Shakira opens up about her brightest and darkest moments — Friday 15 May 2026Shakira has opened up in a candid BBC interview about the peaks and valleys that have defined her journey from a young singer in Barranquilla to a global icon. Reflecting on her brightest moments, she highlights the joy of connecting with fans across continents through music that blends Latin rhythms with universal themes. Yet she also addresses darker periods, including personal struggles and the pressures of fame, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the resilience required to sustain a decades-long career amid intense public scrutiny. The revelations come as Shakira prepares for a high-profile collaboration at the World Cup final halftime show in July, where she will share the stage with BTS and Madonna. This lineup merges Latin American pop, South Korean K-pop, and American pop traditions, creating a performance that mirrors the tournament's own role in drawing together diverse nations. For audiences in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the event promises more than entertainment, serving as a reminder of how shared cultural moments can bridge geopolitical divides even as regional tensions persist. From a global perspective, Shakira's reflections and upcoming appearance underscore the World Cup's enduring power as a platform for soft diplomacy. Her story resonates particularly in Latin American communities navigating economic and political uncertainties, while the inclusion of BTS signals shifting cultural influences from East Asia. As millions tune in, the performance may reinforce music's capacity to foster dialogue where formal channels fall short.Watch the full video from Associated Press below.