Shakira She Wolf Top Of the Pops Christmas Live
December 23, 2009
thanks to HomefortheholidaysHD
A Home For The Holidays With Faith Hill
December 23, 2009
Video Chat with Shakira
December 14, 2009
shakira in al rojo vivo
December 14, 2009
Shakira shakes up Oxford Union with address
December 07, 2009
Michael Jackson and Mother Teresa. Stephen Hawking and the Dalai Lama. And now Shakira.
The Colombian pop singer — famous for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever” — joined a diverse group of luminaries when she addressed the Oxford Union on Monday.
The 32-year-old, who is also a UNICEF ambassador, used her speech to hundreds of Oxford students to stress her belief in education for all. Many students had waited in the rain to see the pop star’s appearance at the university’s famous debating society.
“I was born in Colombia, growing up in the developing world where education is perceived as a luxury and not as a birthright,” she said.
The pop star runs a charity that builds schools for poor children in Colombia. Shakira said her singing career has helped her campaign.
“I think those two paths have been so parallel in my life,” she said. “My career gives me an enormous opportunity to communicate issues that I believe strongly should be communicated.”
Oxford Union spokesman Conan McKenzie said Shakira’s philanthropy was one reason to invite her, but added that “she’s an immensely popular singer with a large fan base among Oxford students. And the Oxford Union has a tradition of inviting a wide variety of speakers.”
Jingle Ball UK
December 06, 2009
thanks to kirstysconcertvideos for the clips
Ugly Betty
December 04, 2009
Shakira was on tonight's episode of Ugly betty, thanks to thedivasfanvideo for the clip
Santa baby - Rockefeller center
December 03, 2009
Last Night they showed the pre-recorded performance of Shakira
at Rockefeller center, video thanks to xxmiamiboy69xx
XIX Ibero American summit
November 30, 2009
ALAS received the support of the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernández, who will chair the XX Iberoamerican Summit in 2010, to include Early Childhood Development in the Agenda of this diplomatic event. In a press conference that took place today, November 30th, in the frame of the XIX Iberoamerican Summit of Chiefs of State and Government, 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. 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”, declared the Colombian singer 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.
The press conference was the scenario in which the Regional Alliance for Early Childhood Development was presented, and where the Presidents of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Argentina joined Shakira and Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, in the search of ways that lead to the universal coverage of education, nutrition, and attention to health for children between 0 and 6 years old. The ECD Report was presented as the first product of this alliance and as a first step to accomplish this goal as it is an overview of the state of early childhood in the region.
The Mexican President Felipe Calderón ratified his country’s support to ALAS Foundation and assured, modifying a Mexican popular saying that “Every child should come with a medical insurance under his arm”. By the other hand, Álvaro Uribe, President of Colombia, spoke about his country’s efforts towards early childhood through the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF for its acronym in Spanish) 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, sign 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.
This way, Early Childhood Development gained prominence among the Latin American Presidents, and constitutes a promise for the region’s human, social and economical development.
XIX Ibero American summit in Lisbon, Portugal
November 29, 2009
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, and singer Shakira from Colombia attend a press conference during the XIX Ibero American summit Sunday, Nov. 29 2009, in Lisbon. The annual summit starting Sunday brings together the leaders of 19 Latin-American countries plus Portugal, Spain and Andorra."Pleasing my ears is my first commitment. I always try to connect to my music physically. I have to feel a physical reaction, because if I don''t feel like I''m dancing or reacting, if I don''t feel it here, in my stomach, I don''t stop," she added
Shakira at Starfloor Concert, Paris
November 2, 2009
Videos thanks to starfloorshakira
Shakira in "Ugly Betty"
November 27, 2009
Shakira will be in the next episode of "Ugly Betty", don't miss it!
Shakira at the Bambi Awards
November 26, 2009 Pictures of this event here!
