Colombian pop superstar · age 49
ESPN reports that Shakira delivered a rousing, barefoot rendition of "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy during the inaugural FIFA World Cup final halftime show on July 19. The 11-minute Chris Martin-curated set also featured Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and even The Muppets, with ESPN's reviewers ranking every performer the next morning.
source: ESPN
Variety reports that during the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Justin Bieber takes a minimalist approach—introduced via a Jason Sudeikis "Ted Lasso" bit—stepping out with an acoustic guitar to perform a solo rendition of “Everything Hallelujah” from "Swag II". Billboard likewise describes Bieber’s segment as a tempo-slowing, stripped-back moment that stands out amid a rapid-fire, cameo-heavy production featuring multiple global stars.
Forbes reports the pair scored their first No. 1 together as "Dai Dai" topped the Official Streaming chart in its sixth week, calling the World Cup anthem one of the biggest hits in the world. Days later Forbes noted the song surged over 320% in U.S. sales to No. 2 on Billboard's Digital Song Sales chart — blocked only by BTS' "Normal" — while holding No. 1 on both of Billboard's worldwide rankings.
E! News reports that Global Citizen x FIFA confirmed none of the halftime performers — Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy included — were paid for the July 19 show. Instead, a dollar from every World Cup ticket sold went toward the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100 million for children's education and football access worldwide.
source: E! News
People reports Gerard Piqué and Clara Chía Martí are seen in Los Angeles, prompting renewed speculation about whether they might cross paths with Shakira around World Cup-related events. (Reported by People.)
source: People
E! News reports that Shakira told Vogue she was once "ready to just buy a farm, raise animals, and retire from music" — adding, "How crazy is that?" The singer said she ultimately realized she still had much more to express artistically, a reflection landing mid-victory-lap of her record-breaking world tour.
source: E! News