Tribeca Film Festival
TFF 101
Whether you’re a seasoned pro, familiar not only with the streets of New York but film savvy and in-the-know, or a first-timer to both, entering into the world of the Tribeca Film Festival may be a little overwhelming. Like the first day of school: Where do I go? How do I get there? What’s cool? Who’s hip? What am I missing? These are all valid questions. Let us help you.
There Is So Much to Choose From—How Do I Know What to See and Do?
Start here. Peruse this site to get an idea of what’s best for you? Take your time and read about the films. What pulls you in? What intrigues you? Then we’ll help you build your own mini-Festival by suggesting films based on what you choose. We’ll also tease you with other films and events you may be surprised by. We’ll do our best to cater to your needs if you need help and suggestions—like which movie or concert to see or which coffee shop or restaurant to visit for your post-film debrief. If you need a schedule before you go, relax, this website has everything you need—full program notes for all movies and panels, movie trailers, short films and updates 24/7. We will NOT leave you stranded with nothing but a bag of popcorn to prove you were here.
I Don't Want to Miss Anything. How Do I Buy Tickets?
For all ticketing information, including hours-of-operation, rules and regulations, pricing and package specifics, go to the Ticket Information page.
There's All This Buzz. . . What Is Going On Besides Movies?
Don’t let the name fool you—the Tribeca Film Festival is much more than just movies. With the TribecaESPN Sports Saturday, Tribeca Family Festival, presented by American Express, the Tribeca Talks panel series, music events, special presentations for working and aspiring filmmakers, you could be quite entertained without entering a theatre. . . not that we recommend that approach!
So, That's It? Is That All There Is?
No, no, no. We have this little rule called “by press time,” so for the latest info, keep checking www.tribecafilmfestival.org for updates, last-minute additions, daily wrap-ups, gossip and more.
If I'm Coming From Out of Town. Can You Help Me Get to New York City and Give Me Advice About Where to Stay?
Absolutely. We have several partners ready and willing to help you make the most of your experience—including Delta Airlines, our official airline, and several local hotels. Keep checking our Travel Partners Page for more information.
I'm Not Familiar With the City. How Do I Get Around? Where Do I Park? Where Are The Venues?
Breathe. These are important questions and all answerable. Our 2007 map (coming soon) will provide complete information about all festival venues, subway stops, American Express-sponsored Information Centers, and other points of interest you never even knew you needed!
OK, I'm Coming. What Should I Bring?
Well, before you do anything, make sure to pick up a free Festival Guide in the April 8 New York Times Sunday Edition. It's an indispensable quick reference you’ll roll up and carry with you everywhere you go to help navigate the Festival. Inside you’ll find helpful Festival information, planning tips and listings of all the films. With this invaluable tool, you’ll always be able to orient and re-orient both in and outside the theater.
Also, bring an umbrella, water-resistant jacket and/or layers, and comfortable walking shoes, as spring weather an change quickly in Manhattan. Bring a camera, too—there will be plenty of photo ops for you and your friends, and you never know who you’ll see.
What If I Have Questions During the Festival?
Just look for the important-looking folk wearing Festival badges; any Festival Staffer or one of our hundreds of volunteers can help answer your questions. You should also keep your eyes peeled for INFORMATION CENTERS, provided by American Express, where you can pick up maps, schedules, souvenirs, novelties. . . and free popcorn. You can find them throughout Tribeca and in front of all Festival venue theatres.
Sounds Great, But What Makes Tribeca Film Festival Screenings Different From Going to Any Other Movie?
Fair question. And here are some fair answers:
* The director, cast, and crew are often on hand for a Q &A.
* The over 200 films chosen from the nearly 4,500 submissions are from every corner of the globe and offer almost as many perspectives as New Yorkers have opinions.
* Almost every film is a North American, international, or even world premiere, so you could be among the first to see the next big hit.
Just Wondering. . . Are the Films Rated?
Many of our films have not yet been reviewed by the Motion Picture Association of America and therefore do not have an MPAA rating (G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17). However, the film information provided in the Online Festival Guide and the printed Festival Guide will help you make informed choices. We've also organized the Tribeca Family Film Festival with the whole family in mind, so check back for the Family Festival lineup.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
NEW MISS UNIVERSE
Miss Japan crowned Miss Universe 2007
MEXICO CITY- A 20-year-old dancer from Japan was crowned Miss Universe 2007 on Monday night, marking only the second time her country has won the world beauty title.
