Look To The Stars News: Shakira

DoSomething.org Announces Top 20 Celebs Gone Good 2011

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:45:00 +0000

DoSomething.org, one of the largest U.S. organizations that helps teens take action on causes they care about, released today its fourth annual ‘Top 20 Celebs Gone Good’ list.

Lady Gaga continues her reign as the star who uses her celebrity to do the most good. Known for her support of gay rights, AIDS, and poverty, she focused primarily this year on bullying, even taking her thoughts to the White House in December. She also announced the creation of her own charity, the Born This Way Foundation, which aims to empower youth and lead them to a brave new society where each individual is accepted and loved as the person they were born to be.

Making a meteoric rise to number two this year is Justin Bieber, up from number 10 last year. His fast rise is due to his prolific work with Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools in Laos and Guatemala. Justin is also a consistent supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raised funds for charity with his fragrance and holiday album, and recently distributed $100,000 to Whitney Elementary School in Las Vegas.

Shakira Meets Adolescent Girls In India

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira has met with a group of adolescent girls from impoverished parts of India to discuss the importance of educating and empowering girls to break the cycle of poverty and inequity – nationally and globally.

The singer and global education advocate met the group of adolescent girls associated with the KGBV (Kasturba Gandhi Ballika vidalaya) residential educational programme in Udaipur, Rajasthan, who come from areas where the literacy level is around 5 per cent for women and some 20 per cent for men.

“My interaction with these adolescent girls was energizing and inspiring,” said Shakira. “It only reminded me, once again, that girls are a precious resource of intellectual and physical ability – a resource that can help to further society. They need the chance to be educated and empowered.”

Songs For Japan Raises $10 Million For Earthquake Victims

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Songs For Japan, the unique, star-studded album collection created to help raise money for victims of Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters, continues to benefit the survivors through Japanese Red Cross Society.

Yesterday in Tokyo, senior executives from four major music companies – EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music Group – met with Japanese Red Cross Society Vice President, Yoshiharu Otsuka, to recognise the milestone of $10 million raised and donated from the global sales of Songs For Japan. The occasion was a reception hosted by Frances Moore, chief executive of worldwide recording industry organisation IFPI.

A music industry-wide initiative, Songs For Japan is an unprecedented compilation of 38 major hits and classic tracks, including 21 Billboard Hot 100 hits and five #1s from more than 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music. The collection was rush-released worldwide on March 25 – only 14 days after the earthquake struck Japan – as a digital album via iTunes, followed by the release of a physical two-CD set.

Obama Appoints Shakira To Education Advisory Commission

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Barack Obama has announced that Shakira has been appointed to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

“This is a tremendous honor for me,” the Colombian pop star told The Huffington Post. "I am humbled that my philanthropic experience could be helpful or that my voice can be used to amplify the message and work of the President and this Commission. Latino youth are the fastest-growing group in America, yet more Latino children are living in poverty—— 6.1 million in 2010 -- than children of any other racial or ethnic group.

“As I have seen in my own Foundation work, the only road out of poverty is education. For a host of reasons, Latino young people in this country disproportionately drop out of school and far too few finish college. Closing this gap will not only determine the economic future and competitiveness of this nation, but can serve as a model for the world. I am grateful to have an opportunity to support such important work.”

Shakira To Be Honored By Latin Recording Academy

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Three-time current Latin GRAMMY nominee, seven-time Latin GRAMMY winner, two-time GRAMMY winner, and international superstar and philanthropist Shakira will be the 2011 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, it was announced yesterday by The Latin Recording Academy.

Shakira, who is currently nominated for three Latin GRAMMY Awards, including Album Of The Year, will be honored for her renowned artistic and philanthropic contributions at a tribute dinner and star-studded concert on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Songs from Shakira’s still growing catalog will be performed by notable artists and friends of the honoree. A major portion of the net proceeds from the gala will benefit Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation as well as The Latin Recording Academy’s Latin GRAMMY in the Schools educational efforts. The celebration will precede the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on the Univision Network on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central.

Serena Williams Named As UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:35:00 +0000

UNICEF today announced tennis champion Serena Williams’s appointment as international Goodwill Ambassador.

