What Happened to Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll?
Shakira, the iconic Colombian singer-songwriter, has experienced a significant career resurgence and personal transformation in recent years. Following a high-profile separation and resolution of tax fraud allegations, she released her critically acclaimed album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" in March 2024 and embarked on a record-breaking global tour extending into late 2026, solidifying her status as a global music phenomenon. She was also nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2026.
Quick Answer
Shakira has made a powerful comeback in recent years, marked by the release of her 12th studio album, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," in March 2024, which won a Grammy in 2025. She is currently on a highly successful world tour, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour," with dates scheduled across multiple continents through October 2026, including a significant residency in Madrid and a North American leg. Additionally, she resolved her tax fraud cases in Spain in late 2023 and early 2024, and was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Debut Album 'Magia' Released
At 13, Shakira released her debut album 'Magia' with Sony Music Colombia, featuring songs she wrote since age eight. The album was released only in Colombia and had moderate commercial success.
Breakthrough with 'Pies Descalzos'
Shakira achieved her first major commercial success with the album 'Pies Descalzos,' which reached the top spot in eight countries and sold five million copies worldwide, establishing her fame in Latin America.
English Crossover with 'Laundry Service'
Shakira released her first English-language album, 'Laundry Service,' which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and launched her into global stardom.
Global Hit 'Hips Don't Lie'
Her single 'Hips Don't Lie' from 'Oral Fixation, Vol. 2' became a worldwide phenomenon, reaching number one in many countries and becoming one of her signature songs.
FIFA World Cup Anthem 'Waka Waka'
Shakira performed 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, further cementing her global appeal.
Separation from Gerard Piqué
Shakira and Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué announced their separation after 11 years together, a personal event that heavily influenced her subsequent music.
Settles First Spanish Tax Fraud Case
Shakira reached a plea deal with Spanish prosecutors, accepting a suspended three-year sentence and a fine of nearly €7.8 million to avoid trial for alleged tax fraud between 2012 and 2014.
Releases 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran' Album
Shakira released her 12th studio album, 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,' her first in seven years, which was critically acclaimed for its themes of resilience and transformation following her personal challenges.
Second Spanish Tax Fraud Case Shelved
A Spanish court shelved a second investigation into alleged tax fraud by Shakira concerning her 2018 income tax return, citing a lack of evidence and intent to defraud, concluding her legal issues in Spain.
Wins Grammy for 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran'
Her album 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran' won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album, marking her fourth Grammy win.
Releases 'Zoo' for 'Zootopia 2'
Shakira released the song 'Zoo' for the animated film 'Zootopia 2,' in which she reprises her voice role as the character Gazelle.
Announces 2026 US Arena Tour Dates
Shakira announced a limited run of U.S. arena shows for June and July 2026 as part of her 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour,' with tickets going on sale in early April.
Nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Shakira secured a spot among the top five public favorites for induction into the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, highlighting her global impact and potential to be the first female Latin star inducted.
Begins Madrid Residency
Shakira is scheduled to begin a multi-night residency at the newly constructed 'Shakira Stadium' in Madrid, Spain, as part of her 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour,' marking her first performances in Spain in eight years.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known globally as Shakira, has maintained her status as a leading figure in the music industry for over three decades, demonstrating remarkable resilience and artistic evolution. Her career, which began in the early 1990s, saw a significant turning point in the mid-2000s with her successful crossover into the English-language market.
The period leading up to 2024 was marked by significant personal and legal challenges. Her highly publicized separation from footballer Gerard Piqué in 2022 became a major theme in her subsequent musical output. Concurrently, Shakira faced multiple tax fraud investigations in Spain. In November 2023, she reached a settlement in a case alleging she defrauded Spanish tax authorities of €14.5 million between 2012 and 2014, agreeing to a suspended three-year sentence and a fine of nearly €7.8 million to avoid trial. A second investigation concerning her 2018 income tax return was shelved by a Spanish court in May 2024 due to a lack of evidence, effectively ending her legal troubles in Spain.
These personal and legal hurdles fueled a powerful creative resurgence. In March 2024, Shakira released her 12th studio album, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" (Women Don't Cry Anymore), her first album in seven years. The album, deeply inspired by her experiences of heartbreak and transformation, features collaborations with artists like Cardi B, Rauw Alejandro, and Karol G, and includes previously released hit singles such as "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53." The album was met with critical acclaim, praised for its exploration of diverse musical genres and vulnerable lyrics, and went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album in 2025, marking her fourth Grammy win.
Following the album's success, Shakira embarked on the "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour," which commenced in February 2025. This stadium tour has been a monumental success, breaking numerous ticket sales and venue records, and is recognized as the highest-grossing tour ever by a Hispanic artist, having earned over US$421.6 million within its first 86 concerts as of January 2026. The tour continues its global expansion into 2026, with a headline performance at the Todo Mundo No Rio concert on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach on May 2, 2026. She announced a North American leg for June and July 2026, with several dates coinciding with FIFA World Cup host cities. Furthermore, a significant three-night residency at Madrid's newly built Shakira Stadium is scheduled for September and October 2026, marking her return to Spain for performances after eight years.
As of April 2026, Shakira's influence continues to be recognized beyond her musical achievements. She was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, securing a spot among the top five public favorites, a testament to her global impact and pioneering role in Latin music. Her estimated net worth stands at approximately $300 million in early 2026, a reflection of her extensive career, record sales, successful tours, and strategic business ventures including fragrance lines and investments. Shakira continues to produce music and support children through her Pies Descalzos Foundation.
What If...?
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