Shakira holds the award for 'Pop International' at the Bambi Awards 2009 Show at the Metropolis Hall at the Filmpark Babelsberg on November 26, 2009 in Potsdam, Germany, thanks to ombrelloandria for the video
CNN Heroes with Larry King
November 26, 2009
Cnn heroes with Larry King, Thanks to theshakiratoluca1 for the video
Shakira in "so you tink you can dance
November 25, 2009
Shakira in the George Lopez show
November 25, 2009
Shakira in the Rachel Ray show
November 24, 2009
Shakira in the American Music awards
November 22, 2009 Pictures of this event here!
Shakira performed tonight her single "Give it up to me" on the american music awards
Christmas at Rockefeller Center feat SHAKIRA
November 17, 2009
Videos Thanks to Shellalujan!
Shakira in "The jimmy fallon show"
november 17 2009
Shakira's New Video "Give It Up To Me" (featuring Lil Wayne)
November 16, 2009
Today Shakira premiered her awsome video for her single "Give it up to me" Shakira-Youtube
Shakira in "The View" show
november 16 2009
Christmas at Rockefeller Center feat SHAKIRA
November 14, 2009
this event will be this coming tuesday!
LIGHTING UP THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS CHRISTMAS TREE -- NBC heralds the arrival of the holidays on Wednesday, December 2 with a dazzling display of musical talent and the lighting of the world's most famous Christmas tree during the 12th annual "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" telecast. The star-studded 77th annual tree lighting extravaganza will feature an array of musical superstars performing current hits and holiday classics from Rockefeller Center in New York City. Prior to the network special, WNBC NBC's New York flagship station, will broadcast an additional live hour of the special (7-8 p.m. ET). "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" is produced by Brad Lachman Productions with Lachman serving as executive producer. Bill Bracken is a producer. 1Iota
Live World Premiere of Shakira's “Give It Up To Me” (featuring Lil Wayne)
November 14, 2009
Shakira invites you to tune in for the exclusive world premiere of her new video “Give It Up To Me” (featuring Lil’ Wayne) on Facebook.com/Shakira at 12pm PST / 3pm EST on Monday, November 16th. Shakira will present the video live via Ustream after a short interview with Carolina Bermudez from Z100 in New York. No artist has ever used UStream and Facebook to host a live premiere of a music video before! Below is a 15 second clip of the video.
Shakirafacebook
Shakira private concert at Pc Richard and son
november 13 2009
Shakira sang tonight at PC richard and son, She did an amazing job! She performed her new single "give it up to me","Gypsy","She wolf","Loba",and "Hips don't lie". you can see low quality videos on the links below, next week you can watch the performances on pcricharandson theater website.
Shakira in "the David Letterman show"
november 10 2009
Thanks to WhelpLoose for the video
Shakira Celebrates Album Release, Rolling Stone Cover In NYC
November 10, 2009
Shakira laced up her dancing shoes to party for two reasons last night: the release of her brand new album, She Wolf, and landing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
The sexy Colombian pop star posed with a giant mock-up of the cover at her party at the Bowery Hotel in New York City. She also accepted a plaque commemorating 1 million copies sold of her album’s sultry title-track. Source Neonlimelight
Shakira in "El Hormiguero" show
november 09 2009
"Dit it again" Video
November 04, 2009
You can now watch Shakira's New video for the song "did it again",awsome video!
Shakira in Paul O'Grady Show
november 02 2009
"Hungry like a wolf" FLYP
October 20, 2009
FLYP has a new issue with a Story about Shakira "Hungry like a wolf" presenting her life and career through photos, text, audio, and video.Big Thanks to Susan Lee from FLYP Media FLYP
"Give it up to me" Featuring Lil Wayne
October 15, 2009
Today was the World premiered of "Give it up to me", a collaboration with Timbaland featuring
Lil Wayne, You can listen to it on demand on Kiss FM with ryan seacrest, just click the link below.
