Shakira

Is the youngest of eight half-siblings. Has a Lebanese father and Colombian mother of Spanish and Italian descent. Learned to belly dance at the age of 4. Moved to Bogotá, Colombia, at 13 to pursue a modelling career, but ended up signing a recording contract with Sony Music Colombia. Starred in the Colombian telenovela El Oasis in 1994. Gloria Estefan helped in the translation of "Ojos Así" for Shakira's first English-language album, Laundry Service. In 2003, Mattel launched a Shakira doll. Received a UN humanitarian award in 2006 for starting Barefoot, a Colombian charity that helps children escape violence. Launched the beauty line "S by Shakira" in 2010. Appointed by Barack Obama to serve on the Advisory Commission on Education Excellence for Hispanics in 2011. Awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011. Often performs barefoot in concert. Was sued in 2013 by former partner, Antonio de la Rúa, who sought $100 million as compensation for the abrupt termination of their working relationship. The lawsuit was dismissed by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge later that year. Has received numerous awards, including 3 Grammy Awards, 13 Latin Grammy Awards, 5 MTV Video Music Awards, and has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Has sold more than 75 million records globally, making her one of the world's best-selling artists. Was listed by Forbes as one of the world's top 100 most powerful women from 2012 to 2015. Was ranked by Fortune at number 27 as one of the world's greatest leaders in 2017. Acts as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).