SHAKIRA'S VISIT TO OXFORD UNIVERSITY

Her speech about Barefoot Foundation seems to have gone down a storm with the UK media. Click here to read a report from the Oxford Mail. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

PICTURES FROM THE JINGLE BELL BALL

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Shakira went down a storm at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball in London yesterday - and Capital have now put a bunch of pictures on their website from the performance. Click here to check out more pictures.

SHAKIRA'S SANTA BABY COVER

Check out Shakira's amazing cover of the classic 'Santa Baby' which she performed at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at New York's Rockefeller Center.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

We're very pleased to report that, at yesterday's XX Ibero-American Summit in Portugal, ALAS received the suppport of the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernández, who will chair the XX Ibero-American Summit on 2010, to include Early Childhood Development in the Agenda of this diplomatic event. In a press conference, the President accepted Shakira’s petition to contribute to change the history and destiny of the children of the region, by setting the topic of children between 0 and 6 and the one of early education as the core topic of her forthcoming Summit.

“Early education is to human life what a foundation is to a building; if the foundations are not built strong enough, we will be always repairing it," declared Shakira, who is founder and activist of ALAS together with fellow Latin American artists such as Alejandro Sanz and Fernando Olvera from the Mexican group Maná, among others. "This is how for decades the Governments in Latin America have been spending billions, rather than investing, repairing and finding temporary solutions to foundation problems. Why not invest since now in the foundation of our future: our children in their first 6 years of life, which is when their brain and basic functions develop."

The Mexican President Felipe Calderón ratified his country’s support to ALAS Foundation and assured, modifying a popular Mexican saying that “Every child should come with a medical insurance under his arm”. Álvaro Uribe, President of Colombia, also spoke about his country’s efforts towards early childhood through the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare and the Community Mothers Program.

The President of Chile Michelle Bachelet concluded by saying, “I am convinced that investing in our children is fundamental from the ethical, social, and even economical point of view. Every resource invested in our children is what will allow us to make a difference”.


In front of an audience of international media, ALAS and the Secretary general of Iberoamerican Secretariat, Enrique Iglesias, signed the agreement to promote the early childhood component of the program “Educational Goals 2021: the Education we want for the Generation of the Bicentenaries”, which seeks to achieve universal coverage in education by 2021. It was a momentous day, in which Early Childhood Development gained prominence among the Latin American Presidents, and constitutes a promise for the region’s human, social and economical development.

SHAKIRA ON UGLY BETTY ON FRIDAY!!

Shakira has two big US TV appearances coming up this week. On Friday (Dec 4th) at 9pm EST on ABC, you can see Shakira appear, as herself, on the new episode of Ugly Betty! Check out the trailer below:

Also, tonight (Dec 2nd) at 8pm EST on NBC you'll be able to watch Shakira performing at the tree-lighting ceremony at New York's Rockefeller Center. Here's a sneak preview from that:

SHAKIRA'S MYSPACE KARAOKE CONTEST

If you're in the US or Canada you have until 12th December to record your version of some of Shakira's most famous songs on MySpace Karaoke, for the chance to win two tickets to a Shakira show, plus travel and accommodation. Click here to strut your vocal stuff.

SHAKIRA ON MYSPACE MUSIC FEED

Check this video of an interview with Shakira on the new episode of The MySpace Music Feed. The MySpace Music Feed: Shakira and Adam Lambert The MySpace Music Feed | MySpace Video

SHAKIRA WINS BAMBI AWARD!!

We're pleased to report that Shakira picked up the International Pop Award at last night's Bambi Awards in Germany. Shakira also delivered an amazing performance of Did It Again.

Today, Shakira is in Zurich to record an appearance with NRJ Radio.

Also, don't miss out Shakira's appearance @ "Larry King Live" on CNN starting at 9pm EST.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 'LOPEZ TONIGHT' SHOW

Check out these highlights from Shakira's appearance on Lopez Tonight yesterday:

CHECK OUT SHAKIRA'S EXCLUSIVE PEPSI MUSIC SHOW FOR YAHOO!!

If you want more video action, then you can watch a new interview which Shakira filmed with CNN, by clicking here.

In other news, Shakira is a guest on the Rachel Ray show in the US today - tune in to ABC at 10am to watch her performing Gypsy from the new album.

SHAKIRA "SHE WOLF" ALBUM RELEASED TODAY!!!

