Shakira Whenever Whenever

Modest Beginnings

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Shakira was born February 2, 1977, in Columbia. The daughter of a Colombian mother and a Lebanese-American father, she was part of a family of nine.

Shakira discovered her love of music at a young age and reportedly wrote her first song at age eight. She also started singing early in life but had a difficult time convincing the world of her talent. In fact, young Shakira's voice was rejected by classmates and teachers alike. She was not allowed to join the school choir because her voice drowned out the other students.

In desperation, the girl looked outside of her school and neighborhood for the chance to sing. This strategy paid off, and she signed a record deal with Sony Columbia while still in high school.

Success in the Latin World

Shakira's first two records were commercial failures. Luckily, Sony had signed her to a three record contract, and the third time really was the charm. Her third album, Pies Descalzos, was released in 1995. Selling over 4 million records, this album made Shakira a household name in Latin America.

Worldwide Acclaim

With her fourth album, Shakira's success started to spread throughout the world. Although the album was recorded in Spanish, it's popularity reached much of the non-Spanish speaking world, including France and the United States.

Despite widespread criticism for her "weak" English skills, Shakira began writing songs in English in 2001. Those songs appeared on her next album. With an eclectic combination of English translations of Spanish songs, songs written in English, and songs left in Spanish, Laundry Service sold over 13 million copies. Shakira had finally arrived.

Over the next few years, Shakira had several hits, including:

• Whenever, Wherever
• Underneath Your Clothes
• Objection
• Hips Don't Lie
• La Tortura
• Suerte
• Don't Bother

Today, Shakira is a mainstay on both the American and Latin American music charts.

Sexy Star

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Known as much for her sexy, belly dancing-inspired dance moves as for her songs, the singer has won a host of music and video awards. She is also frequently touted as a sexy celebrity. She has won the following titles:

• Maxim's 100 Sexiest Women (#15)
• Ask Men's Most Desirable Women (#88)
• FHM's 100 Sexiest Women (#9)
• FHM-USA's 100 Sexiest Women (#40)

Despite her apparent sexiness, the star frequently appears on Mr. Blackwell's worst dressed list.

Shakira Trivia

• The star's Lebanese heritage sparked her interest in belly dancing.
• Since 2000, she has been quietly dating Antonio de la Rua, son of the former president of Argentina. The two are now engaged.
• As a teen, she was incredibly shy.
• The singer is anti-war.
• She has been honored by the United Nations for creating a Colombian children's charity.