Shakira’s thinly veiled attack on Piqué at Billboard’s Woman of the Year award

The first-ever Billboard ‘Latin Women in Music’ gala recognised Shakira as ‘Woman of the Year’ thanks to her recent hits that reached number one in numerous countries. Her latest songs, including “Te Felicito,” “Monotonía,” “Music Session #53″ with Bizarrap, and “TQG” with Karol G, garnered significant attention, particularly for their references to her former partner, Gerard Piqué. Shakira split from the former Barcelona defender in the summer of 2022.

Shakira’s impassioned speech

Upon receiving the prestigious award from Maluma, the Colombian artist delivered an impassioned speech promoting female empowerment. She began by expressing gratitude to her mother, Nidia del Carmen Ripoll, calling her “the woman of the year” and highlighting her resilience in the face of the challenges she has faced this past year.

Shakira acknowledged the seismic changes in her own life over the past year and asserted that women are stronger and more independent than they have been taught to believe. She candidly shared her own experience of seeking approval and affection while forgetting herself, which many interpreted as a reference to her past relationship with Piqué.

Shakira’s thinly veiled references to Piqué

She also appeared to comment on Piqué's alleged infidelity with now girlfriend Clara Chia, saying, “It’s no longer important if someone is faithful to you or not, what truly matters is whether you are true to yourself.”

The award-winning artist concluded by crediting music for helping her find her way back to herself and acknowledging the valuable lessons learned from other women. Shakira’s moving words were a testament to the strength and resilience of women, inspiring those present at the groundbreaking gala.