Columbian pop superstar 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 ar as well.
Her achievements in 2023 include 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 EVDeN evE NAKliYat 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, EvdEn EVe nakLiyaT 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.