Singer Shakira has been honored by France as a Chevalier de LOrdre des Arts et des Lettres, becoming the first Colombian to receive the honor. Minister of Culture Frdric Mitterrand presented the medal to Shakira, who in addition to her music for which she was recognized is known for her philanthropic work on behalf of children. "I believe that every child should have the right to follow their dreams and get an education," she says on her website. "Growing up in Colombia, I saw that education can be a child's way out of poverty and a way to fulfill his or her potential. It is a basic right, but too often poor children are shut out." She goes on to note the number of children worldwide who don't go to primary and secondary school, and calls on governments to, among other things, prioritize education funding. On a more practical level, in recent years she's gotten five schools built back home. Note that this honor is different from the Chevalier Legion d...

Frederic Nebinger/WireImage The French love Shakira to death. The award-winning singer, whose cover of "Je l'aime mourir" ("I love her to death") debuted at No. 1 on the French singles chart, received the nation's prestigious culture medal in Cannes on Saturday. Colombia's biggest export was presented with the honor by French Minister of Culture Frederic Mitterand. And just what did the international pop star have to say about her latest accolade? MORE: Shakira Shines at 2011 Latin Grammys "I am so humbled to receive this honor in a country like France that has shared an important cultural legacy with the rest of the world," the 34-year-old Grammy winner said, as excerpted by the BBC . Previous winners of the French cultural honor, titled Chevalier, De L'order des Arts et des Letters, include poet T.S. Eliot, Clint Eastwood and George Clooney . You go, fille ! GALLERY: Party Pics Global

31 January 2012 Last updated at 05:37 ET Shakira is the first Columbian to have been given the award Shakira has received the French culture medal in Cannes for her contribution to the world of fine arts. The Columbian singer of hit single Hips Don't Lie was presented with the honour by French minister of culture, Frederic Mitterand, on Saturday. "I am so humbled to receive this honour in a country like France that has shared an important cultural legacy with the rest of the world," she said. Shakira was in Cannes to open the NRJ Music Awards. She performed her hit, Je L'Aime A Mourir. Previous recipients of the French cultural honour, titled Chevalier, De L'Order des Arts et des Lettres, are poet TS Eliot, director Clint Eastwood and actor George Clooney. Shakira also won the NRJ award of honour, and Justin Bieber took home the male version of the prize. Adele won two awards, taking home international revelation of the year and international song of the year fo...

Twitters second most popular microblogger, Justin Bieber , jetted off to Cannes, France, to celebrate winning the NRJ Award of Honor over the weekend. After receiving the award he tweeted, i never thought i would ever get out of stratford and now im celebrating in france. never gets old. ALWAYS grateful! #Ilovemyfans. Justin Bieber was not the only member of the Twittersphere to pick up an award at the star-studded NRJ Awards: Shakira also received the NRJ Award of Honor and Rihanna was honored with the International Female Artist of the Year Award. Chinese actress Yang Mi and American-Chinese singer Leehom Wang climbed their way up the top ten list of microbloggers on Sina Weibo , the Chinese-language equivalent of microblogging site Twitter, during the week. Yang Mi added more than 200,000 fans to her total, putting her ahead of fellow Chinese actress Xie Na and earning third place on the Sina Weibo leaderboard. Leehom Wang nabbed seventh place from TV host He Jiong with his total...

Shakira has been knighted in France. The singer was honoured yesterday at Hotel Majestic in Cannes by the Chevalier de l' ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters). The Daily Mail reports that the ceremony took place just hours before the star hit the red carpet at the NRJ Awards, where she was handed the prestigious Award of Honour. Not a bad Sunday, all in all. Previous recipients of the knighthood include Kylie Minogue , George Clooney and Jude Law . Last year Shakira recorded a version of 'Je L'aime Mourir', which she has also sung in Spanish and English. She has been confirmed as a guest star on will.i.am's forthcoming solo album #willpower, and has been linked to a duet with Miley Cyrus . Shakira gets French knighthood Daniel Radcliffe: 'I'm Not Friends With Rupert Grint' Dancing On Ice Star Corey Feldman: 'I Had No Idea What I Was Getting Myself Into' Shakira Awarded French Knighthood In C! anne...

January 29, 2012 2:11:00 PM UTC Shakira was the toast of Cannes on Saturday as she scooped a top prize at the NRJ Music Awards - just hours after accepting a French knighthood. The Colombian superstar beamed with pride as she was made a Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters, in recognition of her contributions to music, at an afternoon ceremony at Cannes' Majestic Hotel. She told the crowd, which included her proud parents Nidia and William, "I'm happy. I always felt connected with France. Thanks for all the love you send me." Shakira's winning streak continued later that evening at the glitzy NRJ Music Awards, where she received the Award Of Honour for her pop career. Other winners at the event included British soul star Adele, who claimed the International Revelation of the Year trophy and International Song of the Year for Someone Like You. Rihanna was voted Best International Female, British pop star Mika took home Best International Male and LMFAO mfao ...