Dressed in a black, red and purple Japanese-style gown, Riyo Mori nervously grabbed the hands of first runner-up, Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, just before the winner was announced. Then she threw her hands up and covered her mouth, overcome with emotion.
But she gathered herself together enough to catch the diamond-and-pearl-studded headpiece valued at $250,000 as it slipped off her head when Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico crowned her. Mori immediately placed it back on her head.
The last time Japan won the pageant was in 1959 when Akiko Kojima became the first Miss Universe from Asia.
"She is an amazing champion, an amazing woman and I hear that they go totally insane in Japan, so that's good," said Donald Trump, who co-owns the pageant with NBC.
Miss USA Rachel Smith, who slipped and fell to the floor during the evening gown competition and was jeered by the Mexican audience during the interview phase, was the contest's fourth runner-up.
Mori, from the small town of Shizuoka at the base of Mount Fuji, won the cheers of the Mexico City audience when she opened her interview, saying 'Hola, Mexico!'
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"I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation," she said during the interview competition.
The daughter of a dance school operator, Mori said her grandmother told her as a child that she wanted her to be Miss Japan before she turned 20.
"From the very beginning, I entered the competition with high hopes and an unswerving determination to make this dream a reality," she said in a pre-competition interview.
Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006, left, looses control of the crown as she places it on winner Riyo Mori, Miss Japan 2007, at the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
She wants to someday open an international dance school in Tokyo.
"Right now I am only 20 years old, so I'm really excited about what I'm going to be able to do at this age to benefit society," Mori said after winning.
Smith was booed during her interview and several audience members chanted "Mexico! Mexico!" until she spoke in Spanish, saying "Buenas noches Mexico. Muchas gracias!" which earned her applause. Mexico has a fierce rivalry with its northern neighbor.
Also finishing in the top five were second runner-up Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela and third runner-up Honey Lee of Korea.
The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors.
The 15 finalists from a field of 77
Riyo Mori, Miss Japan 2007, right, reacts as she is announced the winner of the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007. First runner up, Natalia Guimaraes, Miss Brazil 2007, stands at left. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
contestants were announced early in Monday's show. They were picked last week during preliminary judging in the contest's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories. Their names were not announced until Monday, allowing all 77 to be introduced to the television audience.
As soon as the final 15 had been selected, they immediately strutted across the stage in animal-print bikinis for the swimsuit competition. After the evening gown competition, five contestants were eliminated, and the judges chose the winner from the five remaining.
Missing from this year's contest was Miss Sweden, whose country is one of the few to win the crown three times. Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, 20, dropped out because many Swedes say the competition
Riyo Mori, Miss Japan 2007, reacts after winning the Miss Universe 2007 pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
does not represent the modern woman.
Hours before the pageant began, dozens of protesters held a mock ceremony in downtown Mexico City that featured "Miss Marijuana," "Miss Sexual Health," "Miss Human Rights" and other candidates with obscenities written across their sashes. The group yelled "Neither ugly nor beautiful, should a woman be considered an object!"
Pageant organizers say the Miss Universe contest carefully selects women who are intelligent, well-mannered and cultured.
1999 Miss Teen USA Vanessa Minnillo and "Extra" weekend correspondent Mario Lopez hosted the live, two-hour telecast, broadcast on NBC and Telemundo, expected to be viewed by more than 600 million people in more than 180 countries.
The celebrity judges included actor James Kyson Lee, model Lindsay Clubine, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, rocker Dave Navarro, Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves, fashion designer Marc Bouwer, "Project Runway" judge and Elle magazine fashion director Nina Garcia and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres.
The pageant was last held in Mexico City in 1993, when Torres was crowned.
MEXICO CITY- A 20-year-old dancer from Japan was crowned Miss Universe 2007 on Monday night, marking only the second time her country has won the world beauty title.
Dressed in a black, red and purple Japanese-style gown, Riyo Mori nervously grabbed the hands of first runner-up, Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, just before the winner was announced. Then she threw her hands up and covered her mouth, overcome with emotion.
