Lopez, together with rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte, recorded the official World Cup song “We Are One”. FIFA announced “production issues” would prevent her traveling to Brazil two days earlier.
FIFA confirmed they would perform it at Thursday’s kick-off, which is believed to be the the climax of the ceremony.
More than 60,000 people will be in Sao Paulo’s Corinthians Arena to watch the ceremony and kick-off match between Brazil and Croatia. About a billion people are expected to watch on TV worldwide.
FIFA officials announced earlier this week that the singer wouldn’t perform the official tune “We Are One (Ole Ola)” alongside Pitbull and Claudia Leitte. But Lopez said they will perform before Brazil takes on Croatia at Thursday’s opening game in Sao Paulo.
Lopez said the World Cup song was orchestrated by Pitbull, who invited her to join on the track.
“I can’t take credit for this. This was one of Pitbull’s call-ins,” said Lopez, who has collaborated with the rapper on the hits “On the Floor” and “Dance Again.”
“He had this record and he’s like, ‘I think this record could be great for the World Cup,” she recalled. “He’s like, ‘Will you do it with me?’ And I go, ‘Yeah, of course.’”
Lopez added: “I’m so lucky that he gave me the opportunity.”
The 44-year-old singer, who’s from the Bronx, is also busy promoting her 10th album, “A.K.A.,” to be released next week.
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