Williams is one of the all-time greats of professional tennis, having achieved a decade-long dominance of the game. While she is best known for her power and finesse in competition, her generous philanthropic endeavors off the court are just as dynamic.

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake welcomed Williams to the UNICEF family today at the 2nd Annual Social Good Summit in New York City.

Shakira Kicks Off New Soccer Charity Partnership

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Shakira was in Miami this week to launch a new partnership between her Pies Descalzos Foundation and the FC Barcelona Foundation.

The new Soccer for Youth Development and Healthy Living campaign will benefit more than 28,000 young people.

“It’s a great honor to be able to announce this alliance between the Pies Descalzos Foundation and the Fundacion Barcelona,” said Shakira at a press conference. "Education is the most efficient and speediest tool that can be used to change the destiny of a child and that of his or her family; even of the entire community. In Colombia – working with Maria Emma Mejia – we’ve seen children in vulnerable situations and living in extreme poverty who could have easily followed a path of violence or delinquency, and instead we’ve accompanied these same children from elementary school all the way to university, where they are now on their way to becoming graduates, professionals, and the pride of their community.

Shakira Blogs About Israel Trip

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Shakira has blogged about her trip to Jerusalem last month, where she took part in the Israeli Presidential Conference.

“The afternoon of the conference, I visited the Max Rayne Jerusalem School, an inspirational place where half of the student population is Israeli and half Palestinian,” she wrote in the Huffington Post last week. "Students learn together, across all divides, speaking both Arabic and Hebrew, learning and playing together without difference. This visit reminded me, once again, that the most crucial decisions we can make for a better tomorrow concern how to raise and educate our children.

“I come from Colombia, a country that, like Israel, has experienced decades of bitter violence. I started Barefoot Foundation when I was 18 in an effort to help stop the cycle of brutality that I saw there. I was convinced that increasing access to education was one of the few options a country like Colombia had to win the battle against poverty and violence. The schools that Barefoot Foundation continues to build and operate in Colombia are now educating about 6,000 students. Our projects in Haiti and South Africa serve hundreds more.

Shakira Talks Education In Jerusalem

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Global education advocate and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira visited the Max Payne “Hand in Hand” School for Bilingual Education in Jerusalem on Tuesday, meeting with students to talk about the power of education.

She met with Jewish and Palestinian students who study together at the school, which uses bilingual education as a tool to help build peace, coexistence and equality. She toured the groundbreaking project, where every class is taught by two teachers (one Jewish, one Palestinian) and in two languages (Arabic and Hebrew). 

 Shakira said: “My visit to Max Rayne school today here in Jerusalem – an inspirational school where students learn together, across all divides, speaking both Arabic and Hebrew, learning and playing together without difference— only reminded me, once again, that the most crucial decisions we can make for a better tomorrow concern how to raise and educate our children.”

Shakira's Recipe For A Better Tomorrow In Israel

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Shakira has been busy raising awareness of her charity, Pies Descalzos, in Europe lately, and has just announced that she will be heading to Israel next week to continue her mission of highlighting the importance of education around the world.

The Colombian singer was in Germany last week to talk with the German Development Ministry, who have agreed to support her Barefoot Foundation (Pies Descalzos) by donating to a school in the Colombian city of Cartagena for children from poor backgrounds.

“The German government is an example for other world powers to get involved in the issue of education,” she said. “Education is the key to eradicating poverty and for peace and global stability.”

Shakira Pledges $400,000 To School In Haiti

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Shakira was in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince last week to announce a $400,000 donation through her charity Pies Descalzos to help rebuild a school damaged by the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.

The singer – who has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide – is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and created Pies Descalzos in 1995. The main goal of Pies Descalzos when it was established was to fund schools for poor children all over Colombia, but in 2008 she launched the charity globally.

The star was accompanied to the Haitian school by Luis Alberto Moreno, head of the Inter-American Development Bank, who will match the donation.

Songs For Japan: Stars Donate Tracks To Charity Album

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 04:30:00 +0000

In what stands as a major global music relief effort to benefit those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, over 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music have joined together for the worldwide release of “Songs for Japan,” an unprecedented compilation of 38 chart-topping hits and classic tracks.