But she gathered herself together enough to catch the diamond-and-pearl-studded headpiece valued at $250,000 as it slipped off her head when Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico crowned her. Mori immediately placed it back on her head.
The last time Japan won the pageant was in 1959 when Akiko Kojima became the first Miss Universe from Asia.
"She is an amazing champion, an amazing woman and I hear that they go totally insane in Japan, so that's good," said Donald Trump, who co-owns the pageant with NBC.
Miss USA Rachel Smith, who slipped and fell to the floor during the evening gown competition and was jeered by the Mexican audience during the interview phase, was the contest's fourth runner-up.
Mori, from the small town of Shizuoka at the base of Mount Fuji, won the cheers of the Mexico City audience when she opened her interview, saying 'Hola, Mexico!'
Advertisement
"I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation," she said during the interview competition.
The daughter of a dance school operator, Mori said her grandmother told her as a child that she wanted her to be Miss Japan before she turned 20.
"From the very beginning, I entered the competition with high hopes and an unswerving determination to make this dream a reality," she said in a pre-competition interview.
Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006, left, looses control of the crown as she places it on winner Riyo Mori, Miss Japan 2007, at the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
She wants to someday open an international dance school in Tokyo.
"Right now I am only 20 years old, so I'm really excited about what I'm going to be able to do at this age to benefit society," Mori said after winning.
Smith was booed during her interview and several audience members chanted "Mexico! Mexico!" until she spoke in Spanish, saying "Buenas noches Mexico. Muchas gracias!" which earned her applause. Mexico has a fierce rivalry with its northern neighbor.
Also finishing in the top five were second runner-up Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela and third runner-up Honey Lee of Korea.
The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors.
The 15 finalists from a field of 77
Riyo Mori, Miss Japan 2007, right, reacts as she is announced the winner of the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007. First runner up, Natalia Guimaraes, Miss Brazil 2007, stands at left. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
contestants were announced early in Monday's show. They were picked last week during preliminary judging in the contest's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories. Their names were not announced until Monday, allowing all 77 to be introduced to the television audience.
As soon as the final 15 had been selected, they immediately strutted across the stage in animal-print bikinis for the swimsuit competition. After the evening gown competition, five contestants were eliminated, and the judges chose the winner from the five remaining.
Missing from this year's contest was Miss Sweden, whose country is one of the few to win the crown three times. Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, 20, dropped out because many Swedes say the competition
Riyo Mori, Miss Japan 2007, reacts after winning the Miss Universe 2007 pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
does not represent the modern woman.
Hours before the pageant began, dozens of protesters held a mock ceremony in downtown Mexico City that featured "Miss Marijuana," "Miss Sexual Health," "Miss Human Rights" and other candidates with obscenities written across their sashes. The group yelled "Neither ugly nor beautiful, should a woman be considered an object!"
Pageant organizers say the Miss Universe contest carefully selects women who are intelligent, well-mannered and cultured.
1999 Miss Teen USA Vanessa Minnillo and "Extra" weekend correspondent Mario Lopez hosted the live, two-hour telecast, broadcast on NBC and Telemundo, expected to be viewed by more than 600 million people in more than 180 countries.
The celebrity judges included actor James Kyson Lee, model Lindsay Clubine, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, rocker Dave Navarro, Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves, fashion designer Marc Bouwer, "Project Runway" judge and Elle magazine fashion director Nina Garcia and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres.
The pageant was last held in Mexico City in 1993, when Torres was crowned.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
THE FINALE FOR THE WORLD
American Idol Finale
American Idol judges by Michael Lavine/FoxSimon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul,
American Idol
What a wild trip Season 6 of American Idol has turned out to be. Antonella's scandalous pics. Simon and Ryan's barbed bickering. Sanjaya's hair. Yet in the end, a fierce final three — Melinda, Jordin and Blake — are poised to battle it out on TV's most-watched show. We shadowed this diverse and driven trio for a week as they rehearsed their songs, shopped for picture-perfect duds and posed for TV Guide's cover. Here's our behind-the-scenes peek at how they're dealing with Idol's unrelenting pace and pressure. Who's got what it takes to become — all together now — your American Idol?
