The queen of Latin pop music, Shakira, is one of the most captivating Coaches who has ever graced one of The Voice’s red chair, boasting a decades-long career.
Shakira’s influence as a musician is immeasurable. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia to her Colombian mother and Lebanese father, Shakira quickly became known for her sonic fusion of Arabic and Colombian musical styles.
She created an entirely new sound — which has made the “Hips Don’t Lie” one of the most successful Latin artists in music history.
From her red chair reign to her smash 2021 Superbowl show, Shakira is a powerhouse performer to her core, continually raising the bar. Shakira is beloved far and wide for her unique vocals and mesmerizing dance moves.
Shakira’s career background is a testament to her timeless talent and artistry. Dive into the former Voice Coach’s impressive career history, below.
Shakira released her debut album, Magia (1991), at just 14 years old. In 1993, Shakira kept the beats going with Peligro and, while the first two albums included many bops, Shakira’s third studio album, Pies Descalzos (1996), permanently planted her on the Latin music charts.
Shakira continued to shake up the industry with her reggae-reminiscent sound and mind-boggling belly dancing, gaining even more traction with the 1998 release of Dónde Están Los Ladrones?
Shakira cemented her legacy in 2001 after winning the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for the hypnotizing recording of her MTV: Unplugged performance. But even with a Grammy under her belt, Shakira was only getting started.
The album responsible for elevating Shakira to international superstardom was her 2001 release Laundry Service. Before the album’s debut, Shakira had relocated to Miami, Florida in hopes of growing her American fan base, prompting her to write an album in both English and Spanish.
Giving us the smash hits “Whenever, Wherever,” “Te Dejo Madrid,” and “Underneath Your Clothes,” Laundry Service was partially produced by Emilio Estefan, the son of fellow Latin pop legend Gloria Estefan. Laundry Service proceeded to be a decorated success, winning several awards in 2002.
2005 and 2006 were monumental years for Shakira’s career as she released two albums that made her a household name.
In 2005, Shakira released Fijación Oral, Vol. 1, gracing fans with its sultry lead single “La Tortura.” The album was a bonafide Grammy-grabber, earning her the 2006 Grammy for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album and four Latin Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Song of the Year (“La Tortura”), Record of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album.