by Steve Myall, Daily Mirror 30/01/2012 Mitterand admires Shakira's medal Shakira keeps her cool during a brush with a tactile French minister. Advertisement >> Excited Frederic Mitterand, 64,pinned a medal on the singers chest to honour her for her contribution to music. The politician then fiddled with the ribbon and made another grab for the Colombians top before finally holding his hands up at a Cannes ceremony. Maybe the Hips Dont Lie star,who later graced the NRJ Music Awards in a strapless gold dress, told him to get his Mitts off. The 34-year-old was being rewarded with the medal of knight of the Order of Arts and Letters Cannes, as part of the music worlds largest annual trade fair, Midem. Mitterand pins on the award Hands up if you enjoyed that Shakira at an awards ceremony later on The honour came two months after she released a cover of French song 'Je l'aime mourir'. Past recipients include Tim Burton, Kylie Minogue, George Clooney and Jude Law. fred...

Shakira has been honoured with a knighthood in France. The singer picked up the prestigious medal yesterday (January 28) just hours before arriving at the NRJ Awards in Cannes, where she went home with the Award of Honour. According to the Daily Mail , the award was given to her by French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand as her parents Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarak Chadid watched on. The Chevalier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters), whose past recipients include Kylie Minogue , George Clooney and Jude Law , came two months after she released a cover track of 'Je L'aime Mourir', originally made famous by French artist Francis Cabrel. The 34-year-old had previously sung the song in her native Spanish as well as English. The afternoon ceremony was held at the Hotel Majestic in Cannes.

At the 2012 NRJ Awardsin Cannes, France,even though world-famous singers like Shakira and Justin Bieber were in attendance, all eyes were on little-known French singer Shy'm. The French radio station NRJ held the gala at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres Saturday night. Shy'm upstaged Colombian beauty Shakira when she hit the 2012 NRJ Awards red carpet wearing a completely see-through corset with flecks of tinsel to create a frosted effect (and slightly cover her chest). The singer showed off her legs in a white Grecian skirt with thigh-high opening. The 26-year-old was certainly confident with her choice, as she posed proudly for photographs. Shakira opted for a glittering corseted gold mini dress with a sweetheart-cut bodice. The bedazzled dress was topped off with a silk waist-bow and shimmering silver heels. The day before the 2012 NRJ Awards, the 34-year-old singer accepted a French knighthood. At the awards ceremony, Shakira was given the NRJ Awards of Honor for her...

Los Angeles , Jan 29 ( IANS ) Singer Shakira has become the first Colombian to be honoured with France 's Chevalier De L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres medal. The 34-year-old received the award from the French Minister of Culture Frederic Mitterrand in Cannes Saturday. "I am so humbled to receive this honour in a country like France that has shared an important cultural legacy with the rest of the world," Shakira posted on her official site. The medal recognises significant contributions to the arts and literature and other recipients of the awards are T.S. Eliot, George Clooney and Clint Eastwood.

Britney Spears and Shakira are reportedly recording a song together. The pair are working on a new track produced by Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am , which is scheduled to be released later this year E! Online reports. Singer and producer Pharrell Williams , who is also rumoured to be involved in the project, said: "I have proposed to [Spears's label] Jive Records to bring Shakira into the studio and they thought it was a fabulous idea." He added: "I want to make it happen. I want an explosive duet and won't sleep easy until I see it." Williams is best known for working on Spears's hit 'I'm A Slave 4 U', while will.i.am produced 'Big Fat Bass' for her latest album Femme Fatale . Shakira previously collaborated with Beyonc on 2007's 'Beautiful Liar', which t! opped th e charts in the UK and peaked at number three in the US. Spears recently wrapped up her world tour in Puerto Rico , where she also celebrated her 30th b...

The latest despicable rumors in the world of sports revolve around Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and his girlfriend, singer Shakira. Allegedly, the two are being blackmailed by one of Shakira's staffers to pay up or have a sex tape they made together released online. We get the following from FOX News Latino : According to TV Notas , one of Shakira's employees is blackmailing the "Hips Don't Lie" singer. Allegedly, if she doesn't pay up the large sum requested, the video will be released. The gossip site says that supposedly the employee taped Shakira giving Piqu oral sex. I'm not even sure where to begin, so I'll just start ranting. If the story is true, Shakira's staffer is a despicable human being for trying to cash in on the privacy of the couple. I'm assuming the staffer would have taped the act unbeknownst to Shakira and Pique, though who knows? If the story isn't true then TV Notas is a pathetic and bottom-feeding "news" ...

Singers Shakira and Rihanna are moving up the ranks of Twitters most followed users, eclipsing TV celebrity Kim Kardashian and US president Barack Obama on the way. Colombian singer Shakira -- who primarily writes her Twitter posts in Spanish -- rocketed into fourth place ahead of Kim Kardashian. Even with a string of sometimes incoherent tweets, Rihanna managed to overtake President Barack Obama . Meanwhile, Obama is keeping his followers up to date with news of his 2012 presidential campaign. This week Twitters most followed microblogger, Lady Gaga , hit a new high with more than 18 million followers. Lady Gaga thanked her fans for helping her to reach the milestone by tweeting, [c]an't believe I have 18,000,000 TwitterMonsters, really rad, was just a few years ago I had barely any. Sinas most followed user, Chinese actress Yao Chen , also hit a milestone. Yao Chen hit a 16 million fan record on the Chinese-based microblogging site, drawing her closer to Justin Biebers 16.4 mi...