Clothes Make the Diva
For most women, a shopping spree on somebody else's dime would make for a dream afternoon. But Melinda Doolittle isn't like most women. It's not just that the 29-year-old has had less than five hours of sleep and is relying on a highly caffeinated iced mocha to keep her eyes open on this Thursday morning. Retail therapy — even if you're being whisked to L.A.'s trendy Beverly Center in a snazzy black chauffeur-driven SUV — is anything but therapeutic for this Tennessee inhabitant. "I don't really enjoy shopping," says the petite powerhouse, who's clad in a red T-shirt and jeans today. "I'm a woman who'd rather be at home watching football."
But now that the backup singer has become a center-stage favorite, Melinda must look like a star. That's not always an easy task, given that the woman who her fellow Idols call "Mama" is as conservative in her clothing tastes as she is humble in front of the judges. But stylist Miles Siggins, who calls Melinda his "biggest makeover of the season," has managed to work minor miracles, getting her to "channel her inner Tina Turner" by wearing heels, sleeveless tops and even dresses that play up strengths and camouflage flaws. "I don't have the longest neck," Melinda says amiably. "People call me 'Shrek.'"
"But once you put on a dress and heels and you get out on that stage," Siggins says, "your attitude changes completely."
"Chanel comes out!" Melinda says, grinning.
Huh? "My alter ego's name is Chanel," she explains. "I love her. Chanel is sassy. I just wish she could stay through the [judges'] comments instead of leaving, ‘cause she would take them a lot better. She'd be like" — Melinda snaps her fingers and drips attitude — "I know!"
As Melinda enters the fashionable store Politix, it's obvious she's been here before. "I missed you last week!" she squeals, giving salesgirl Demetria a hug. She looks over the racks, but for the most part, she's happy to defer to the British Siggins. "If I'd have shown her this stuff eight weeks ago," he says, shoving her into a dressing room with several outfits, "she'd have said, 'I'm never going shopping with that man again!'" When she emerges wearing something she likes — such as a $552 black wing-sleeved top — Melinda claps like an excited young Idol fan. When she doesn't like it — say, a slinky green top that exposes her lower back — she grimaces and sinks into her shoulders.
As Melinda makes her way to another store, fellow shoppers do double takes. "I don't know whether to say 'Hey!' or just put my head down and keep walking," she says. Despite that famously meek, polite demeanor, don't think for a minute that Melinda isn't out to win Idol. As she climbs back into the SUV and heads to the studio, a flash of Chanel appears. "Everything I get into, I'm in it to win it!" she says saucily, before reverting back to her normal demeanor. "It's like a blessing that I get to stay and do it again every week. I'm so excited [winning's] even possible. I mean, gosh, who wouldn't love to win?"
For more on American Idol, pick up the new issue of TV Guide, on sale Thursday
American Idol judges by Michael Lavine/FoxSimon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul,
American Idol
What a wild trip Season 6 of American Idol has turned out to be. Antonella's scandalous pics. Simon and Ryan's barbed bickering. Sanjaya's hair. Yet in the end, a fierce final three — Melinda, Jordin and Blake — are poised to battle it out on TV's most-watched show. We shadowed this diverse and driven trio for a week as they rehearsed their songs, shopped for picture-perfect duds and posed for TV Guide's cover. Here's our behind-the-scenes peek at how they're dealing with Idol's unrelenting pace and pressure. Who's got what it takes to become — all together now — your American Idol?
Clothes Make the Diva
For most women, a shopping spree on somebody else's dime would make for a dream afternoon. But Melinda Doolittle isn't like most women. It's not just that the 29-year-old has had less than five hours of sleep and is relying on a highly caffeinated iced mocha to keep her eyes open on this Thursday morning. Retail therapy — even if you're being whisked to L.A.'s trendy Beverly Center in a snazzy black chauffeur-driven SUV — is anything but therapeutic for this Tennessee inhabitant. "I don't really enjoy shopping," says the petite powerhouse, who's clad in a red T-shirt and jeans today. "I'm a woman who'd rather be at home watching football."
But now that the backup singer has become a center-stage favorite, Melinda must look like a star. That's not always an easy task, given that the woman who her fellow Idols call "Mama" is as conservative in her clothing tastes as she is humble in front of the judges. But stylist Miles Siggins, who calls Melinda his "biggest makeover of the season," has managed to work minor miracles, getting her to "channel her inner Tina Turner" by wearing heels, sleeveless tops and even dresses that play up strengths and camouflage flaws. "I don't have the longest neck," Melinda says amiably. "People call me 'Shrek.'"
