Shakira's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Shakira. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a highly acclaimed Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer, often dubbed the "Queen of Latin Music." She is recognized for her significant influence on Latin American music and her role in popularizing Hispanophone music globally, contributing to the increased interest in the Spanish language. She has received numerous awards, including 4 Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 1993: Performance at Viña del Mar International Song Festival

In February 1993, Shakira performed at Chile's Viña del Mar International Song Festival, where she presented the ballad 'Eres' and won third place.

August 1996: 'Pies Descalzos' certified platinum in the U.S.

In August 1996, the album 'Pies Descalzos' was certified platinum in the U.S. by the RIAA.

1997: Billboard Latin Music Awards and Cultural Ambassador Appointment

In 1997, Shakira received three Billboard Latin Music Awards for Album of the Year for 'Pies Descalzos', Video of the Year for "Estoy Aqui", and Best New Artist. She was also named a national cultural ambassador by the president of Colombia.

1999: Praised by Gabriel García Márquez

In 1999, Colombian Nobel Prize winning novelist Gabriel García Márquez wrote "no one of any age can sing or dance with the innocent sensuality Shakira seems to have invented", praising her phenomenal musical talent, extraordinary maturity, and will of granite.

1999: MTV Unplugged concert broadcast

In 1999, Shakira's MTV Unplugged concert was the first time an "unplugged" episode was broadcast entirely in Spanish, marking her major breakthrough in the U.S. music market.

August 2000: MTV Video Music Award

In August 2000, Shakira won an MTV Video Music Award in the category of People's Choice – Favorite International Artist for "Ojos Así".

September 2000: Performance at Latin Grammy Awards

In September 2000, Shakira performed "Ojos Así" at the inaugural ceremony of the Latin Grammy Awards, where she was nominated in five categories.

2001: Became a pop sensation

In late 2001, Shakira released her first English material and became an instant pop sensation, thanks to her quirky poetic sense and a sexy video image built on her hip-shaking belly dance moves.

2002: Laundry Service becomes best-selling album

In 2002, Laundry Service became the best-selling album of the year, selling more than 15 million copies worldwide.

2005: Won Best Female award at the MTV Europe Awards

In November 2005, Shakira won the Best Female award at the MTV Europe Awards, beating Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott, and Mariah Carey.

February 2006: Release of Hips Don't Lie

In February 2006, "Hips Don't Lie" featuring Wyclef Jean, was released as the second single from Oral Fixation, vol. 2, and became Shakira's first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100.

February 2006: Grammy Award Win

In February 2006, Shakira won her second Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album.

April 2006: Honored at United Nations ceremony

On April 3, 2006, Shakira was honored at a United Nations ceremony for establishing the Pies Descalzos Foundation.

November 2006: Latin Grammy Awards

In November 2006, Shakira received four Latin Grammy Awards, winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "La Tortura", as well as Album of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Album for Fijación Oral, vol. 1.

February 2007: Grammy Awards performance and nomination

In February 2007, Shakira performed at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards and earned a nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Hips Don't Lie" with Wyclef Jean.

December 2008: People en Español's Humanitarian of the Year

In the December 2008 issue of People en Español, Shakira was declared the Humanitarian of the Year, acknowledging her contributions to social causes.

2008: Forbes ranking and Live Nation contract

In early 2008, Forbes named Shakira the fourth top-earning female artist in the music industry, and in July, she signed a $312 million contract with Live Nation Entertainment for tours, recordings, sponsorship, and merchandise.

January 2009: People en Español's Humanitarian of the Year

In the January 2009 issue of People en Español, Shakira was declared the Humanitarian of the Year, acknowledging her contributions to social causes.

March 2010: Awarded Medal by UN International Labour Organization

In March 2010, Shakira was awarded a medal by the UN International Labour Organization in recognition of being a "true ambassador for children and young people, for quality education and social justice".

November 2010: MTV Free Your Mind Award

In November 2010, after performing as the opening act of the MTV European Music Awards, Shakira received the MTV Free Your Mind award for her efforts to facilitate access to education for all children.

December 2010: Billboard Ranking and Viral Artist

In December 2010, Shakira was ranked number five on Billboard's "Online Video's Most Viral Artists of 2010" list, with 404,118,932 views.

February 2011: Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year

In February 2011, the Harvard Foundation named Shakira Artist of the Year at its Cultural Rhythms festival, awarding her its most prestigious medal for her contributions to music and her humanitarian efforts.