Yes, the wait is finally over - the special US edition of She Wolf is released today! Click the links below to get hold of your copy:
- Download from iTunes
- Download Deluxe iTunes LP version from iTunes (includes bonus tracks, videos and interactive booklet)
- Buy CD from Amazon.com
- Buy Deluxe CD/DVD from Target.com (or from your local Target store)

The standard tracklisting of the US album is as follows:
1. She Wolf
2. Did It Again
3. Long Time
4. Why Wait
5. Good Stuff
6. Men In This Town
7. Gypsy
8. Spy (featuring Wyclef Jean)
9. Mon Amour
10. Loba

Bonus Tracks
11. Lo Hecho Está Hecho
12. Años Luz
13. Give It Up To Me (feat. Lil Wayne)
14. Did It Again (feat. Kid Cudi)
15. Gypsy (Live From T4)
16. She Wolf (Live From T4)

SHAKIRA ROCKS THE AMA'S

Shakira absolutely blew tonight's AMAs apart with an amazing performance of Give It Up To Me. Check out a video above. And let us know what you thought in the comments below...

FREE SHAKIRA WALLPAPERS!!

How would you like to liven up your computer with a lovely Shakira wallpaper? Or brighten up your AIM with a Shakira buddy icon? Well, just click here and help yourself to our free extras.

And don't forget, the US version of the She Wolf album is IN THE SHOPS TOMORROW! (As you can probably tell, we're quite excited about that.)

In other news, there's a great, in-depth interview with Shakira in today's edition of the UK's Observer newspaper. Click here to read it.

MTV.COM FALLS IN LOVE WITH SHE WOLF

With Shakira's new album, She Wolf, released in the US this coming Monday, MTV.com have written their review of the record. And they blooming well love it! Click here to read the review.

And remember, you can currently preview the entire album on Shakira's MySpace by clicking here.

In other news, Shakira appeared on Jimmy Fallon's show this week. Check out the clip of Shakira talking about the Barefoot Foundation, below.

Shakira is also appearing on ABC's Good Morning America today (Thursday) at 7am EST.

SHAKIRA'S 'GIVE IT UP TO ME' MUSIC VIDEO

SHAKIRA'S 'DID IT AGAIN' VIDEO

Here's the amazing new video for Did It Again, which was directed by Sophie Muller (who also directed the Hips Don't Lie video). It was shot in LA and the dancer's name is Daniel Cloud. Part of the choreography was created by the Icelandic Modern Dance Company. We love it!

Talking of videos-DON'T FORGET THAT SHAKIRA IS PERFORMING ON TONIGHT'S MTV EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS, which are coming live from Berlin. Shakira is also up for two awards - Best Female and Best Video.

10 QUESTIONS FOR SHAKIRA

Shakira recently answered 10 questions sent in by the readers of Time magazine. Check out the video of the interview.

THE SHE WOLF POSSES FOR 'LATINA' MAGAZINE-SEPT. 2009 ISSUE

Shakira covers the September issue of Latina Magazine which hits newsstands August 18th.

SHAKIRA ATTENDED UNIVERSITY DRESSED AS A BOY

Shakira has revealed that she cross-dressed as a boy to attend lectures at an American university two summers ago. She reportedly took History of Western Civilization course at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“I used to wear a cap, tennis shoes, big backpack, baggy pants – I looked like a boy. I tried to hide and concentrate on my classes,” the Daily Star quoted her as saying. The singer said that she lived as a student for a while and apparently nobody recognized her. She said: “I went to university after my last tour and studied history. I lived the regular student life for a bit. “It was one of those things that had passed me by.” The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ hit maker added that she often wished for normal life. She said: “I would have liked a normal career and to have experienced normal student life – but I’m not complaining.”

-NewspostOnline

SHAKIRA STUNS FAMILY WITH SEXY SHOOT??

Shakira is terrified the video for her new single is too sexy, fearing the raunchy promo will shock her parents and neighbors. The stunning Colombian singer dons a flesh-colored leotard to writhe around in a cage in the video for She Wolf. But Shakira was worried about how the footage would be received by her loved ones.

She tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, "My parents texted me to say they had watched it and really loved it. A bit provocative, but they loved it. But my mother was just a little bit concerned what the neighbors were going to say.


"No matter how famous you are, you always wonder what your parents and neighbors will say. Parents are like your conscience. My mom saw some of the images before the edit and said, 'Oh my God, is that really you?' My dad said it was very artistic. I have their blessing." And Shakira's fiance Antonio De La Rua, the son of former Argentine president Fernando de la Rua, was also wary of her appearing to bare all in the video.

She adds, "He was at the shoot and he watched me walk out in the leotard and said, 'Hey, why don't you wear a scarf? Put a scarf on!' Then he closed his eyes and just let it happen. "I showed his parents the video and the ex-First Lady of Argentina thought it was sexy but classy. I didn't want to look at his father's face."