"But once you put on a dress and heels and you get out on that stage," Siggins says, "your attitude changes completely."
"Chanel comes out!" Melinda says, grinning.
Huh? "My alter ego's name is Chanel," she explains. "I love her. Chanel is sassy. I just wish she could stay through the [judges'] comments instead of leaving, ‘cause she would take them a lot better. She'd be like" — Melinda snaps her fingers and drips attitude — "I know!"
As Melinda enters the fashionable store Politix, it's obvious she's been here before. "I missed you last week!" she squeals, giving salesgirl Demetria a hug. She looks over the racks, but for the most part, she's happy to defer to the British Siggins. "If I'd have shown her this stuff eight weeks ago," he says, shoving her into a dressing room with several outfits, "she'd have said, 'I'm never going shopping with that man again!'" When she emerges wearing something she likes — such as a $552 black wing-sleeved top — Melinda claps like an excited young Idol fan. When she doesn't like it — say, a slinky green top that exposes her lower back — she grimaces and sinks into her shoulders.
As Melinda makes her way to another store, fellow shoppers do double takes. "I don't know whether to say 'Hey!' or just put my head down and keep walking," she says. Despite that famously meek, polite demeanor, don't think for a minute that Melinda isn't out to win Idol. As she climbs back into the SUV and heads to the studio, a flash of Chanel appears. "Everything I get into, I'm in it to win it!" she says saucily, before reverting back to her normal demeanor. "It's like a blessing that I get to stay and do it again every week. I'm so excited [winning's] even possible. I mean, gosh, who wouldn't love to win?"
For more on American Idol, pick up the new issue of TV Guide, on sale Thursday
Monday, May 21, 2007
WHO IS SHAKIRA?
Shakira Biography
After achieving superstardom throughout Latin America, Colombian-born Shakira became Latin pop's biggest female crossover artist since Jennifer Lopez broke down the doors to English-language success. Noted for her aggressive, rock-influenced approach, Shakira maintained an extraordinary degree of creative control over her music, especially for a female artist; she wrote or co-wrote nearly all of her own material, and in the process gained a reputation as one of Latin music's most ambitiously poetic lyricists. When she released her first English material in late 2001, she became an instant pop sensation, thanks to her quirky poetic sense and a sexy video image built on her hip-shaking belly dance moves.
Shakira Mebarak (full name: Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll) was born February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, into a poor family. Her mother was a native Colombian and her father was of Lebanese descent, and so as a child Shakira soaked up music from both cultures; she also listened heavily to English-language rock & roll, listing her favorite bands in later interviews as Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, the Police, the Cure, and Nirvana. Shakira wrote her first song at age eight, began entering (and winning) talent competitions at age ten, and started learning the guitar at age 11; one story runs that around this age, she was kicked out of her school choir for singing too forcefully. In 1990, at age 13, Shakira moved to Bogotá in hopes of pursuing a modeling career, but wound up signing a record deal with Sony's Colombian division instead. Her 1991 debut album, Magia (Magic), was comprised of songs she'd written over the past five or six years, including some of her earliest efforts. Although it didn't break internationally, the record started to make a name for her in her home country. Dissatisfied with the pop inclinations of the follow-up, 1993's Peligro (Danger), Shakira changed direction for a time, joining the cast of the Colombian soap opera El Oasis in 1994.
When Shakira returned to recording in 1995, she asserted more control over the direction of her music, and worked more rock & roll rhythms -- as well as occasional Arabic tinges -- into her Latin pop material. The first results were Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet), which was initially released in 1995; a slow seller at first, the album gradually caught on thanks to "Estoy Aqui," which became a hit all over Latin America, as well as Spain. After that breakthrough, Pies Descalzos just kept spinning off singles: "Dónde Estás Corazón?," "Antología," "Pienso en Ti," "Un Poco de Amor," "Se Quiere, Se Mata." The album hit number one in eight different countries and eventually went platinum in the U.S. as well; Shakira toured for nearly two years promoting it (she finally left El Oasis in 1997).