KISS FM
Shakira in dancing with the stars
october13 2009
Shakira performed "did it again" and "Hips don't lie" tonight in dancing with the stars. videos thanks
to neonlimelight.com
Listen to the Preview of her New upcoming album
september 26 2009
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
september 25 2009
Shakira On Cristina Show
september 21 2009
Did It Again - Jimmy Kimmel Live
september 18 2009
She Wolf - Jimmy Kimmel Live
september 18 2009
She Wolf - Alma Awards
september 18 2009
She Wolf Video premiered today!
July 30 2009
Shakira's new video for her single "She Wolf" was premiered tonight
Shakira.com
"She wolf" in Itunes now!
July, 2009
Now you can buy Shakira's new english single "She wolf" on Itunes,
The Colombian singer insists that she was amazed when she began "howling and panting" while writing her new single.
'She Wolf' came to me very mysteriously. I was in the studio in a bad mood that day, then I got inspired and went to a corner and I wrote the lyrics and the melody in 10 minutes. The image of the she wolf just came to my head, and when I least expected it, I was howling and panting," Contactmusic quoted her as saying.
Shakira also admitted that she was surprised to find herself improvising during shooting the video
for the single, but says feel "physically connection" to songs is important.
"I am in a cage, but I am showing the desperation of being in it. I got a little carried away, hanging upside down,� she told Rolling Stone magazine.
"Pleasing my ears is my first commitment. I always try to connect to my music physically. I have to feel a physical reaction, because if I don''t feel like I''m dancing or reacting, if I don''t feel it here, in my stomach, I don''t stop," she added
Shaki back in magazines!
July 2009
Shakira is in the Gente and Caras Magazines, you can dowload the pdf files on the link below.
Caras Mag Pdf Gente Mag Pdf
Shakira live on FOX 5 NY
July 14, 2009
The singer interviewed live on FOX 5 NY "
Shakira on Good Day LA
July 14, 2009
Her new video for She Wolf, Her approach to making music and using the internet to connect with fans, When her father recognized she had a tremendous voice, Charity work, Love of food ."
The View
July 13 2009
Today Shakira was in the Show "The view" in New york city where She spoke about her new single "She wolf", they also showed a preview of the video for "she wolf". Everyone in the audience standed up and were extremely happy
to see Shakira.
Pics of this event
Shakira Visits Choco
february 7 2009
After a great Inauguration of her New Pies Descalzos School in la Playa, Shakira traveled the next day to "Choco" where She visited
one of her other Pies Descalzos School, She also spent some time with some of the displaced families in the community.
Pics of this event
Shakira's gift: hometown school
Feb 5, 2009
BARRANQUILLA, Colombia – As a teenager, the pop star Shakira fought illiteracy, teaching reading at a parochial school in the humble La Playa district of her hometown on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Her gift to La Playa is now considerably bigger.
The multiple Grammy winner dedicated a $6 million school on Wednesday sponsored by her foundation, Pies Descalzos, which means "barefoot" in Spanish.
The black-gowned Shakira was accompanied by President Alvaro Uribe, who decorated her with a medal. The 13,000-square-meter (140,000-sq.-ft.) school will cater to 1,800 students and is the fifth the singer-songwriter's foundation has built.
Shakira said her foundation's work is all about "breaking the myth that quality education is the privilege of the few."
Pics of this event Source-yahoo
Shakira dona a Barranquilla colegio para que 1.590 niños estudien
February 03 2009
La Playa, corregimiento donde la cantante prestó su servicio social de alfabetización cuando estudiaba en el colegio La Enseñanza, es el lugar donde el próximo miércoles será inaugurado el plantel.
Se trata del colegio Fundación Pies Descalzos, el proyecto más reciente de la entidad del mismo nombre, a la que Shakira le dio vida en 1995 con el fin de mejorar la nutrición de los más jóvenes en las comunidades menos favorecidas del país.
