Pop star Shakira, footballer Gerard Pique bracing for 1st child

BOGOTA: Colombian pop star Shakira confirmed Wednesday that she is pregnant with top Spanish football player Gerard Pique's baby, saying "promotional activities" were on hold to focus on her pregnancy.

"As some of you may know, Gerard and I are very happy awaiting the arrival of our first baby!" Shakira said in a statement on her website. "At this time we have decided to give priority to this unique moment in our lives and postpone all the promotional activities planned over the next few days.

" The "Hips Don't Lie" singer said she would not participate in the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Friday and Saturday in Las Vegas. "But I'm sure this weekend in Las Vegas will be spectacular and I will be closely following everything that happens there!" she added. "I'd like to thank Clear Channel and my fans for their constant love and understanding.

 Big kiss! And will see you very soon!" This will be the first child for Shakira, 35, and Pique, 25, who confirmed their relationship in March 2011. Pique, a center-back for FC Barcelona, will be out for two to three weeks after hurting his left foot in his side's 3-2 win at home to Spartak Moscow in the Champions League, the club announced earlier. His Twitter page featured a graphic of a pacifier, with a link to Shakira's message.

 NBC television announced Tuesday that Shakira would temporarily replace pop singer Christina Aguilera as a judge on season four of reality talent show "The Voice," along with R&B singer Usher, who will sit in for Cee Lo Green. (AFP)

Shakira lawyer confirms ex-beau, agent suing her

BOGOTA: Shakira's former boyfriend and agent is suing her over contracts that were pending after their breakup, the Colombian pop star's lawyer said Monday.

Antonio de la Rua of Argentina filed suit in July, and sought to have bank assets frozen, attorney Ezequiel Camerini said in a statement.

The request for the freezing was denied, but the underlying case is still alive, he added without giving details.

Last week Colombian media reported that de la Rua, son of a former president and Shakira's beau until just over a year ago, sued her seeking 250 million dollars and real estate they shared during their 11-year relationship.

That is meant to be compensation for contracts that remained pending after they called it quits.

Days later, a lawyer for de la Rua denied there was any lawsuit, and said the two former lovers were simply dissolving a company they owned together.

But Camerini denied Monday there was ever any such joint venture.

Shakira now dates Spanish football star Gerard Pique of the FC Barcelona team. In recent months she has also been in the news over rumors -- denied by her father -- that she was pregnant.


AFP

Shakira honoured by father

Singer Shakira broke down in tears as her father William Mebarak serenaded her during a star-studded dinner in Las Vegas.

The 34-year-old was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year at the special tribute Wednesday.

Shakira wiped away tears as Mebarak sang the classic song Mi Nina Bonita (My Pretty Girl), while pictures of the father and daughter appeared on a big screen behind him, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"Thank you, daddy, for that song," the 34-year-old later told him.

Also present at the occasion were Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo and Mexican rocker Alejandra.

Euro 2012: Shakira performs in Ukraine

KIEV: Colombian pop sensation Shakira joined forces with Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych and 60,000 spectators as the covers came off Kiev's troubled Euro 2012 Olympiysky stadium on Saturday in a politically-tinged opening.

"With this stadium, Ukraine will organise a worthy Euro 2012," said Yanukovych of a ground which will host five matches, including the July 1 final, at the championships being co-hosted with Poland, but which has been dogged by construction delays and accusations of corruption.

Shakira, who also featured at the opening of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, performed for 40 minutes, singing the official song from last year's football showpiece, "Waka Waka".

Against a background of fireworks, more than 2,000 artists put on a show with Ukraine folklore at its heart.

The stadium was scheduled to be completed in June, but work on the 585 million euro renovations was delayed, a factor which caused UEFA to air their concerns to local organisers. (AFP)

Shakira buys Caribbean Island for $16 Million

Colombian singer Shakira and musician Roger Waters together bought a Caribbean island worth $16 million.Shakira, 34, and Waters, 68, are reportedly hoping to "reinvent the concept of tourism" by building a set of luxury holiday homes on the island which will also include private beaches and a number of hotels.

"It's not about having 200 speedboats and an 18-hole golf course. I would say it is an explosion of the senses. It's a concept more related to art and culture," femalefirst.co.uk quoted Arturo Rubinstein- a Miami-based investor involved in the project- as saying.

Shakira confirms Bigg Boss 5 entry

A day after we reported that Shakira was in talks for a cameo in the upcoming fifth season of Bigg Boss, sources from the production house have confirmed that the Latin popstar will indeed star on the show.

Buzz has it that Mexican actor Barbara Mori has also been approached to be part of the show. Others who may join the list are TV actors Parul Chauhan and Karan Singh Grover of Bidai, and film actor Riya Sen.

