Article : Shakira in Talk Magazine

Article by Chris Connelly

Latin America's most talked about singer washes up on American shores this summer with the release of her first English - language record.  But don't let the blonde mane fool you: She's no pop tart.  She's the real thing.

She is just 23, but already she has sold more than 8 million records, won a Grammy, two Latin Grammys, and been profiled by Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez.  She has packed stadiums across her native South America with her gritty rock vocals and lay-it-bare lyrics, and in the process won the heart of the handsome son of the president of Argentina.  Given her credentials it is perhaps not so surprising that, in the midst of recording her first English - language CD, Colombian pop star Shakira is taking her time...even if that leaves Sony Music chief Tommy Mottola biting his fingernails.

"Every time I talk to him, before saying hello, Mottola asks me, 'are you done yet?'"  Shakira says laughing, during a lunch break at a South Beach restaurant.  "I promised him that I give him this record before his birthday, as a birthday gift.  Otherwise I have to get him something from Burdines or something."  Mottola's birthday is July 14, which, as Shakira's manager Freddy DeMann points out, is well after her record will be needed; in fact her first single, possibly a tango-rock fusion, is due in stores June 26 ( along with the all important music video).  [[Webmaster Note - This Article was published in late May, since then dates have been pushed bad, refer to the next line]]  "She is so friggin slow."

But as DeMann and Mottola both know, Shakira's records have always been worth the wait - and better still, her English debut album will be accompanied by her sultry new look.  Reborn a blonde after many years as a brunette and clearly comfortable with her lissome figure, Shakira is not that same woman whose angry, love-torn words and delivery prompted critics to call her a Latin Alanis Morisette.  Why?  "LOVE, in capital letters,"  she says happily eyes shining.  "This is the first time I trust.  We are on the same team.  Unlike before, when it was a battle."

The man in question is Antonio de la Rua, a 27-year-old lawyer - and son of the president of Argentina Fernando de la Rua.  For the Latin press it is as if Jenna Bush were dating on of the Backstreet Boys.  The couple's every outing together -- from dinner with her parents to a steamy semi clad rendezvous on South Beach - has been chronicled, and through their glamorous lifestyle has raised some eyebrows, given the austerity of the current regime in Argentina, even president de la Rua has come to terms with it.  "Antonio," the president announced to his press corps last year, "se ha enamorado." (Fallen in love)

For the rest of the Article, purchase June/July edition of Talk Magazine.  Read about lesser known stories about Shakira childhood, experiences with Antonio, what might be ahead and more.

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