La obra, que evidencia el compromiso de la artista con la gente de su tierra, ya cuenta con cuatro colegios: dos en Soacha, en Altos de Cazucá; uno en Quibdó y otro más en Barranquilla. El modelo que emplea la fundación es novedoso, ya que no se trata solamente de mejorar la educación.
"Queremos tener una mirada más integral y una comunidad educadora a través de la escuela. En pocos años este será el mejor colegio de Barranquilla", señala María Emma Mejía, presidenta ejecutiva de la Fundación Pies Descalzos.
Esta cohesión que se busca a partir del colegio se materializa en la participación que la comunidad tendrá en él ya que, a las 3 de la tarde, cuando los estudiantes hayan terminado su jornada escolar, las personas de la zona pueden usar instalaciones como el teatrino, el auditorio para 1.200 personas, la biblioteca abierta y la cancha polideportiva.
El nuevo colegio busca darles a los estudiantes herramientas para ser autosuficientes, por lo que quienes se gradúen allí recibirán su cartón de técnico portuario o en arte, con el fin que puedan conseguir trabajo en empresas como el Puerto de Barranquilla.
La idea de extender los beneficios del colegio al corregimiento se refleja en proyectos que ya se han llevado a cabo en otras escuelas de la fundación, y que se espera que se repliquen en la nueva institución de la capital del Atlántico.
Por ejemplo, en el nuevo colegio hay una huerta que servirá para que la institución se autoabastezca, mientras que en el de Quibdó las mamás de los alumnos manejan el restaurante del colegio, forman una cooperativa y a través de esta se pagan el sueldo.
"Otra forma de ahorrar es con un fondo común que al final del año se reparten y utilizan según lo decidan: puede ser en comprar regalos para los niños; donarlo para el restaurante del colegio o comprar filtros de agua para sus casas, ya que en Quibdó no hay agua potable", explica Patricia Sierra, directora de programas de la Fundación Pies Descalzos.
De la misma manera, se busca que quienes se han graduado del colegio y otros que no, pero que viven en las zonas de influencia de la fundación, sigan vinculados a ella. Para lograr este objetivo se creó el programa Jóvenes Educadores, que opera gracias a una alianza con la Fundación Colombia para la Educación y la Oportunidad, y funciona en Cazucá, Barranquilla y Quibdó.
Consiste en que muchachos entre 15 y 21 años se conviertan en educadores para los alumnos en cuatro áreas (deportiva; de arte, música y danza; comunicación y nutrición). Según Sierra, en los seis primeros meses se capacitan y no se les paga.
Después, durante los siguientes cuatro meses se les da una bonificación de 40.000 pesos mensuales, y a medida que pasa el tiempo comienzan a ganar más, como algunos que ya reciben 120.000 pesos mensuales.
"En el área de nutrición el trabajo que llevan a cabo consiste en hacerles seguimiento en los comedores a los niños, registrar su talla y su peso; darles la comida a los más pequeños, cerciorarse de que sí coman y reportar cualquier problema al nutricionista", afirma la directora de programas.
A estos muchachos se les incentiva el ahorro y cada uno guarda 5.000 pesos al mes. "Al final del año pasado, en Cazucá se ahorraron de esta manera 1,2 millones de pesos, y la Fundación les dio esa misma cantidad. Esa vez les donaron plata a unos niños del colegio que se graduaban de 11 e iban a un paseo a Santa Marta", afirma Sierra, para quien es clave que esos servicios que los jóvenes educadores les prestan a la fundación los vendan a otros colegios.
Y ya lo están haciendo en el colegio que funciona en Barranquilla, donde vienen a hacer vacaciones creativas con los alumnos. "Además, ya empezaron a vender sus servicios a una entidad que atiende a niños parapléjicos, luego de haberse capacitado en este tema en la Universidad del Atlántico", añade Sierra.
El colegio Fundación Pies Descalzos del corregimiento de La Playa, afectado por el desplazamiento masivo de personas, es público, ofrece educación desde preescolar hasta grado 11 y se levantó en 4 hectáreas, de las cuales 15.000 metros cuadrados son construidos.
