Get ready for an exclusive chat with the most genuine superstar in Latin music!
Shakira, the global pop superstar, has made a name for herself by blending Latin pop music with the traditional dance moves of her Arabic heritage. Her unique style has brought joy to millions of fans worldwide and played a significant role in the growing popularity of Latin music. In 2010, she wrote and performed the theme song for the World Cup in South Africa, where she met and fell in love with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué. They eventually settled down together and started a family. However, things have changed, and in an exclusive interview with ELLE from her home in Barcelona, Shakira describes the current moment as her “darkest hour.” She recently announced her split from Piqué amid tabloid headlines, and they have yet to determine custody of their two sons, Milan and Sasha, aged 9 and 7. Additionally, Shakira faces allegations from the Spanish government over tax evasion, which she denies. A trial date has not yet been set. Despite these challenges, Shakira is preparing to release her first album in five years.
Shakira donned a stunning Miu Miu dress, Aquazzura sandals, and Messika jewelry, including a tiara and rings from collections by Kate Moss and Bulgari. Her journey to fame began as a young performer in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, where she did shows in mining towns. At 14 years old, Shakira learned of a music executive in town and seized the opportunity to audition on the spot. She self-taught English and rose to stardom in the United States with her album Laundry Service in 2001. Apart from her career, Shakira remains devoted to her charitable work in building and operating schools in her native country, as well as her political activism. Despite these commitments, music is her main inspiration and comfort. In an exclusive interview with ELLE, Shakira discusses her highly anticipated new music, the end of her relationship, and her determination to speak out about her finances.
The outfit worn was from the brand Etro, while the accessories were from Bulgari. During a conversation, it was revealed that the individual had recently celebrated their father’s birthday by serenading him with a bolero song. The father was described as a key figure in their life, being a source of resilience and wisdom. Unfortunately, the father had a difficult year when he fell and had to undergo brain surgery due to a subdural hematoma. He later fell again and broke bones in his face. Despite all this, the father still dances and tries to sing along to music, which led to the realization that music is a powerful tool, especially for seniors. It was also acknowledged that although the individual’s job may not be as heroic as that of a doctor or nurse, it has a noble aspect of connecting people to life.
The author interviews a musician who is releasing a highly anticipated album, her first since 2017. The artist discusses how writing music is therapeutic for her and helps her process emotions. She compares it to going to therapy, but cheaper. She also talks about how music has helped her through difficult times, including the dissolution of her relationship. She explains how hard it is to deal with the media attention and paparazzi that constantly follow her and her children. Despite the hardship, she remains resilient and is focused on being an example for her kids and being there for all the people who show her love and support.
The attire is a Carolina Herrera dress, Messika earrings by Kate Moss, Bulgari necklace, and Christian Louboutin shoes. Jaume De Laiguana captured the photo. There seems to be an ongoing battle for custody of your children with your ex-partner. Unfortunately, the local press in Spain has been invasive and a spectacle for my kids. They don’t deserve to feel scrutinized or followed by paparazzi. Despite our differences, Gerard is the father of my children, and we both have a responsibility to them. I have faith that we will mutually determine the best solution for their future. My personal life is private, and I am not comfortable sharing details about the dissolution of my relationship. However, I will say that I made a significant sacrifice for my family. Once my son started school, I realized that I had to put my career on hold and plant roots in Barcelona to support my partner’s soccer career. It was a sacrifice of love, but it allowed me to have an unbreakable bond with my children.
The subject of the interview is a musician who recently released a song called “Te Felicito” (“I Congratulate You”), with lyrics that suggest sacrificing oneself for someone else. When asked if these lyrics were related to putting his career on hold, the musician admits that his music reflects his personal experiences. The conversation then turns to the musician’s legal troubles, as he is facing tax fraud charges from the Spanish government. While he denies the accusations and claims to have paid everything owed, he also acknowledges that the Spanish tax authorities often use smear campaigns to pressure celebrities into settling. Nonetheless, the musician remains confident that justice will prevail in his favor.
Wearing a jumpsuit designed by Fernando Claro and boots from Elisabetta Franchi, I sat down with Jaume De Laiguana to discuss the questionable methods used by the Spanish tax authorities. According to prosecutors, they went through my social media and credit card receipts, tracking my movements throughout the country. However, during my relationship with Gerard, I was on a world tour for over 240 days and did not qualify as a resident. Despite this, the tax authorities still targeted me due to my association with a Spanish citizen. Even while traveling and working nonstop while pregnant or with my baby Milan, they came after me for money that was not rightfully theirs. For me, this is a matter of principle and I am determined to have my day in court.
The outfit comprises a Dior dress, Bulgari ring, and Aquazzura boots designed by Jaume De Laiguana. The interviewer asks the subject how they will move forward from what was believed to be the darkest moment of their life. The subject believes that every time life tests you, there is always a helping hand that you can hold on to while you cry. Even when you feel like you’re falling into an abyss with no end in sight, there is always a safety net at the bottom formed by friends and family. The purest and most long-lasting form of love is friendship, and it has been incredible to find support from colleagues, not only friends but also colleagues. They have been checking in on them constantly. The subject mentions some colleagues who have been supportive, including will.i.am, Chris Martin, Juan Luis Guerra, and Alejandro Sanz. The support of colleagues has made the subject feel alone but not lonely. The interviewee admits that they have always believed that being in a relationship is the ideal state for a person. However, they have discovered that being alone with their children and family and having supportive friends is enough for now.
The outfit consists of a jumpsuit by Fernando Claro and boots from Elisabetta Franchi. The photo was taken by Jaume De Laiguana while the hair was done by Beatriz Matallana and make-up by Tom Pecheux for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté. The styling was provided by Sylvia Montoliú with assistance from Emma Guardans, and the photographer’s assistant was Jordi Blancafort.