SHAKIRA OUT IN PARIS

She’s no stranger to international travel, and on August 4, 2009 Shakira was spotted out and about in Paris, France following a photo shoot. The “Hips Don’t Lie” hottie looked super sexy in a sheer black dress with lace-up ankle boots as she scurried past the paparazzi.

As for the overtly predatory sexual nature of her latest single “She Wolf,” Shakira says she’s not afraid to tell it like it is, especially now that she’s an established artist. 'Loba' has been a little bit of a reflection of my life and my liberty. As a 32-year-old woman, I feel like a have a total right to defend what I want. I think on this album in general, I speak about things a bit more frankly...maybe it's my age?"

Enjoy the pictures of Shakira out in Paris

SHAKIRA'S ANIMALISTIC ALTER EGO

Colombian pop star SHAKIRA has an alter-ego she transforms into when she takes to the stage. Taking inspiration from Beyonce's performing identity Sasha Fierce, Shakira insists She-Wolf helps her capture the passion and energy she needs to wow her fans. The singer reveals, "It's like a more animalistic side of you, a more primitive side ? an animal person in a way. So when you understand these things you forgive yourself every time you screw up, you say, 'It wasn't me, that was the She-Wolf ? that was the animal in me, that wasn't me, I have nothing to do with that."

SHAKIRA TO APPEAR IN X FACTOR

Shakira has been tipped for the X Factor. According to reports, TV mogul Simon Cowell wants the Colombian singer and Madonna for his hitting show and has already requested a hefty budget to have the A-list stars on board. A source said, "Simon is the most powerful man in TV these days and he's in a position to call the shots. "ITV are happy to back him - and he's determined to repay their faith by getting the biggest names in the world, including Madonna." Another source added, "Shakira's a massive international star and Simon's determined to get her on board."

SHAKIRA WANTS BABIES

Pop beauty Shakira is putting pressure on her fiance Antonio de la Rua to start a family, revealing she "really wants to reproduce". The couple has been dating for nine years, and the Colombian star insists she's ready for babies. Shakira says, "I am so ready. I really would like to have a big belly, to walk around with my big belly? However, the singer insists pregnancy will have to wait a little while - until she has a clear schedule, adding, 'I can't bring a little wolf right now to the world in the middle of so many projects. Maybe next year after the tour, who knows?"

BIOGRAPHY

Singer, songwriter. Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia. With a Lebanese father and Colombian mother, Shakira honors her Latino and Arabic heritage in her music. She wrote her first song at the age of 8 and signed her first record deal at 13.

After her first two albums flopped, Shakira took the reins of her third album, becoming involved in every aspect of its production. Released in 1996, Pies Descalzos, meaning "bare feet," sold more than three million copies. The album featured her trademark sound, a blending of Latin, rock, and Arabic musical styles. It sold more than three million copies and the follow-up record, Dónde Están Los Ladrones? (1998), which translates as "Where are the thieves?," reached the top of Billboard's Latin charts. Based on the success of her albums, Shakira became a music superstar in the Spanish-language markets, known for her strong vocals and incredible hip-shaking belly dance moves.

While hugely popular in much of the rest of the world, Shakira had not yet achieved a major record on the U.S. pop charts. She moved to Miami with her family to further her goal and taught herself to write songs in English. She enlisted Emilio Estefan, of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine fame, to act as her manager and producer. Her first English-language album, Laundry Service (2001), provided Shakira with the success in the United States that she longed for the album was number three on the charts, selling more than 200,000 copies in the first week. The songs "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes" were both big hits.

Shakira returned to the top 10 of the albums chart in 2005 twice. She first released the Spanish-language Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 in June, which was followed in November by English-language Oral Fixation, Vol. 2. She received the Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album for Fijación Oral, Vol. 1, her second time winning such an honor. Previously, she had won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for 2000's Shakira: MTV Unplugged.

Touring extensively, Shakira released two concert albums: 2007's Live and 2008's Oral Fixation Tour. She has also found time to record. In July 2009, Shakira released the new single, "She Wolf," from her upcoming new studio album. Besides her busy career, Shakira created the Pies Descalzos Foundation to help children in her native Colombia in 1997.