Tiene 40 salones y costó 11.500 millones de pesos, el 60 por ciento de los cuales los aportó o consiguió Shakira.
Entre los logros de los colegios de la fundación está haber obtenido el puesto 14 de los exámenes del Icfes en el país, con un muchacho graduado del colegio en Altos de Cazucá, que estudia cuarto semestre de biología en la Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, en Bogotá.
El nuevo colegio de La Playa tendrá énfasis en la enseñanza de inglés, desde primero de primaria, así como en música y arte, pues estarán Batuta, de la red nacional de orquestas, y el Colegio del Cuerpo, del bailarín Álvaro Restrepo.
De los 93 estudiantes graduados de los colegios de la Fundación, 41 están en la universidad. Otros están en cursos técnicos en entidades como el Sena.
article source Video of this event Pics of this event
Shakira working with Pharrell
January 22, 2009
Shakira and Pharrell got together yesterday in Miami.
Sources confirmed that Shakira has recorded a duet with Calle 13 which will appear on her next album, due out later this year. She may also collaborate with Algerian artist Khaled and has been recording extensively with producer Pharrell Williams, according to those familiar with Shakira's forthcoming project.
The artist is recording her last album for Sony Music before going to Live Nation.
article source
Diva trio sing for new president
January 21 2009
Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Shakira have helped President Obama and the first lady dance into the early hours during a series of glitzy - and gruelling - inauguration balls.
Stevie Wonder was also among the big names who sang and serenaded the couple during a long night in the US capital.
The Obamas were the star attraction at the first dance, the Neighbourhood Ball, which is held for people who live in the Washington area.
With the president dressed in a white tie tuxedo and his wife in a shimmering white floor-length gown, the couple took to the stage for the first dance with Beyonce singing the Etta James' classic At Last in the background.
Obama asked revellers: "First of all, how good looking is my wife?, drawing cheers as a response.
Mariah and Kid Rock were other big-name performers at the event, belting out hits to the crowd.
At the Biden Home States Ball, film director Ron Howard also took time out to express his sympathy with the long day Mr Obama was having.
He said: "I feel bad for him. He's had a long day and now he has to do seven dances. This has got to be the gruelling part for the first family," he said.
Pics of this event source
Shakira's Hopes for the Future
January 20, 2009
"Extra" caught up with Shakira at the Huffington Post Pre-Inaugural ball, where the spicy singer opened up about the upcoming Neighborhood Ball -- and someday sharing this moment with her kids!
Pics of this event Video &source
the Latino 2009 Inaugural Gala at Union Station
January 19 2009
Getting geared up for Barack Obama’s inauguration, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony were spotted at the 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala last night (January 18) in Washington DC.
Hanging with fellow singer Shakira and her beau Antonio de la Rua, the “Waiting for Tonight” songstress and her “I Need to Know” hubby looked stunning as they arrived at Celebrando El Cambio at Union Station, with Jen sporting a bold blue strapless gown, while Marc sported a snazzy pinstripe suit.
Pics of this event source
Shakira, Mayor Adrian Fenty And Labor Secretary-Designate Hilda Solis Visit Dc School In Response To President-Elect Obama’s Call To Service
January 19, 2009
Internationally acclaimed artist and advocate announces partnership between foundation and Oyster-Adams Bilingual Elementary School to aid needy Colombian school children.
In conjunction with MLK Day and President Elect Obama’s call to service, Shakira, Washington DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Labor Secretary-designate Hilda Solis and DC School Chancellor Michelle Rhee joined students and families for a morning of culture and service at Oyster-Adams Bilingual Elementary School. Shakira and Mayor Fenty read to the students and listened to student performances in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“It was an honor to join Chancellor Michelle Rhee and Shakira today in support of Oyster-Adams students,” said Mayor Fenty. “Both embody the commitment and passion needed to ignite true education reform. Their efforts are a true testament to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and an example of their unrelenting desire for public service.”