The digital album is available worldwide on the iTunes Store for $9.99. Proceeds from the album’s sale will benefit the disaster relief efforts of the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The “Songs for Japan” track listing features an all-star lineup:

DoSomething.org's Top 20 2010 Celebrity Charity Champions

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DoSomething.org – the website that aims to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action – has released a list of what it considers to be the top 20 “Celebs Gone Good” for 2010.

20. 90210 star AnnaLynne McCord ventured outside of her zip code more than once this year to support her favorite causes, including access to clean water in Africa and helping victims of global sex trade. This Christmas she’s off to Cambodia with Somaly Mam to bring needed supplies to sex trafficking survivors there.

19. Stephen Colbert, who is a massive supporter of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, as well as being on the Board of Directors for the education charity DonorsChoose.org and has even testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee on immigration.

Shakira Pens Children's Book For Charity

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Shakira has put pen to paper and written a children’s book for charity.

The Colombian superstar has published a Dora The Explorer book titled World School Day Adventure, which will benefit the singer’s Pies Descalzos charity.

Shakira Makes Charity Deal For Education

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Colombian pop princess Shakira is donating the proceeds from a new commercial to her charity.

The singer was asked to tape a Christmas television ad for a Spanish sparkling wine, and agreed only if Freixenet – the company behind the ad – paid her Pies Descalzos foundation $660,000. As part of the deal, the company will also produce a video for Shakira’s “Sale el sol” and make a documentary about her charity. The money will be used to build a school in Haiti and another in Colombia.

Also known as the Barefoot Foundation, Pies Descalzos is dedicated to improving education, nutrition, and the lives of the thousands of displaced children living in perilous conditions because of the violent internal conflict in Colombia.

Generous Stars Join Dora The Explorer For Charity

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Children’s favorite Dora The Explorer has been joined by some of the entertainment world’s most generous stars in a new celebrity charity auction.

Twelve custom-made backpacks designed by Jessica Alba, Sheryl Crow, LeBron James, Heidi Klum, Faith Hill, Drew Brees, Eva Longoria, Salma Hayek, Shakira, Slash and Matthew McConaughey are currently going under the hammer to celebrate the cartoon’s 10th anniversary. All proceeds from the Beyond The Backpack auction will go to the Children’s Defense Fund, an organization whose mission is to ensure the well-being of children everywhere.

The Beyond The Backpack auction campaign kicked off on Tuesday with a special event at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City, which was attend by LeBron James, Uma Thurman, Kelly Rutherford and Dora herself.

Shakira Speaks Up About Charity Campaign

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Shakira has voiced her support for the 1GOAL campaign and discussed the importance of education in achieving peace and global security during a wide-ranging interview with YouTube as part of the campaign’s YouTube Interviews series.

Shakira answered questions about her music and the World Cup, but focused mostly on her support for education and how her childhood in Colombia impacted her commitment to education campaigning.

2500 questions were submitted by YouTube viewers and voted on by 40,000 people. The top voted questions were posed to the songstress during the 30 minute interview. Shakira spent the majority of the interview discussing her support for 1GOAL and her own organization, Pies Descalzos.

Shakira Launches Charity T-Shirt Collection

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Spain’s second largest exporter of fashion, MANGO, is launching a small collection of solidarity t-shirts with Shakira, inspired by the official FIFA World Cup anthem “Waka Waka”.

The design of the t-shirts represents the spirit, vitality and energy of the host continent of the FIFA World Cup and profits from the sales of the “Waka Waka” t-shirt will be donated to initiatives for elementary education in South Africa.

One of the principal schools to receive the profits, which has the support of UNICEF, is the South Africa East Observatory School, which cares for children who have been orphaned or displaced by war. The school has around 560 children, 60% of whom are orphans due to civil war, while 20% have lost one of their parents as a result of the AIDS virus. This school offers a combination of a quality education with social support and a daily school nutrition program, reflecting the commitment of UNICEF and the Barefoot Foundation towards child nutrition and general education program. Once this project has been completed, any additional funds from this campaign will be donated to other school projects in South Africa.

Rage Against The Machine Leads Celebrity Protest In Arizona

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A long list of artists have joined a group actively protesting new immigration laws in Arizona, refusing to play gigs in the state until the laws are changed.

The new law – called SB 1070 – allows police to question any individuals they suspect are illegal immigrants, and all legal immigrants are required to carry registration documents at all times.