Seeking to build on her success, Shakira signed Emilio Estefan -- Gloria's husband and a highly successful music-biz insider -- as her manager and producer. The move paid off when her follow-up album, 1998's Dónde Están los Ladrones? (Where Are the Thieves?), became an even bigger worldwide hit than its predecessor. What was more, it cracked the lucrative U.S. market wide open, spending 11 weeks at number one on Billboard's Latin album chart and producing two U.S. number ones (on the Latin chart) with "Ciega, Sordomuda" and "Tu." The album's signature track, however, was the worldwide hit "Ojos Así," her most explicit nod yet to the Arabic music she'd picked up from her father (not to mention its latent belly dancing connotations). Dónde Están los Ladrones? was also the most effective presentation yet of Shakira's strong-willed persona; her self-analysis made her even more popular among female fans, while her anger over love gone wrong drew comparisons to Alanis Morissette.
When Gloria Estefan offered to translate "Ojos Así" into English, the prospect of a crossover suddenly seemed tangible, and Shakira decided that the most effective way to maintain control over her material was to learn English well enough to write in it herself. In the meantime, she set the stage for her crossover bid with a performance on MTV Unplugged, the channel's first Spanish-language broadcast. MTV Unplugged was released as an album in early 2000, and topped the Latin charts for two weeks on its way to becoming her third straight platinum album; it also won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album. At the inaugural Latin Grammy Awards ceremony in 2000, Shakira delivered a much-discussed, show-stopping performance of "Ojos Así" and took home Unplugged-related trophies for Best Female Pop Vocal ("Ojos Así") and Best Female Rock Vocal ("Octavo Dia").
Mainstream pop stardom beckoned. Shakira dyed her long brown hair blonde, romanced Antonio de la Rua (son of the former president of Argentina), and went to work on her first (mostly) English-language album, Laundry Service. The single/video "Whenever, Wherever" was released in advance of the album in late 2001, and made her a star in the English-speaking world almost overnight. Laundry Service entered the American pop charts at number three, and "Whenever, Wherever" climbed into the Top Ten of the singles chart, peaking at number six. The follow-up, "Underneath Your Clothes," also hit the Top Ten, halting at number nine; less than a year after its release, Laundry Service had gone triple platinum. Reviews of Laundry Service were divided as to the effectiveness of Shakira's English lyrics, but nearly all agreed on her unique poetic imagery.
Extensive touring to support Laundry Service led to a long break for the singer, so a remix collection (2002's Laundry Service: Washed and Dried) and a live album (2004's Live & Off the Record) appeared in lieu of a new album. Revitalized, Shakira began the writing process for her next release and soon had 60 songs ready to go, some in English, some in Spanish. Twenty of the songs were selected and divided up by language to make two different albums. Both appeared in 2005 and both hit the Top Ten, with the Spanish-language album Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1 leading the way in June with a number four placing and the English-language album, Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, following in November at number five. As sales of Oral Fixation began to slow in early 2006, Epic reissued the album in March with a bonus track, "Hip Don't Lie." The newly recorded song went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June, becoming one of the summer's biggest hits and reviving sales of Oral Fixation as well as Shakira's entire back catalog. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
After achieving superstardom throughout Latin America, Colombian-born Shakira became Latin pop's biggest female crossover artist since Jennifer Lopez broke down the doors to English-language success. Noted for her aggressive, rock-influenced approach, Shakira maintained an extraordinary degree of creative control over her music, especially for a female artist; she wrote or co-wrote nearly all of her own material, and in the process gained a reputation as one of Latin music's most ambitiously poetic lyricists. When she released her first English material in late 2001, she became an instant pop sensation, thanks to her quirky poetic sense and a sexy video image built on her hip-shaking belly dance moves.
Shakira Mebarak (full name: Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll) was born February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, into a poor family. Her mother was a native Colombian and her father was of Lebanese descent, and so as a child Shakira soaked up music from both cultures; she also listened heavily to English-language rock & roll, listing her favorite bands in later interviews as Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, the Police, the Cure, and Nirvana. Shakira wrote her first song at age eight, began entering (and winning) talent competitions at age ten, and started learning the guitar at age 11; one story runs that around this age, she was kicked out of her school choir for singing too forcefully. In 1990, at age 13, Shakira moved to Bogotá in hopes of pursuing a modeling career, but wound up signing a record deal with Sony's Colombian division instead. Her 1991 debut album, Magia (Magic), was comprised of songs she'd written over the past five or six years, including some of her earliest efforts. Although it didn't break internationally, the record started to make a name for her in her home country. Dissatisfied with the pop inclinations of the follow-up, 1993's Peligro (Danger), Shakira changed direction for a time, joining the cast of the Colombian soap opera El Oasis in 1994.
