Shakira’s “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” feat. Rihanna, Faring Well at Radio

Shakira’s collaboration with Rihanna is getting some serious love at radio.

The 36-year-old Colombian superstar’s single “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” featuring Rihanna, has vaulted into the top 20 of the Nielsen BDS-based Pop Songs and Latin Pop Songs building charts after its first day of availability.

Shakira and Rihanna

The lead track from Shakira’s first RCA Records album, which was released on Monday, January 13, is the first single from her upcoming album, due March 25.

Airplay for the song has been boosted by hourly plays on participating Clear Channel Media + Entertainment-owned English-language pop stations. The song received 1,172 first-day plays on 143 U.S. stations, amounting to 11 million all-format audience impressions.

And response has been positive from radio and listeners for Shakira’s reggae-tinged “Remember.”

“When I heard that Shakira would be collaborating with Rihanna on her new single, I couldn’t wait to hear it,” says Clear Channel-owned WHTZ (Z100) New York program director Sharon Dastur. “After I first heard it, it exceeded my expectations in a great way. Their voices sound wonderful together.” Z100 played the song 16 times yesterday.

“Listener reaction on the phones and our social media has been great. Shakira is back.”

“My first impression of [hearing] the track was excitement,” echoes Alex Tear, WHYI (Y100) Miami VP of programming and Clear Channel national top 40 brand coordinator. “I couldn’t wait to find out our listeners’ reactions, as they are the ultimate judge and jury. Response was immediately positive and curious. Shakira’s ties with Miami and South Florida are very tight and Ri’s track record speaks for itself.

With Y100 also having played the song 16 times yesterday, “We expect this pair of dynamic females to do well,” Tear says. “We’re looking forward to more tracks from Shakira to make 2014 big for her.”

In addition to its swift radio launch, “Remember” ranks in the top 10 of the iTunes Store.

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