Rage Against The Machine singer Zack de la Rocha is spearheading the group, which includes Cypress Hill, Juanes, Conor Oberst, Michael Moore, Kanye West, Joe Satriani, Rise Against, Massive Attack, Sonic Youth, Jack Black’s Tenacious D and many others.

Glee's Jane Lynch To Host Do Something Charity Awards

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

DoSomething.org has announced comedic actress and star of “Glee”, Jane Lynch as host of its star-studded “Do Something Awards” live telecast on VH1 on July 19, 2010 at 9PM EDT.

The final five nominees and grant recipients to be honored during the show were also announced. Each nominee is honored for their commitment to service and social change with a community grant of $10,000. Of these five nominees, a grand prize winner will receive a $100,000 grant for their cause during the live broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

Since 1996, DoSomething.org has honored the nation’s best young world-changers, 25 and under. The Do Something Award is the premier national award for community service, and nominees and winners represent the pivotal “do-ers” in their field, cause, or issue.

R. Kelly To Feature On FIFA World Cup Charity Album

Tue, 25 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

R. Kelly will perform his new charity single – Sign Of A Victory – at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony on June 11, backed by a 27-member African choir.

“Africa has always had a special place in my heart, both musically and emotionally,” Kelly told UsMagazine.com. “So it means a lot to me to get to work with the Soweto Spiritual Singers and perform my song at this huge event in Johannesburg.”

The single – which will benefit African charities – will also feature on a new charity CD celebrating the FIFA World Cup. Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album will be released on June 1st.

Final Line-Up For FIFA World Cup Concert Announced

Wed, 05 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

The final line-up of artists to perform at the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert in South Africa has been announced.

Five-time SAMA winners Freshlyground, legendary South African trumpeter and flugelhorn player Hugh Masekela, Soweto-based Mzansi Youth Choir, two-time GRAMMY Award winners and three-time SAMA winners Soweto Gospel Choir, and acclaimed African Hip Hop artist K’NAAN – who recently recorded the uplifting “Wavin’ Flag (The Celebration Mix)” song that serves as the anthem for the entire Coca-Cola FIFA campaign – will perform alongside previously announced African and international artists including Alicia Keys (U.S.), Amadou & Mariam (Mali), Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Black Eyed Peas (U.S.), BLK JKS (South Africa), John Legend (U.S.), Juanes (Colombia), Shakira (Colombia), The Parlotones (South Africa), Tinariwen (Mali), Vieux Farka Touré (Mali) and Vusi Mahlasela (South Africa) – at the historic event taking place the night before the first match at 8 p.m. local time (GMT+2) on June 10, 2010, at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg.

Ricky Martin Joins Shakira To Protest Immigration Laws

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Ricky Martin and Shakira are just two of the stars protesting against controversial new anti-immigration laws in Arizona.

The new law – signed on April 23 – allows police to question any individuals they suspect are illegal immigrants, and all legal immigrants are required to carry registration documents at all times.

“The SB 1070 is a law that doesn’t make sense,” Ricky told the audience at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. “You are not alone. We are with you. Stop discrimination. Stop hate. Stop racism. Enough already. Long live love. Long live peace.”

Shakira And Juanes Record Charity Single For Chile

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Shakira has joined fellow Colombian star Juanes to record a special charity single for victims of the Chilean earthquake.

Gracias a la Vida will be released in early May, and will benefit reconstruction projects in the South American country organized by Habitat For Humanity.

Organized by Chilean musician Beto Cuevas, the single will also feature Michael Buble, Miguel Bosé and many others.

Shakira Makes Charity Trip To Haiti

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Shakira is in Haiti to meet victims of the January 12 earthquake and help her charity build a school.

The Colombian pop princess met Sean Penn – who is also in the country helping victims – in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, as well as 100 children at the site of the proposed school. The school will be similar to others built by her charity, Pies Descalzos, and the singer believes it will be vital to rebuilding the lives of those affected.

“We’ve come to make all the preparations to be able to start the building of a school here in Haiti,” she said. “We need to think about the future of this country and of how Haiti’s children can be useful to their societies tomorrow… Education is one of the fundamental tools with which to develop and rebuild Haiti.”