Global pop star Shakira was rushed to the hospital on Saturday night due to severe abdominal pain, disrupting her much-anticipated world tour.
The Daily Mail reported that the pop star's sudden health issue has led to the cancellation of her concert in Lima, Peru, as she remains under medical care.
Announcing the unsettling news on Instagram Stories, Shakira shared her distress with fans. "I am sorry to inform you all that last night I had to go to the ER for an abdominal issue and am currently hospitalized," she revealed. The concert, which was part of the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, was scheduled for the same evening.
The singer expressed her deep regret about not performing as planned. "The doctors whose care I am currently under have communicated that I am not in good enough condition to perform this evening," Shakira stated, emphasizing her sadness at missing the opportunity to reconnect with her fans in Peru.
The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, which started in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil earlier in the week, marks Shakira's return to the stage after a seven-year hiatus.
This new tour celebrates her 12th studio album, launched in March 2024. The album, a mix of various music genres including pop, reggaeton, and rock, has been critically acclaimed for its lyrical depth and musical diversity.
Additionally, Shakira recently attended the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where her latest album won the Best Latin Pop Album. Her acceptance speech was notable for its dedication to immigrants and working women, stating, "You are loved. You are worth it. I will always fight with you."
Shakira's presence at the Grammy Awards was complemented by her sons, Milan and Sasha, highlighting her role as a mother alongside her artistic commitments. "I'm so proud of you guys, of your kind hearts. Thank you so much for supporting me the way you do. I love you. Thank you," she gratefully expressed to her sons at the ceremony.
In her social media updates, Shakira remained hopeful about a quick recovery, planning to leave the hospital the next day. "I hope to be released and well tomorrow so I'm able to perform," she mentioned, indicating her eagerness to resume the tour. Her team and the concert promoters are already looking to reschedule the Lima concert and communicate the new date to ticket holders.
The artist ended her message with a note of gratitude to her supporters: "Thank you all for your understanding. I love you all," signed off as 'Shak'.
This affectionate farewell underscores her deep connection to her fan base and her disappointment over the unexpected disruption of her tour.
The next concert is scheduled to take place in Columbia on February 20, pending confirmation of Shakira's health improvement. The tour is set to continue through several countries including Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, and the United States, concluding on June 30 in San Francisco.
Amid her health struggles, Shakira has also been part of a recent controversy regarding her current tour's production. Some fans noted similarities between her stage design and that of Beyonce’s 2023 Renaissance Tour.
However, Shakira addressed these comparisons light-heartedly, "I was working! I definitely can't tour with as many trucks as Beyonce, but I was taking notes."
The conversation around the production has sparked further dialogue among fans on social media, discussing the creative elements of live performances and the challenges artists face in maintaining originality while appealing to global audiences.
Shakira's latest health setback and the cultural impact of her music, spanning global boundaries and genres, demonstrate her continued relevance and influence in the music industry.
As fans worldwide send their best wishes for her recovery, all eyes are on whether Shakira will be able to hit the stage in Columbia as planned. Her resilience, coupled with support from fans and her team, paints a hopeful picture for the continuation of what promises to be a memorable and empowering tour.