Shakira and Oyster-Adams Principal Monica Liang-Aguirre announced a sister-school relationship with a Colombian elementary school, Escuela Gabriel García Márquez, located outside of Bogota. Shakira’s Barefoot Foundation works with the school, which is largely attended by children who have been displaced by Colombia’s internal conflict. Along with service projects, the school will participate in ongoing cultural exchanges with Colombian students. Oyster-Adams students presented Shakira with books donations to launch the relationship.
“Every child, no matter where they are in the world, deserves access to a high quality education,” said Shakira. “I was thrilled to visit the Oyster-Adams School today as a part of President-Elect Obama’s call to service and to meet the amazing students who will begin a pen-pal relationship with the schools run by my foundation in Colombia.”
Shakira’s visit to Oyster-Adams is part of her ongoing work to promote universal education and early childhood development. Shakira has been an active advocate and philanthropist since she began the Barefoot Foundation at the age of 18. She is leading voice for children as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and the honorary chair of the Global Campaign for Education
Pics of this event
Obama concert brings out the best in its starry lineup
January 19 2009
Pete Seeger has seen it all in his 89 years on this earth.Towards the end of the riveting "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration" Sunday afternoon at the Lincoln Memorial, the folk singer ran on stage with his banjo to join Bruce Springsteen and a gospel choir for an extended version of Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." Seeger was excited. More than 500,000 people attended the free concert. The weather was as brittle as Dick Cheney, but Seeger wore only a plaid shirt, blue jeans and a tassled ski cap.
He had work to do. He still had dreams to chase.
That was the underlying theme of the concert, which aired live on HBO (and repeats today at noon and 8:30 p.m.).
"We Are One" set out to frame the face of a country and to capture the voice of change. The majority of the crowd was young, and it would not be an overstatement to call it this generation's one-day Woodstock. Celebrity readers appeared between each song in the 90-minute set.
None went over as well as actor Jamie Foxx. Even though the crowd chuckled when he was introduced in tandem with comic Steve Carell, Foxx told the gathering that Barack Obama's acceptance speech in Grant Park was the "most incredible moment of my life."
Foxx then led the crowd in chants of "Chi-Town" and "Stand Up 312" before launching into an Obama imitation that cracked up the president-elect. The considerable Chicago delegation in the throng cheered.
The heart travels well.
"We Are One" had a couple of moments illustrating that America remains a diverse country filled with surprises. Who would have thought forgotten cowboy Garth Brooks would wow the crowd with a medley of Don McLean's "American Pie," the Isley Brothers' "Shout" and his own "We Shall Be Free"? Even though the medley was as lame as a Division Street jukebox, Obama was digging it from his perch on stage left with his family and the family of Vice-President-elect Joe Biden. Brooks went over bigger than "The Rising," the curtain raiser with Springsteen leading the gospel choir on acoustic guitar.
Soul singer Betty LaVette and rocker Jon Bon Jovi covering Sam Cooke's iconic "A Change Is Gonna Come" was a curious call. LaVette was loyal to a gospel arrangement, but Bon Jovi did not add any extra dimension.
Stevie Wonder, Usher and Shakira brought the Obamas to their feet with a spot-on version of Wonder's "Higher Ground," while no artist pandered to the president-elect as much as Bono. U2 delivered a driving medley of its Martin Luther King Jr. anthem "Pride (In The Name of Love)" and "City of Blinding Lights." Bono repeatedly threw his right fist in the air while chanting "Love!" and bowing to Obama.
The president-elect clapped along to Mary J. Blige's reggae-tinged version of Bill Withers' "Lean On Me." Blige also presented one of the afternoon's more festive outfits. In pure white with white and black boots, she looked like an extra from an Andy Williams Christmas special.
