Shakira was honored with the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres Medal at the 13th NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, France, on January 28, 2012. The prestigious award is given by the French government to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture.
Shakira was presented with the medal by French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand. In her acceptance speech, Shakira said that she was “honored to receive this distinction from a country like France, which has shared its rich cultural heritage with the world.”
The Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres Medal is one of the highest cultural honors in France. It has been awarded to such notable figures as Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Alfred Hitchcock.
Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. She is one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time, with over 125 million albums sold worldwide. She has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards and eight Latin Grammy Awards.
In addition to her music career, Shakira is also a vocal advocate for education and children’s rights. She is the founder of the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which helps to provide education and healthcare to children in need.
Shakira’s being honored with the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres Medal is a testament to her immense talent and her dedication to the arts and culture.