“In the last season, Ashmit Patel gave his side of the story about the Riya-Ashmit MMS controversy. This time, they want Riya to speak up,” says a source.

While serial killer Charles Sobhraj’s wife Nihita Biswas and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu have confirmed participation, singer Jay Sean, actor Mink Brar and Pakistani actor Humaima Mullick are other names doing the rounds. This time, the show will be shot in Karjat.

The upcoming season of the popular primetime reality show is being co-hosted by Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt. It will go on air next weekend. Source

Shakira performs in Mexico

Colombian songstress Shakira enchanted some 150,000 fans who came to see her in Merida, a city in southeastern Mexico, at a concert at which she paid special tribute to the US group Metallica by interpreting their hit "Nothing else matters".

Concertgoers enjoyed an evening of her hits and other numbers lasting almost two hours.

Accompanied by her boyfriend, F.C. Barcelona soccer player Gerard Pique, the South American pop rock star arrived in Merida Saturday afternoon, went onstage about 9.30 p.m. and greeted the excited crowd with "Good evening, Merida! Tonight is yours!"

She then launched into a broad repertoire of her songs including "Pies descalzos", "Te dejo Madrid", "Hips don't lie", "La tortura", "Loba" and "Antes de las seis", among others.

The concert wrapped up with Shakira's famous hit "Waka waka", which she popularized during the 2010 World Cup tourney in South Africa.

The crowning moment of the evening was when Shakira, along with her band, performed "Nothing else matters", one of the big hits by the US heavy metal band.

Shakira considering album in Arabic

RABAT: Colombian pop singer Shakira said Saturday she would one day like to sing pop songs, if not an entire album, in Arabic.

The native Spanish speaker, who also has global hits in English, was speaking at a news conference in Morocco, where she was headlining the Mawazine World Rhythms music festival.

"It would be a challenge to do an album in Arabic. I would first have to learn Arabic," she said. "I am completely open to that experience. ... At some point I would love that to happen in my life."

Born in Colombia of Syrian origin, Shakira said she grew up listening to the Arab world's premier divas of the 20th century, Egyptian Umm Kalthum and Lebanese Fairuz.

Shakira often uses eastern dance, also known as belly dancing, in her acts, and her hit Spanish language single "Ojas Asi" relies heavily on a Middle Eastern melody. Her eastern origins and musical influences have made her popular throughout the Middle East.

She admitted, however, that she only speaks a few words of Arabic, including "ateeni boosa" or give me a kiss, provoking laughter among the mostly Moroccan crowd of journalists.

Morocco's 10th-annual Mawazine festival of world music concluded Saturday after eight days of music that saw bands from 60 countries, including Kanye West, Lionel Ritchie, Egypt's Amr Diab and Senegal's Youssou N'Dour. (AP)

Shakira 'to sing in Bollywood film Azaan'

Shakira is said to be singing for new Bollywood production Azaan.

The Colombian popstar's rumoured collaboration with the Hindi film industry has been the subject of ongoing media speculation in India.

According to NDTV, actor Sachin Joshi outlined: "We have sealed a deal with a very high-profile international artiste, after months of negotiation. However, until all formalities are complete, we do not wish to make an announcement."

Shakira is said to be working with music composers Salim-Sulaiman on a track for the film's original soundtrack.

A source revealed: "Sachin and Salim-Sulaiman have been trying their best to lure Shakira with the double bait of big bucks and Bollywood.

"Last year, the deal fell through. This year, however, things have gone differently. They approached Shakira to do a promotional video for the movie, and to their delight, she agreed."

A report last year suggested that Shakira would be playing the role of Hindu goddess Kaali in an upcoming film.

Shakira's ring 'not stolen at concert'

Shakira has denied that a fan stole a ring from her finger while she was walking through the crowd during a live show in Mexico.

Video footage emerged of a concert-goer grasping the hand of the 'Loca' singer before she pauses and looks at her finger.

Of claims that a ring was stolen, Shakira's publicist Joseph Carozza told TMZ: "There is no truth to this report. A fan grabbed her hand and she looked down. Her ring is still visible on her hand as she continued to walk through the crowd."

Real Madrid ban Shakira

It's pretty obvious that most men will envy Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. After all, he is in a relationship with Colombian singer Shakira. However, his rivals at Real Madrid have taken things to a new level by removing Shakira's hit 'Waka Waka' from the Bernabeu stadium playlist.

Could it be down to team rivalry and petty jealousy? The Sun reports the track was used as the official anthem of the Spanish football team during their winning campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Since then, the song was reported to be played during pre-match build ups and at half-time at Real Madrid games -- but not any more.