October 2011: Appointed to President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

In October 2011, Shakira was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

November 2011: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In November 2011, Shakira received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her achievements as an artist and advocate for social causes. Also in November, she was declared the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year at the Latin Grammys.

November 2011: Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year

On 9 November 2011, Shakira was honored as Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year for her artistic achievements and philanthropic undertakings.

2011: Awards and appointments in 2011

In 2011, Shakira received the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year and Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year awards for her philanthropic and humanitarian work and contributions to music. She was also appointed to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the United States.

2011: Latin Grammy Award for Sale el Sol

In 2011, Shakira's album Sale el Sol won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Album at the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony.

January 2012: Chevalier De L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

In January 2012, Shakira received the honor of Chevalier De L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French minister of culture, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts and literature.

2012: Forbes Ranking

In 2012, Forbes ranked Shakira at number 40 on its list of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women".

2012: Granted Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters

In 2012, Shakira was granted the honor of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.

2013: Forbes Ranking

In 2013, Forbes ranked Shakira at number 52 on its list of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women".

March 2014: Release of self-titled album "Shakira"

In March 2014, Shakira released her self-titled tenth studio album, "Shakira". The album debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200.

April 2014: Hero Award at Radio Disney Music Awards

On April 26, 2014, Shakira was honored with the Hero Award at the Radio Disney Music Awards for her work with the Pies Descalzos Foundation and other charitable organizations.

2015: Time's Most Influential People on Social Media

In 2015, Time recognized Shakira as one of the most influential people on social media, highlighting her significant "social capital" and "unparalleled platform" for promoting her work and philanthropy.

2017: Named one of the "World's Greatest Leaders"

In 2017, Shakira was named one of the "World's Greatest Leaders" by Fortune for her philanthropic efforts and influence.

January 2018: Release of "Trap" as single and Grammy Award

In January 2018, Shakira released "Trap" as the fourth single off the album El Dorado and won her third Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for El Dorado.

June 2018: "Chantaje" views on YouTube

By 1 June 2018, Shakira's song "Chantaje" had over 2.1 billion views on YouTube.

2018: "Hips Don't Lie" selected as one of the greatest songs by 21st century female artists

In 2018, "Hips Don't Lie" was selected as one of the greatest songs by 21st century female artists by National Public Radio.

2019: Houston Press Recommendation for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2019, Houston Press listed Shakira as one of the women who should have been introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, noting her debut album was released nearly 30 years prior.

April 2020: Shakira receives the 2020 Global Literacy Award

In April 2020, Shakira was announced as the recipient of the 2020 Global Literacy Award by the World Literacy Foundation for her contributions to improving literacy for disadvantaged children.

March 2021: Shakira listed as a feminist hero by Global Citizen

On International Women's Day, March 2021, Global Citizen listed Shakira among "14 feminist heroes one should know and celebrate".

2022: MTV's Most Influential Women in Music

In 2022, MTV (Latin America) included Shakira in the list of "the most influential women in the history of music", as the only Latina on the list.

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May 2023: Billboard Latin Woman of the Year

In May 2023, Billboard honored Shakira as the "Latin Woman of the Year", the first time the magazine bestowed this distinction. Billboard highlighted Shakira's record-breaking achievements of 2022 and 2023 and noted that she had been one of the best-selling musicians of all time.

July 2023: Dominance on Latin Pop Airplay Chart

On 29 July 2023, Shakira became the first woman to occupy the top three spots on the Latin Pop Airplay chart with "TQG", "Acróstico", and "Copa Vacía".

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2023: Recognition as a Best-Selling Musician

By 2023, Shakira had sold over 95 million records, solidifying her status as one of the world's best-selling musicians.

2024: Achievements and accolades in 2024

In 2024, Shakira performed at the Copa América final, released "Soltera", and received three Latin Grammy nominations and a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.

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February 2025: Shakira wins Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album

On February 2, 2025, Shakira won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, and dedicated the award to immigrant brothers and sisters in the United States.

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May 2025: Favorite Latin Song award by the American Music Awards for "Soltera"

In May 2025, Shakira won the Favorite Latin Song award at the American Music Awards for "Soltera", making her the most-awarded female Latin artist in the award show's history.

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2025: Billboard's Top 100 Women Artists

In 2025, Shakira was ranked at number 45 on Billboard's "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list.

2026: Zootopia 2 becomes Disney's highest-grossing animated movie

By early 2026, Zootopia 2 became Disney's highest-grossing animated movie ever, earning over $1.7 billion worldwide, with the "Zoo" track having over 500 million streams.

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