Columbian pop superstar Shakira will be recognized as Billboard’s Woman Of The Year at their inaugural Latin Women in Music gala.
The upcoming, two-hour special, also known as Mujeres Latinas in la Música, is set to celebrate ‘Latin female artists, executives and creatives who are proactively working for positive change, inclusion and gender parity in the music industry,’ according to Billboard. It will air May 7 on Telemundo.
The accomplished singer has been in the music industry since her teens, with 11 studio albums under her belt and multiple Latin Grammys as well.
Her achievements in 2023 include her track Shakira: BZRP Music Sessions #53 debuting at the ninth spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart. It marked the first time a woman had landed in the top 10 of the chart with a Spanish language track.
With over 95 million records sold around the world, Shakira is not just one of the best-selling musical artists of all time but the number one selling female Latin artist ever, according to Billboard.
It’s an honor! Columbian pop superstar Shakira will be recognized as Billboard’s Woman Of The Year at their inaugural Latin Women in Music gala
‘Shakira is the ultimate Woman in Music. Thanks to her, Latin women all over the world have been empowered to write and perform deeply personal music. She created a movement all on her own, and continues to be more relevant than ever today, with grace, a deep tradition of giving back, and enormous talent. She is the definition of a Woman in Music,’ Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin Español, said.
Ronald Day, president of entertainment and content strategy for Telemundo, equally raved: ‘Shakira has been pivotal in shaping the vibrant and diverse landscape of Latin music and music in general throughout her career. Her passion, talent and creativity have broken barriers and empowered generations to embrace our identity through music, and we are incredibly proud to recognize her as Woman of the Year in the industry.’
The honor comes after Shakira split from her long-time partner Gerard Pique after 11 years together last year.
Shakira has since spoken out following their break-up and amid her family’s move away from Spain.
The Columbian pop singer acknowledged there is a high level of interest in her own life but requested that her two sons, Milan and Sasha, be allowed to live a ‘healthy and happy life’.
She has been the subject of much attention after reports she ended her relationship with footballer Gerard, with whom she shares her children.
She is also set to face charges of tax fraud after a Spanish judge approved a trial last year. Shakira has denied all wrongdoing.
In a lengthy Instagram post written in Spanish, the singer wrote: ‘Respected friends, journalists, and media outlets At this time of change in my life as a public figure, it is understandable that there is a permanent curiosity on the part of the press surrounding me and my family.
Sing it! Shakira pictured moving and grooving on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last month
‘However, my sons Milan and Sasha have had a very difficult year, suffering an incessant siege … (from) the paparazzi and various media outlets in Barcelona.
‘Now that they are beginning a new stage in their lives, I strongly ask the media … to please respect their right to privacy.’
She continued: ‘I beg you to refrain from following them to the exit or entrance of the school, waiting for them at the door of our house, or following them to their extra-curricular activities.’
The singer said her sons, aged 10 and eight, should be treated ‘in the most human way possible’ and allowed to live their lives in peace without the ‘constant scrutiny of cameras’.
‘I ask this not as an artist, but rather as a mother, who wishes to protect and look after the psychological and emotional wellbeing of her children, so they can live a happy and healthy life, like every child deserves,’ she wrote.
Shakira reportedly quit her beloved Barcelona for good after being served an ‘eviction notice’ by her ex Gerard’s father.
Accomplished! With over 95 million records sold around the world, Shakira is not just one of the best-selling musical artists of all time but the number one selling female Latin artist ever
The Whenever, Wherever singer confirmed she is leaving the Spanish city amid reports she and her children are moving to Miami, and Spanish media have reported it came after she received a demand for her and her parents to abandon the ex-couple’s former family home.
It is the same flat where Shakira is said to have set up a witch doll on her balcony, which faces her mother-in-law’s home.
Both El Periodico and La Vanguardia have reported Shakira was told in March she had until this month to leave the mansion in Esplugues de Llobregat where she has lived since she split from ex-footballer Gerard last year or face a ‘compensation’ payment.
It was reported the demand came by email signed by Gerard’s dad, Joan Piqué, who is thought to be the sole director of his son’s holding company, Kerad Holding.
El Periodico reported in reference to the house move demand: ‘Now we understand the photos of the singer crying.’
In an Instagram statement in both English and Spanish about how she was leaving Barcelona, Shakira said: ‘I settled in Barcelona to give my children a stability, the same we are now looking for in another corner of the world next to family, friends and the sea.
Called it quits: Shakira and Gerard split after a 12-year relationship, and the 36-year-old former footballer recently revealed he has listened to Shakira’s so-called ‘diss track’ that appears to mock him and his new 23-year-old girlfriend Clara Chia
‘Today we start a new chapter in the pursuit of their happiness. Thank you to everyone who surfed alongside me so many waves there in Barcelona, the city where I learned that friendship is certainly longer than love.’
The emotional star ended the post: ‘Thank you to everyone who has been there to cheer me up, dried my tears, inspired me and made me grow.
‘Thanks to my Spanish audience who have always covered me with their love and loyalty.
‘For you, just a see you later, and as my father said so many times, see you around the curves!’
Shakira and Gerard split after a 12-year relationship, and the 36-year-old former footballer recently revealed he has listened to Shakira’s so-called ‘diss track’ that appears to mock him and his new 23-year-old girlfriend Clara Chia.
The singer released the tune Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 which she has said was a cathartic way of expelling her pain over their split.
Gerard said in an interview with Barcelona-based radio station RAC1: ‘Yes, obviously (I’ve listened to it.)’
But adding how he didn’t want to comment further, the ex-Barcelona centre back said: ‘I don’t want to talk about it – I don’t think I should talk about it.’
After a long, awkward silence, the ex-footballer stressed that all he wants is for his kids to be happy.
He said: ‘We have a responsibility, those of us who are parents must protect our children.
‘Everyone makes their own decisions. I don’t feel like talking anymore. I just want my children to be well… I’ve always had a close relationship with my children.’
Source: News