Shakira. Shakira wore an elaborate red dress to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala yesterday in Zurich, Switzerland. She kept her hair and accessories simple. What do you think of the decorations around Shakira's midriff area, particularly the black dot over her belly button? Is it beautifully ornate, or too Treasure Troll?

The president of world football's governing body, 75, must have thought of her hit Hips Don't Lie when he wriggled his middle in a short series of embarrassing moves. His efforts at the Fifa Ballon d'Or gala in Switzerland last night were so comical Shakira, 34 who was presenting an award with him could not stifle a laugh. The cringeworthy moves are the latest in a long line of Blatter bungles, including his playing down of racism in football. Watch the video below. Video: Sepp Blatter shaking his hips FIFA boss fails to impress Shakira with his embarrassing dad dance Click here to download the latest flash player. Cringe ... Shakira laughed off the Fifa boss's moves

10 JANUARY 2012 If there were any doubts about Shakira and Gerard Piques romance, they were dispelled by the couples loved-up appearance on Monday. The pair, who confirmed their relationship last March , made their red carpet debut in style at the Fifa Ballon d'Or Gala in Switzerland. Channelling old Hollywood glamour in a red sequinned, fishtail gown complete with soft waves in her hair, singer Shakirawas dressed to impress. CLICK ON PHOTO FOR FULL GALLERY They put on an affectionate display. Gerard, 24,kissed his lady in reds forehead before theywalked off hand in hand. Later,hewas spotted holdingthe Colombian beautyat arms length to admire her. The 34-year-old was a guest of honour at the event and was called on stage to reveal the big winner of the night, FC Barcelona player Lionel Messi. It's the third year in the row the Argentinian has been named the player of the year. Shkira also crossed paths with Manchester United player Wayne Rooney , who looked delighted to be m...

by Damien Fletcher, Daily Mirror 10/01/2012 Shakira and Wayne Rooney (Pic: Getty Images) Shakira looks a far cry from a raunchy She Wolf as she poses in a red-hot gown with Wayne Rooney yesterday. Advertisement >> The England football ace, 26, and the singer, 34 whos more usually seen gyrating wildly on stage were all smiles before the Fifa Ballon dOr gala. They were photographed on the red carpet at the Kongresshausin Zurich before FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced the winner of the Ballon d'Or as Lionel Messi. Barcelona's 24-year-old Argentina striker beat team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo to the title of the world's best player. Rooney and Manchester United team-mate Nemanja Vidic were both included in the world XI dominated by Spain-based players. Rooney said at the gala: "It was a great year and the highlight was winning the Premier League for the 19th time, which was a great moment for the club." ballon d'or , shakira ,...

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Shakira and Miley Cyrus are reportedly planning to duet on a brand new song. The pair will allegedly collaborate on a track titled 'Love & Rock' to raise money for a charity which helps children suffering with heart problems. They are expected to go into the studio together this month and release the track on Valentine's Day, ahead of a performance at a charity gala, reports Ace Showbiz . Reports suggest that they will also film a music video for the song following its release and their performance. Shakira recently revealed that she is planning to release an African trance-inspired record for her eighth studio album. Meanwhile, Cyrus has recorded a Bob Dylan classic to be included as part of Amnesty International's Chimes of Freedom album, which will be released later this month. Watch the music video for Shakira's 'Whenever, Wherever' below:

January 4, 2012 12:06:00 PM UTC Pop superstar Shakira is teaming up with Miley Cyrus for a duet to raise money for charity. The singers are reportedly recording a song called Love & Rock to help boost funds for children with severe heart problems. Shakira and Cyrus will release the track on St. Valentine's Day in February and they will perform the song together at a charity gala that same day.

Pop superstar Shakira is teaming up with Miley Cyrus for a duet to raise money for charity. The singers are reportedly recording a song called Love & Rock to help boost funds for children with severe heart problems. Shakira and Cyrus will release the track on St. Valentine's Day in February (14Feb12) and they will perform the song together at a charity gala that same day, according to ColombiaReports.com.

January 04, 2012 03:06:00 GMT Rumor has it, the 'Can't Be Tamed' singer and the 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' hitmaker are joining forces to help children with severe heart diseases. and reportedly are going to hook up in a studio for a brand new song. According to reports, the two female singers are lending their voice for good cause, which is to raise fund for children with heart problems. The charity song is rumored to be titled "Love & Rock", and is expected to be released on Valentine's Day this year. Words are, the two female artists are going to perform it at a charity gala on February 14, and will follow it up by premiering a music video. Miley and Shakira have participated in a number of charities in the past years, including recording songs for Haiti Relief initiatives. The former joined "Everybody Hurts" and "We Are the World 25 for Haiti", while the latter took part in "Somos El Mundo 25 Por Haiti". ...