Meanwhile, Shakira has donated $400,000 (£250,000) to re-build a Haitian school after it was damaged during the January 2010 earthquake. Her donation will be matched by the Inter-American Development Bank.

AFP reports that the singer addressed around 100 of the school's students and said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to help you make your dream come true. I would like to tell the girls of the Elie Dubois school that you should seize the opportunity for education."

Shakira Donates USD 400,000 For Haiti School

Colombian singer Shakira has donated $400,000 to help rebuild a school in Haiti.

The 34-year-old singer who visited the country recently has collaborated with the Inter-American Development Bank to rebuild the institution which was damaged by the massive earthquake last year.

"I'm convinced the key to achieve a dignified future for the Haitian people is through education. I'd like to say to the girls that this is an enormous opportunity that life is offering you - education. So make the most of it because I'm sure you can achieve any of your dreams," said the singer.

The Hips Don't Lie hit maker announced her plans to team her Barefoot Foundation with the Architecture for Humanity charity to help renovate the Elie Dubois school in the capital Port-au-Prince shortly after the disaster hit in January, 2010.

The singer also mingled with the students of the school and performed her songs during the visit.

Shakira confirms romance with Pique

BOGOTA: Colombian pop star Shakira on Tuesday confirmed her romantic relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Pique through a message on her Twitter account.

"I present to you my sunshine ... Shak," the 34-year-old singer wrote in the message accompanying a photo of the smiling pair.

Shakira and the 24-year-old Barcelona center-back became the focus of intense media attention earlier this month when gossip magazines published photographs of the couple holding hands and kissing in Barcelona.

In January, Shakira announced the end of her 11-year relationship with Antonio de la Rua of Argentina.

Shakira's wildly popular "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" was the official song of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, won by Spain.

Pique, a member of the World Cup team, told a March 3 press conference at Barca's training center that he prefers to just talk football.

Quizzed on his private life, he said: "I'd like it if people only talked about me from a sporting perspective but I get the impression that, ultimately, it's inevitable." (AFP)

Shakira Splits with Longtime Boyfriend

The singer and her boyfriend have called it quits


Shakira and her boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua, have both confirmed that they have split up after being together for 11 years.

The couple split last August but continue to work together on a professional level as business partners.

In statements, Shakira and her boyfriend both expressed how wonderful their time together was, and it seems as though there’s still a possibility of them getting back together because they don’t seem to view their separation as a permanent thing.

Rua is the son of the former president of Argentina.

Shakira has recently been linked to Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué as well as tennis number one Rafael Nadal who appeared in her “Gypsy” music video. The singer denied that she was involved with either one.

Shakira 'earns $660,000 for charity'

Shakira has earned $660,000 (£419,000) for her charity foundation Pies Descalzos.

The singer agreed to appear in an advert for a Spanish cava drink - filmed last week in Barcelona - in exchange for the hefty donation by the company Freixenet, reports The AP.

She revealed that she plans to use the money to build schools in Colombia and Haiti.

"Education is a birthright and a quality education is the only tool that a child has to turn dreams into reality," she said during a press conference.

"Since I was a girl I have been aware of the tough reality faced by many children."

The deal will also allow the company to produce the music video for Shakira's song 'Sale El Sol' as well as a documentary about work done by the charity.

Shakira wants Himesh Reshammiya?

If you think that Himesh Reshammiya will take a sabbatical from his singing (and acting) just because of a few critics slamming his works, think again.
Recent reports circulating in the media claim that the Bollywood singer is on his way to recording an album with Hollywood favorites Shakira and Vanessa Hudgens.

The new upcoming album will reportedly feature Himesh Reshammiya in its audio and video versions and by the way the media has been describing it, the new album is nothing less than ‘larger than life’.

The album has been tentatively titled ‘At Da Edge’ and if reports are to be believed, Roman White, who has worked with the likes of Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift on various musical projects in the past, will be present during the work on the Himesh Reshammiya album. And this album being an international project, it will feature Himesh Reshammiya singing in English.

According to the media, every song in the upcoming album will be penned, composed and voiced by Himesh Reshammiya, with Vanessa Hudgens and Shakira joining the singer in duets and in the music videos. Every video for the film will be shot at various locations worldwide, with one song to be shot at the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Shakira to shake booty in Bollywood number?

Anil Kapoor is trying his best to get Latin American performer Shakira to shoot a dance track for Anees Bazmee's No Problem. If he succeeds in his efforts, this will be her first appearance in a B-Town flick.

