Although 2011 is far from over, there are a number of good reasons to believe that Shakira is already the most influential Latin music artist of the year. Music and humanitarian contributions have transformed Shakira into an iconic face of Latin music around the world. From her outstanding collection of Latin music awards to the popularity of her album Sale El Sol, the following are the reasons that make the Colombian singer the number one Latin music star of 2011.
11. Three Latin Grammy Awards Nominations
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Getting a Latin Grammy Award is as good as it gets for any Latin music artist. Shakira, who has already received seven Grammy Awards throughout her career, is competing this year for three of the most important trophies including Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Album, and Best Short Form Music Video.
10. Top Finalist of The 2011 Premios Juventud Awards
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Although Bachata sensation Prince Royce ended up as the big winner of this year's Premios Juventud (Youth Awards), Shakira made it to the top of the list with 7 nominations. Premios Juventud, an event organized by the Spanish-language network Univision, is among the most popular Latin music events of the year.
9. Shakira and Pique
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Even though a love story has nothing to do with music, the relationship between Shakira and Spanish soccer player Gerard Pique has been one of the hottest gossips related to a Latin music star this year. This affair has captured the attention of the media and all the fans of the Colombian singer and the outstanding defender from FC Barcelona.
8. Harvard Award
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This year, the prestigious Harvard University honored Shakira with the 2011 Artist of the Year Award. Shakira received this honor from the Harvard Foundation, which acknowledged the music talent and humanitarian contributions of the Latin Pop star.
7. Shakira and FC Barcelona
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Shakira not only found love in Barcelona but also an opportunity to get involved with the humanitarian projects of the FC Barcelona, the best soccer team in the world for the past years. Last August, Shakira's Barefoot Foundation teamed up with FC Barcelona to develop a new program aimed at providing support to at-risk youth through a program named The Soccer for Youth Development and Healthy Living.
6. Most Downloaded Latin Music Artist
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Early this year, a report by Ovi Music, a downloading site from Nokia, placed Shakira as the most downloaded Latin music artist for the second consecutive year. This report, which is known as The Top Ten Latin Music Artists Globally, listed five Shakira songs in the list of the top 10 singles.
5. Six Trophies at The 2011 Billboard Latin Music Awards
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This year, Shakira captured six trophies at the Billboard Latin Music Awards thanks to her hit album Sale El Sol. The Latin music star was second on this event, which gave nine awards to Latin Pop artist Enrique Iglesias. Shakira received important trophies including the Latin Digital Album of the Year Award and the Latin Social Artist of the Year Award.
4. Star at The Hollywwod Walk of Fame
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This year, Shakira became the owner of the 2,354 star at the legendary Hollywwod Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce provided the Colombian singer with this honor acknowledging the music achievements of the Latin music superstar. Shakira's star was placed at the corner of Hollywood and Vine just across the W Hotel.
3. Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics
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Just recently, Shakira has received one of the biggest honors of her humanitarian career. President Obama has appointed the Colombian star as a member of the Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. The White House explained this designation highlighting Shakira's work with the Barefoot Foundation and her campaigns with the World Bank.
2. Latin Grammy Person of The Year
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The Latin Recording Academy has already chosen the Latin music artist of the year. The Academy has decided to honor the Colombian star with the 2011 Latin Grammy Person of the Year Award. The Latin Recording Academy's announcement highlighted Shakira's music and philanthropic contributions. Previous winners include artists like Placido Domingo, Gloria Estefan, and Carlos Santana, among others.
1. Sale El Sol
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Sale El Sol has been one of the most popular albums of 2011. Although this work was released last year, the different hits included in this work have enjoyed tremendous popularity throughout all this year. In particular, hit songs like "Loca" and "Rabiosa," are responsible for all the numerous music awards nominations Shakira has received this year.
