken all together, a statement. If you don’t think so then you weren’t paying attention.

Joey Guerra is the music critic for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter. Get experts’ picks for concerts, kids’ stuff, fine arts, movies and more by subscribing to the Preview entertainment newsletter.