When Shakira returned to recording in 1995, she asserted more control over the direction of her music, and worked more rock & roll rhythms -- as well as occasional Arabic tinges -- into her Latin pop material. The first results were Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet), which was initially released in 1995; a slow seller at first, the album gradually caught on thanks to "Estoy Aqui," which became a hit all over Latin America, as well as Spain. After that breakthrough, Pies Descalzos just kept spinning off singles: "Dónde Estás Corazón?," "Antología," "Pienso en Ti," "Un Poco de Amor," "Se Quiere, Se Mata." The album hit number one in eight different countries and eventually went platinum in the U.S. as well; Shakira toured for nearly two years promoting it (she finally left El Oasis in 1997).
Seeking to build on her success, Shakira signed Emilio Estefan -- Gloria's husband and a highly successful music-biz insider -- as her manager and producer. The move paid off when her follow-up album, 1998's Dónde Están los Ladrones? (Where Are the Thieves?), became an even bigger worldwide hit than its predecessor. What was more, it cracked the lucrative U.S. market wide open, spending 11 weeks at number one on Billboard's Latin album chart and producing two U.S. number ones (on the Latin chart) with "Ciega, Sordomuda" and "Tu." The album's signature track, however, was the worldwide hit "Ojos Así," her most explicit nod yet to the Arabic music she'd picked up from her father (not to mention its latent belly dancing connotations). Dónde Están los Ladrones? was also the most effective presentation yet of Shakira's strong-willed persona; her self-analysis made her even more popular among female fans, while her anger over love gone wrong drew comparisons to Alanis Morissette.
When Gloria Estefan offered to translate "Ojos Así" into English, the prospect of a crossover suddenly seemed tangible, and Shakira decided that the most effective way to maintain control over her material was to learn English well enough to write in it herself. In the meantime, she set the stage for her crossover bid with a performance on MTV Unplugged, the channel's first Spanish-language broadcast. MTV Unplugged was released as an album in early 2000, and topped the Latin charts for two weeks on its way to becoming her third straight platinum album; it also won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album. At the inaugural Latin Grammy Awards ceremony in 2000, Shakira delivered a much-discussed, show-stopping performance of "Ojos Así" and took home Unplugged-related trophies for Best Female Pop Vocal ("Ojos Así") and Best Female Rock Vocal ("Octavo Dia").
Mainstream pop stardom beckoned. Shakira dyed her long brown hair blonde, romanced Antonio de la Rua (son of the former president of Argentina), and went to work on her first (mostly) English-language album, Laundry Service. The single/video "Whenever, Wherever" was released in advance of the album in late 2001, and made her a star in the English-speaking world almost overnight. Laundry Service entered the American pop charts at number three, and "Whenever, Wherever" climbed into the Top Ten of the singles chart, peaking at number six. The follow-up, "Underneath Your Clothes," also hit the Top Ten, halting at number nine; less than a year after its release, Laundry Service had gone triple platinum. Reviews of Laundry Service were divided as to the effectiveness of Shakira's English lyrics, but nearly all agreed on her unique poetic imagery.
Extensive touring to support Laundry Service led to a long break for the singer, so a remix collection (2002's Laundry Service: Washed and Dried) and a live album (2004's Live & Off the Record) appeared in lieu of a new album. Revitalized, Shakira began the writing process for her next release and soon had 60 songs ready to go, some in English, some in Spanish. Twenty of the songs were selected and divided up by language to make two different albums. Both appeared in 2005 and both hit the Top Ten, with the Spanish-language album Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1 leading the way in June with a number four placing and the English-language album, Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, following in November at number five. As sales of Oral Fixation began to slow in early 2006, Epic reissued the album in March with a bonus track, "Hip Don't Lie." The newly recorded song went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June, becoming one of the summer's biggest hits and reviving sales of Oral Fixation as well as Shakira's entire back catalog. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
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