Says a source close to Anil, "It's not an item number. The film's composer, Pritam has composed a song set to the lyrics of Shakira's Hips Don't Lie. Anil thought it would be great to have the pop singer gyrating to her own song. He is very keen to have Shakira on board and has spoken to Andre in Wizcraft to speak to her. "

The source adds that if Shakira agrees the entire star cast -- Anil, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sunil Shetty, Sushmita Sen, Kangna Ranaut, Neetu Chandra and Paresh Rawal will also perform with the Latin- American singer.

About 'Hips Don't Lie'
Hips Don't Lie is a remake of Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean's 2004 song Dance Like This. Shakira wrote some parts of the new version, and co-produced. Hips Don't Lie became a global success, topping charts in at least 55 countries. It became Shakira and Wyclef's first (and to date, only) number-one single in the U. S.

Package deal
The promos of No Problem and Toonpur Ka Super Hero come with Anjaana Anjaani, which releases today. Says a source close to Anil, "It isn't true that Kunal Kohli's Break Ke Baad promo is releasing with AA.

No Problem and Toonpur was always supposed to come out with AA. While Toonpur Ka Superhero is a live action animation film directed by Kireet Khurana, produced by Kumar Mangat and Krishika Lulla, and starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol. No Problem is a comic family entertainer. "

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Kaali... not about Hindu goddess: Producer

Hollywood film Kaali - The Warrior Goddess is inspired by mythology but not based on the Hindu goddess, says Britain-based producer Karan Arora who plans to cast Colombian pop singer Shakira in the title role.

"Let me clarify that through this movie we are not trying to depict any mythological character. It is not the story of goddess Kaali and it has nothing to do with the scriptures. It is a complete fictional story," Arora told IANS in an interview here.

But he admits that the looks and clothes in the film are inspired by mythology.

"We definitely have a few things in common like victory of good over evil. Also, in terms of looks, clothes and costumes, the film is heavily inspired by mythology. The movie will be made in English and then it will be dubbed in Hindi and various other languages."

There are many who are not happy with the choice of Shakira for the title role even though she is yet to sign on the dotted line.

Arora said: "While scripting we never thought of taking Shakira because we were trying to evolve a new concept. Once the script was ready, we wanted someone with international appeal and she fits the bill completely.

"We are still in the process of negotiations and paperwork. So we can't confirm her presence till the deal is through. But if she is on, let me tell you our investors are already jumping with joy. You will see Shakira in a completely different avatar, it won't be a regular sing and dance act."

Arora, CEO of High Grounds Entertainment Ltd, which will produce the movie in association with noted sound recordist Walter Anderson, also explained the film will have characters inspired by mythology, but they are not trying to preach anything.

"Kaali's character has got power; she is someone bestowed with powers. All through these years you have watched movies like 300 and Avatar that have characters from the West. Through this movie, from the very beginning, our aim was to have our leading character from the East. But this movie is meant for international audiences...," he said.

To be directed by Simon Hunter, Kaali - The Warrior Goddess will go on the floors in April next year and is slated for a 2013 release. The film's budget is $75 million and Arora says money will be spent on technology.

"As the movie is imaginary, we are not bound by any geographical locations. Though we will shoot some parts in eastern Europe, mostly it will be studios as it is a 3D VFX movie. So the budget will be spent more on technology and less on stars," said Arora.

Hunter has roped in technicians from the US and Britain as well as a research team from Kolkata to work on the look of the movie.

Shakira to portray Goddess Kali

The singer and songwriter who's famous for her sizzling belly dance moves, is now set to enthrall Bollywood with her acting skills! The Columbian sensation has said yes to play Goddess Kali in an Indian project.

The film will be produced by Karan Arora, CEO of High Ground Entertainment Ltd.

Arora confirms the presence of Shakira in the project. He tells Mumbai Mirror "Shakira is on board. She has agreed in principle. She has said yes when my co-producer met her. But she is yet to sign on the dotted line. The money is being worked out quickly."

He added, Kaali- The Warrior Goddess will be a 3D motion film shot on CG. It will be a full-length, two-hour Hindi film to be shot in London, or then in a city in Eastern Europe."

Shakira was apparently selected for the role because of her dusky complexion. Arora was quoted by the tabloid as saying, "We wanted someone dusky and Shakira is dusky. Besides, we wanted an international star."

Shakira's Crack Exposed

Colombian born singer Shakira was photographed a few days ago while dancing at the beach and shaking her big round booty for one of her music videos.

That shouldn't be news, though. Except that during her butt quaking activities, she managed to expose her butt crack. Now that's something worth writing about!

There's been a lot of plumbing-like activity going on in the entertainment world lately, with lots of celebrities showing their ass cracks, but if you're to compare asses and asses, and cracks and cracks, Shakira's ass crack will definitely come on top.

Now that's one tight hard Latin ass and one sweet looking crack!