The gospel choir returned to back John Mellencamp's electric version of "Pink Houses" that was so charged up, a flock of geese took off from atop the Lincoln Memorial. And as usual Sheryl Crow performed with dignity while covering Bob Marley's "One World" with will.i.am and Chicago's Herbie Hancock on deep blue keyboards.
Tom Hanks reading on Abraham Lincoln became a mini-series, but Queen Latifah's comments on gospel legend Marian Anderson being denied permission to sing at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial because of the color of her skin became poignant when Josh Groban and the 100-voice Gay Men's Choir of Washington sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" (with former Northwestern student Heather Headley) on those very steps.
Beyonce concluded the concert by leading the entire cast in a searing version of "America the Beautiful."
The president-elect thanked the performers for reminding him, "through song and through words, just what it is that we love about America." Obama called the concert "a celebration of American renewal," and no one who stood tall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial on this Sunday afternoon would disagree.
But he hadn't seen this."
Pics of this event source
Sombre atmosphere as Shakira shimmies in Abu Dhabi
January 01, 2009
Abu Dhabi: Her fans screamed as the lights went down and an enthusiastic Shakira appeared against a rainbow backdrop ready to bring in 2009.
A slightly somber atmosphere seemed to hang over the venue as revellers acknowledged neighbouring emirate, Dubai’s decision to ‘cancel’ New Year celebrations because of the violence in Gaza by order of Ruler, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Something the Latin singer didn’t mention throughout the gig to the disappointment of some concertgoers.
But the Grammy Award-winning singer turned things around by playing her trump card and winning over Arab fans with a touching few lines about being in the Middle East.
Shakira, whose father is half Lebanese, referred to her Arab roots as she took the stage but again failed to mention the violence in the Palestinian territory. “I’m the fruit of an Arab land, and I’m immensely proud of my Arab heritage,” she said with a hand placed firmly across her chest.
“I just wanted you to know that and also that I can’t think of a better place to spend New Year’s Eve.”
The Latin pop star headlined the lavish New Year’s Eve party at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi – a concert many, including organisers, had feared may not come off.
However, as they say in the business, the show must go on – and it did. Although not as many of the 10,000 tickets available sold as expected as the intimate concert failed to sell out.
Opening with a signature Spanish song (which not many recognized in fairness) the little Latina shook her hips as only she knows how and had fans dancing from the start.
Fans expressed mixed feelings about the concert going ahead even though many had paid hundreds of dirhams for tickets.
As well the Spanish numbers, the audience were treated to all the favourites including Hips Don’t Lie, Underneath Your Clothes and Whenever Wherever – one which saw fans scream the words back up onto the stage as she bent down and put the microphone across the excited crowd below her.
Dressed in a cropped waistcoat style top and trousers the singer showed she’s not just about the hips and dancing, which she claims to have picked up from her Arab grandmother, and played the acoustic guitar as part of her set.
Alexa Ferrintine, 24, a sales assistant from Dubai, originally from the UK, said the concert should go ahead but added it would have been nice if the singer had acknowledged the problems from the stage.
“Pop stars are influential and it is their words which would reach across borders and barriers – not mine. I thought someone like Shakira would know that. She’s a bright girl.”
Roberto Lemmy, 18, traveled from Italy to see his favourite singer. He said: “She was awesome. I know there are problems in Gaza but we shouldn’t all cancel events which could show support for these people.
"Maybe it would have been nice to collect money at the concert or something. Shakira was amazing and well worth the journey. I feel so lucky to have seen her perform in such a tiny venue. It’s a dream come true for me.”
The concert, which included an impressive stage which has taken almost two weeks to construct, along with four giant party tents housing the Rumba Room for the after party, was Shakira’s second gig in the UAE having performed once before at Dubai’s Autodrome.
Clearly well-practiced and capable staff at the Emirates Palace ensured the concert, after party and taxi line ran smoothly and without a hitch. Pics of this event Source
Shakira is in the Gente and Caras Magazines, you can dowload the pdf files on the link below.
