Shakira

Shakira is a highly celebrated Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer who began her music career at a very young age. Shakira released her first album at the age of 13 with Sony Music Colombia, but it was her album "Pies Descalzos" in 1995 that brought her widespread recognition in Latin America. This was followed by "Dónde Están los Ladrones?" in 1998, which solidified her status as one of the region’s biggest stars. These albums are considered her most significant works and have sold over 12 million copies worldwide.

In the early 2000s, Shakira successfully transitioned into the global pop market with her first English-language album, "Laundry Service," which sold over 13 million copies worldwide. The album featured hit singles like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes." Her unique blend of Latin, rock, and pop influences, distinctive voice, and belly dancing skills made her a standout artist. Subsequent albums, including "Fijación Oral, Vol. 1" and "She Wolf," further solidified her international appeal. "Fijación Oral, Vol. 1" even achieved the highest U.S. debut ever for a Spanish-language album.

Shakira’s global influence expanded with her involvement in major events such as the FIFA World Cup, where her 2010 anthem "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" became a worldwide sensation. She has continued to dominate the charts with albums like "El Dorado," which won the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album. Her electrifying Super Bowl LIV halftime show performance in 2020 showcased her enduring star power. Her album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" was released in 2024 and quickly topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums charts, earning her another Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.

Shakira is also a dedicated philanthropist, having founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation to provide education for underprivileged children in Colombia. She was appointed to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the United States in 2011 and has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Shakira’s contributions to music and humanitarian efforts have earned her numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, fifteen Latin Grammy Awards, and she was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year in 2011. In 2024, Shakira was also ranked among the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century by Billboard.

With a career spanning over three decades, Shakira remains one of the most influential Latin artists in history. Her ability to seamlessly blend cultures, genres, and languages has made her a true global icon, inspiring fans around the world with her music, activism, and dedication to her craft. Apart from music, Shakira has also showcased her talent in the animation industry, lending her voice to the character Gazelle in the animated movie "Zootopia" in 2016, a role she is set to reprise in "Zootopia 2," slated for release in 2025. She also served as a coach on the American TV series "The Voice" in 2013-2014 and was an executive producer for the NBC dance competition series "Dancing with Myself" in 2022.