On July 2, 2008, Shakira signed a 10-year deal with Live Nation, the international touring giant that has begun signing up marquee names for lucrative all-purpose contracts. The record label will encompass tours, recordings, sponsorship and merchandise throughout the world, she announced. "Shakira is one of the few truly global artists," said Jason Garner, global music chief of Live Nation. "She can sell music and tickets in nearly every corner of the globe." Neither Shakira's representatives nor Live Nation would confirm the value of the deal, but people close to the negotiations said that depending on Shakira's performance over the 10 years, it is likely to be worth between $70 million and $100 million. Shakira's contract with Epic Records calls for three more albums - one in English, one in Spanish, and a compilation, but the touring and other rights of the Live Nation deal would begin immediately. In early 2008, Forbes has named Shakira the fourth top-earning female artist in music industry, Shakira's official website announced that "The full album is She Wolf due out in October 2009 from Epic" and it "features a predominantly English track list". The site also announced that a Spanish album will be released in 2010. The first single from the English album is titled "She Wolf". Shakira wrote and produced the track with John Hill, and Sam Endicott (Lead Singer and Songwriter of The Bravery). In June 2009, several music journalists and reviewers got an advance listen of the track. The reviews were extremely positive. The Spanish version titled, "Loba", premiered on June 29, 2009. Shakira premiered "She Wolf" on Z100 and KIIS-FM on July 13, 2009. On July 14, 2009 "She Wolf" and "Loba" became available to download from iTunes. The video for "She Wolf" Premiered on MTV, July 30 at 8pm.
Shakira confirmed that she will embark on a tour in 2010.

LYRICS

'SHE WOLF' LYRICS

SOS she's in disguise
SOS she's in disguise
There's a she wolf in disguise
Coming out, coming out, coming out

A domesticated girl, that's all you ask of me
Darling it is no joke, this is lycanthropy
The moon's awake now, with eyes wide open
My body's craving, so feed the hungry

I've been devoting myself to you Monday to Monday and Friday to Friday
Not getting enough retribution or decent incentives to keep me at it
Im starting to feel just a little abused like a coffee machine in an office
So I'm gonna go to my closet and get me a lover and tell you all about it

There's a she wolf in the closet
Open up and set it free
[Howls]
There's a she wolf in the closet
Let it out so it can breathe

Sitting across a bar staring right at her prey
It's going well so far, she's gonna get her way
Nocturnal creatures are not so prudent
The moon's my teacher and I'm her student

To locate the single men I got on me a special radar
And the fire department hotline in case I get in trouble later
Not looking for cute little divos or rich city guys I just want to enjoy
By having a very good time and behave very bad in the arms of a boy

There's a she wolf in the closet
Open up and set it free
[Howls]
There's a she wolf in the closet
Let it out so it can breathe

SOS she's in disguise
SOS she's in disguise
There's a she wolf in disguise
Coming out, coming out, coming out

SOS she's in disguise
SOS she's in disguise
There's a she wolf in disguise
Coming out, coming out, coming out

There's a she wolf in the closet, let it out so it can breathe


'LA LOBA' LYRICS

Sigilosa al pasar
Sigilosa al pasar
Esa loba es especial
Mirala, caminar caminar

Quién no ha querido a una diosa licántropa
En el ardor de una noche romantica
Mis aullidos son el llamado
Yo quiero un lobo domesticado

Por fin he encontrado un remedio infalible que borre del todo la culpa
No pienso quedarme a tu lado mirando la tele y oyendo disculpas
la vida me ha dado un hambre voráz y tu apenas me das caramelos
Me voy con mis piernas y mi juventúd por ahí aunque te maten los celos

--Coros--

Una loba en el armario
Tiene ganas de salir
Deja que se coma el barrio
Antes de irte a dormir

Tengo tacones de aguja magnetica
Para dejar a la manada frenetica
La luna llena como una fruta
No da consejos ni los escucha

Llevo conmigo un radar especial para localizar solteros
Si acaso me meto en aprietos tambien llevo el número de los bomberos
ni tipos muy lindos ni divos ni niños ricos yo se lo que quiero
pasarla muy bien y portarme muy mal en los brazos de algún caballero

Una loba en el armario
Tiene ganas de salir
Deja que se coma el barrio
Antes de irte a dormir

Cuando son casi la una la loba en celo saluda a la luna
Duda si andar por la calle o entrar en un bar a probar fortuna
Ya está sentada en su mesa y pone la mira en su proxima presa
Pobre del desprevenido que no se esperaba una de esas

Sigilosa al pasar
Sigilosa al pasar
Esa loba es especial
Mirala caminar, caminar

Deja que se coma el barrio
Antes de irte a dormir

SHAKIRA PHOTOS

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SHAKIRA'S PERFORMANCE AT JINGLE BELL BALL

SHAKIRA'S VISIT TO OXFORD UNIVERSITY

SHAKIRA ON THE COVER OF LATINA MAGAZINE FOR SEPT. 2009 ISSUE

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SHAKIRA OUT IN PARIS ON AUG 4,2009

DIFFERENT PHOTOS