Amanda Bearse: Shakira

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Photo of Shakira Kissing Gerard Pique Made Magazine Cover

Shakira has been caught kissing rumored boyfriend Gerard Pique. While she rarely made a public outing with the Barcelona star ever since they were romantically linked in 2010, the "Gypsy" singer is featured on the cover of Colombian magazine Caras closing her eyes and sharing a passionate kiss with him.

The cover shot put an end to months of speculation whether Columbian singer is romantically involved with the 24-year-old sportsman. The pair first met in spring 2010 while shooting a music video for the official track of 2010 World Cup, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)". It was said that since then, they have enjoyed a string of secret meetings.

Both sides have shot down reports of them being romantically involved. Shakira said at a previous press conference in Barcelona, "You shouldn't take any notice of waka-rumours," while Gerard recently said, "We're just friends. There's nothing more to it." Still, photos of the twosome holding hands as they left a restaurant in Barcelona surfaced just last month.

Shakira herself announced her separation from longtime beau Antonio de la Rua in January. In a joint statement, she said, "During our almost 11 years together we have loved each other deeply, taken care of each other and stood by one another. They have been the most wonderful years of our lives, and thanks to that love and the respect we have shared for one another, we have been an exceptional couple and partners."

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Shakira Is the Harvard Foundation's 2011 Artist of the Year

Shakira Is the Harvard Foundation's 2011 Artist of the Year

NRJ Music Awards 2011. (Bauer Griffin)

Shakira is set to receive the Harvard Foundation's "most prestigious medal” this year, in recognition of her music and charity work. The award will be presented at the annual Cultural Rhythms festival, which is held at Sanders Theatre on the grounds of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on February 26.

Acknowledging the world's most celebrated artists, scientists and leaders for their humanitarian efforts, the initiative is the college’s center for intercultural arts and sciences.

The foundation's director S. Allen Counter said Shakira had been chosen to receive the accolade this year because of her musical contributions to culture and her work helping children in impoverished areas such as Haiti.

He said: “The students and faculty of the Harvard Foundation are honored to present multi-platinum artist Shakira with the 2011 Artist of the Year award. Her contributions to music and distinguished history of creativity have been applauded by people throughout the world, and she is greatly admired worldwide for her humanitarian efforts through her Barefoot Foundation.”

The singer -- who has sold 50 million albums worldwide -- started the Barefoot Foundation when she was just 18 and has opened six schools through it.

The charity’s goal is to ensure that every child has the basic right to a quality education.
Shakira has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2003.