NEW YORK — 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.Part-time Bermuda resident 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 travelling 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.